Climate change has tightened its grip on Pakistan, disrupting not just ecosystems but also human lives and the economy. The shifting weather patterns are evident as rainfall, once common in November, December, and January, is now occurring in March and April. According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Meteorological Department, these erratic rainfall patterns pose a serious threat to the country.
A recent report from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reveals that heavy rains since February 26 have resulted in six deaths and ten injuries across various districts of the province. The casualties include four men and two women, while the injured comprise five children, three women, and two men. The rains have also damaged 15 houses, with 10 partially destroyed and five completely demolished. The affected areas include Khyber, Hangu, Dir, Torghar, Bajaur, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Battagram, and Haripur.
The intensification of extreme weather events has become more evident over the past year. Between July and August, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides led to 61 deaths in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Among the deceased were 27 children, 22 men, and 12 women. Additionally, 102 people sustained injuries, and 704 houses were damaged, with 501 partially and 203 destroyed.
Dr. Muhammad Faheem, Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department in Peshawar, explained to TNN that abrupt weather changes—excessive rainfall followed by prolonged dry spells and soaring temperatures—are clear indicators of climate change. Reports from international organizations, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), warn that Pakistan will continue to face worsening climate conditions, such as extended heat waves and heavier-than-usual rainfall.
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"Last year, pre-monsoon rains were higher than normal. In April, these excessive rains temporarily cooled the weather, but by July 2024, the world recorded its hottest day in history," Dr. Faheem stated. "The intensity of climate change is increasing, and we are witnessing a significant rise in temperatures compared to previous years."
The prolonged dry spell that started in October 2024 also worsened environmental pollution, leading to widespread smog across major Pakistani cities. Previously, rain showers at the end of October would help clear the air, followed by snowfall in the northern and mountainous regions in November and December. However, climate change has drastically altered these patterns.
One of the major drivers of climate change is the excessive emission of carbon gases from vehicles, brick kilns, and industrial units, along with deforestation and population growth. These factors have led to rapid climatic shifts, severely impacting sectors such as agriculture and energy.
The year 2024 was officially the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), January 2025 has now been recorded as the hottest January in history.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that "we must step off this path of destruction, and we have no time to waste." He urged world leaders to take immediate action to prevent further catastrophe.
Pakistan's climate extremes have become increasingly dangerous. Periods of drought are followed by torrential rainfall, causing widespread destruction to both lives and economies.
Environmental journalist Javed Khan told TNN that climate change has led to erratic rainfall patterns, with precipitation being either too little or excessively high. "When rainfall occurs outside of its usual pattern, it almost always causes damage," he explained.
This month’s rainfall has not significantly contributed to a cooling effect. "We see heavy rains for a day, but as soon as the sun comes out the next day, the heat returns," Javed noted.
Javed further emphasized that climate change has not only altered rainfall patterns but also prolonged heat waves. "Every year, heatwaves intensify in June, July, and August, and I believe this year will be no exception," he predicted.
Environmental experts define heat waves as prolonged periods of unusually high temperatures compared to regional norms. These extreme heat events can last from a single day to several weeks and have devastating effects on agriculture.
Pakistan's agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate change. According to KP’s Climate Change Policy 2022, agriculture has suffered severe losses due to extreme weather events, from the devastating 2010 floods to the catastrophic 2022 floods.
Despite clear policies, little action has been taken to mitigate these impacts. The Crop Reporting Service highlights that storms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and strong winds are increasingly damaging crops every year. Experts stress that farmers must adopt new technologies and resilient seed varieties to withstand climate challenges.
Pakistan's monsoon season has historically caused large-scale flooding, with the 2010 floods serving as a grim reminder. However, the 2022 floods were even more disastrous, affecting over 30 million people, killing 1,700 individuals, and destroying nearly a million homes. The economic losses amounted to approximately $15 billion.
The recent intense rainfall in March and April in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has continued this trend, resulting in casualties and damage to agricultural lands.
Javed Khan criticized the government's lack of action, stating that climate change policies and action plans remain confined to documents. "If governments continue ignoring this crisis, we may soon reach a point where the damage is irreversible," he warned.
Pakistan stands at a crossroads. Without urgent climate action, the country risks facing even more deadly floods, prolonged heatwaves, and worsening environmental disasters. The time for decisive action is now.
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18 Apr, 2025
18 Apr, 2025