Climate change is emerging as a national security threat for Pakistan and is having a severe impact on the country. It is responsible for persistent heatwaves, glacial flood outbursts, droughts, and declining wheat production which will have a severe economic effect.
Pakistan ranks 5th in relation to climate change vulnerability. Apart from the economic crisis, the country is heading to an acute wheat shortage accompanied by food and water scarcity. Due to the extreme weather, domestic wheat production may reduce by 10 percent this year and would face a shortfall of three million tonnes, forcing Pakistan to import the commodity.
The months of March and April witnessed extreme high temperatures and dry conditions which badly affected wheat production. There have been studies that indicate that rapid changes in temperatures could severely crop seasons or even end the viability of cultivating certain crops. These weather conditions could lead to abject poverty, malnutrition, food shortage, water scarcity, and reduced livestock production resulting in forced migration and an upsurge in viral diseases.
Pakistan has already seen a decline in rainfall in previous months and intense heatwaves can impact water and food supply. We have also witnessed the impact of glacial lake flood outburst in northern areas which swept away a bridge and stopped connectivity. Cholistan desert is experiencing the worst drought conditions due to low rainfall which has killed livestock. The UN has listed Pakistan among countries facing drought emergencies due to desertification and arid conditions.
According to the World Bank, climate-induced disasters are causing a loss of 4-6% of the GDP which is a huge sum that needs to be reserved for timely interventions. The government needs to find solutions to adapt to climate change and deal with global warming. Perhaps the government should set aside funds in the annual budget for climate change emergencies.
Pakistan needs to focus on energy transition and shift to clean energy. We need to work on climate change mitigation, set up water reservoirs, and develop heat and drought-resistant crops. More importantly, there is a need to raise awareness for a lifestyle change to prevent the gracious wastage of water. The failure to take action will lead to severe weather conditions including floods, drought, and heatwaves which will have severe economic consequences.
