Pakistan on the Verge of the Climate Crisis by Aqsa Huma

The human quest for perfection has reflected throughout history in various forms of art. Humanity has transformed its ways from medieval times to those of nowadays.

The world is developing and advancing with every passing hour. Every new day brings new inventions and sets unprecedented trends. The world has become more of a technological global village with little to no attention to changing climates' patterns across the globe. Buildings, streets, parks, residential areas, and highways have replaced forests, wetlands, estuaries, and beaches over the past few decades.

Since the industrial revolution, countries are competing in the global arena to surpass each other economically. This economic race among developed nations has caused a shift in global temperatures, eventually leading to Global Warming, hence altering climates' patterns across the planet.

Fossil fuels that once were considered beneficial to run industries efficiently have now been identified as the major reason behind the varying carbon dioxide levels in the post-industrial revolution.

Developed nations have long been considered responsible for climate change, but due to its transboundary effects, developing countries pay the heavier price than them. As developing and under-developed nations lack both natural and economic resources to fight the climate crisis, they are more prone to it than wealthy nations.

Being a developing nation, Pakistan has not yet contributed to climate change as much as developed nations. The Global Climate Risk Index by Greenwatch revealed how countries like Pakistan are drastically affected by climate change.

According to the report, the country stands 5th on the list of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, threatening millions' livelihoods. The geographical location of Pakistan is one of the reasons for increased vulnerability. The region where Pakistan is situated already received massive downpours during the monsoon season. Climate change has exacerbated these already extreme weather patterns, evident to the great spell of Karachi's rainfalls, resulting in floods all across the city in 2020.

We are not responsible for the geographical location, but for the lack of responsible behavior towards the environment, WE ARE! Our unsustainable living patterns have induced pressure on the natural environment hence affecting its carrying capacity.

Intensive weather patterns are now catastrophically recurring, which eventually are fueling dire consequences for the local communities. Pakistan's approach to deal with the crisis should consist of both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Various measures can be taken from individual to national level to not let the menace ruin our future generations' lives. There are numerous global agreements, conventions, and protocols to limit the increase in global temperatures by cutting off the greenhouse gas emissions from industries. It is the state's responsibility to keep a check on industrial activities and ensure they follow a green strategic plan for the manufacturing of the products.

Awareness around the globe is being carried out to transform the traditional energy generation patterns into less detrimental to the environment. But none of it would bring positive outcomes unless we pledge to shape our behaviors sustainably. There is always room for improvement, but in this case, the clock is ticking, and time is nearly upon us when there will be none. We have lost a great deal to the environment, but the hope is still there. There is a need to think of Eco-friendly ideas and process them into reality effectively.

For instance, ecopreneurship is a green practice concerning the welfare of our environment. Innovative ideas as such capable of sustaining environmental peace should be regarded well. If you knew your house was on fire, what would you do? Let it burn or put out the fire? This planet is our only home, which, because of us, has now caught one.

Only a fool would deliberately let it burn down to the ashes. If sensible steps are not taken today, tomorrow, we will be left with nothing but destruction. The question is not how we will live then. The problem is, will our conscience let us live?

References: Greenwatch