The changing climate is taking a toll on the natural ecosystem, with the global forest cover receding as a consequence. First, deforestation emerged as a cause of global warming, and then changing climatic patterns resulted in forest fires, thus bringing the whole scenario full circle.
A report issued by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has brought attention to the problem, by highlighting how forests across the world are becoming vulnerable to wildfires and pests. It also highlighted the significance of forests in the maintenance of the natural ecosystem, with direct effects on global food security. It further stated that in 2023, 6,687 megatonnes of carbon dioxide were released as a consequence of wildfires.
According to the report, the rise in the demand for wood across the globe also complicates the equation. Currently, the demand for wood is at an all-time high, and for round wood, there is a sharp increase expected by 2050.
When forests recede, it leads to an increase in temperature and consequently the disruption of rainfall patterns. This directly affects agricultural productivity and adds to the list of issues stemming from the changing climate. Besides wildfires, pests are also causing damage to forests, thus compounding the problem.
FAO suggests that artificial intelligence and data analytics be utilized to deal with the problem on the first level. It also advocates inclusive and gender-responsive approaches for fair distribution of benefits.
Pakistan – A victim of climate change
Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse emissions, Pakistan is significantly threatened by the dire effects of climate change. With glaciers melting up north, and wildfires emerging on the foothills of the Himalayas, Pakistan braces for climate-induced challenges.
This year, Pakistan faced a severe heatwave. The southern parts of the country recorded extreme temperatures, close to the all-time high reading of 53.8 °C recorded in Turbat, Balochistan, and Moenjo Daro, Sindh, in 2017 and 2010, respectively. The heatwave primarily affected the southern parts of the country but was not limited to these areas.
As a consequence, more than 568 people reportedly died due to complications arising from extreme temperatures, while more than 7,905 people were hospitalized. High humidity and frequent power outages compounded the problem and made the situation difficult to bear.
The heatwave brought forth concerns of drought and threats to food security, especially at a time when the country is reeling through high inflation. Another consequence of the heatwave was the wildfires that emerged on the Margalla Hills overlooking Islamabad.
In 2022, Pakistan faced the worst floods since 2010, which led to the deaths of over 1,739 individuals, and displaced over 2.1 million people. According to estimates, the floods caused damages of around $14.8 billion, straining the economy of the cash-strapped country.
This year, the disaster management authorities of the country have issued alerts for potential flash floods as more monsoon rains are expected this week. The authorities have also highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure amid heavy downpours.
They further cautioned farmers to manage their activities ahead of the rains and directed the rescue services across vulnerable areas to remain on high alert. Moreover, they have issued safety guidelines to the public as well.
Very nice and informative story