According to Pakistan Economic Survey 2014-15, the 5,000 glaciers are melting faster in Pakistan than other parts of the world. The survey noted that the floods in Pakistan brought death and destruction as well as economic losses to the tune of more than $15 billion in 2010. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had described the floods as slow moving Tsunami in which more than 20 million people were affected and 300,000 were displaced. Despite conspiracy theories about the unprecedented floods, climate change has severe impact on the economic growth of almost all developing countries and is also posing an impending danger to the mankind as a whole. Experts believe the climate change is hampering sustainable development prospects of Pakistan as the country is already facing numerous challenges in the economy, security and social sectors. The government has set up the ministry of climate change to fight the challenges posed by the climate change and the National Disaster Management Authority to deal with natural catastrophe, however, the new natural phenomenon is serving not only as a threat but also as a challenge to human survival.
Pakistan is in the list of countries which are highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The climate change has left significant footprints on this land in the wake of various geological processes such as floods, cyclones, heat waves, droughts and flow of saline seawater into the Indus River Delta Region. Apart from inflicting huge losses to life and property, the change is causing additional stress on the natural resources, hampering economic growth and is backfiring steps for elimination of poverty. The recent heat waves in Lahore and Karachi indicate how Pakistan is vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and is facing various challenges of hydro-meteorological nature. The government will have to pay attention to build water reservoirs, modernize agriculture, and protect ecosystems. According to the survey, the country needs concerted efforts to avert the impacts of climate change as it should not be allowed to affect the national economy.
As a matter of fact, water scarcity is fast reaching an alarming stage in the country and industrial pollution is also on the rise without any check from the government machinery. The industry of the country is growing and so is increasing urbanization, but steps to deal with the emerging situation lack compatibility. The situation calls for capacity building of the government institutions as well as allocation of funds to minimize the effects of climate changes.
