Front seat to climate change: Pakistan's vulnerability explained | Dawn News English

Summary

Pakistan, ranked among the top 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change, faces severe impacts such as catastrophic flooding and changing weather patterns. The country’s vulnerability stems from a dependency on water resources, with shifts in rainfall and accelerated glacier melting leading to floods and droughts. While global warming is a result of emissions from developed nations, Pakistan bears the brunt of these effects. The call for 'loss and damage' compensation highlights the need for global accountability and sustainable solutions to help the country build resilience against future climate risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pakistan is ranked as the 8th most vulnerable country to climate change according to the Climate Risk Index (CRI).
• 🌍 Climate change is a global phenomenon, and Pakistan is particularly vulnerable due to its melting snow reserves and ice caps, affecting water availability.
• 🌊 Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to communities living near rivers and coastal areas in Pakistan.
• 🔥 Extreme weather events, including stronger monsoons, more flooding, hurricanes, and cyclones, are increasing as a result of global warming.
• 📉 The vulnerability index measures the human and economic impacts of climate change, such as deaths, per capita effects, and GDP losses.
• 💧 Pakistan's vulnerability is closely linked to changes in the water cycle, with impacts from both droughts and floods.
• 💡 Understanding Pakistan’s vulnerability requires a comprehensive analysis beyond the headlines and political calls for debt relief.
• 🏚️ Floods in Pakistan lead to significant infrastructural damage and loss of livelihoods, especially in rural areas dependent on agriculture.
• 🌾 Droughts and water shortages in Pakistan also contribute to food insecurity, health risks, and weakened immunity among affected populations.
• 🌍 Climate change in Pakistan is largely driven by emissions from developed countries, especially the global North, fueling the debate on loss and damage.

Q & A

What is the current vulnerability of Pakistan to climate change?

Pakistan is ranked as the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change according to the Climate Risk Index (CRI), with its vulnerability linked to factors like extreme weather events, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and the impact of flooding and droughts on livelihoods.

How is the vulnerability of countries assessed in relation to climate change?

The vulnerability is assessed using indicators like the number of deaths, damages in U.S. dollar terms, per capita affected, and GDP loss. This provides insight into both the human and economic impacts of climate change in a given region.

Why is Pakistan particularly vulnerable to climate change?

Pakistan's vulnerability arises from its dependence on the water cycle, which is heavily influenced by monsoons and snow melting in the northern regions. Climate change exacerbates the risks of floods, droughts, and extreme weather events that significantly impact the country's agriculture and infrastructure.

What role do developed countries play in Pakistan's vulnerability?

Much of Pakistan's vulnerability is attributed to the emissions of developed countries, particularly those in the global North, such as the United States. Pakistan argues that the damage caused by these emissions has led to increased climate risks, a situation where loss and damage claims are becoming central.

What is the Climate Risk Index (CRI) and how does it measure vulnerability?

The CRI is an index developed by the NGO Germanwatch that measures vulnerability based on historical data over two decades, including factors like the number of people affected, economic losses, and damage to infrastructure. It provides a broader understanding of climate-related risks and vulnerabilities.

How do floods and droughts affect Pakistan's economy and society?

Floods lead to massive infrastructure damage, loss of agricultural output, and disrupted livelihoods, especially in rural areas. Droughts, on the other hand, cause food shortages, health risks, and immunity issues. Both extremes strain Pakistan's economy and worsen social inequalities.

What specific challenges does Pakistan face due to changes in the water cycle?

Pakistan faces challenges such as erratic rainfall patterns, which can lead to either flooding or droughts. The unpredictability of water availability affects agriculture, water storage, and the country’s overall ability to manage its water resources effectively.

How does global warming contribute to the risks of extreme weather in Pakistan?

Global warming accelerates the melting of snow and ice, increasing water flow in rivers and streams, while also raising sea levels. This leads to more frequent and intense monsoons, floods, cyclones, and droughts, all of which directly impact Pakistan’s environment and human settlements.

What is the concept of 'loss and damage' in the context of climate change?

'Loss and damage' refers to the idea that developing countries like Pakistan, which contribute less to global emissions, should be compensated for the climate-related losses they suffer, caused largely by the emissions of wealthier, industrialized nations.

What are the key factors that contribute to the vulnerability of Pakistan's agriculture?

Pakistan’s agricultural vulnerability is heightened by unpredictable rainfall, flooding, droughts, and changes in temperature. These shifts disrupt crop yields and food production, making rural communities particularly vulnerable to economic instability and food insecurity.