Effects of Climate Change in Pakistan

8/12/2019 Effects of Climate Change in Pakistan

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EFFECTS OF CLIM TE CH NGE IN

P KIST N

PREPARED BY: YUSRA OBAID

CLASS: B.S.P.A 3rdYEAR

ROLL #: 60

SUBMITTED TO: SIR MOAZZAM


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Contents

CLIMATE: .................................................................................................................................................. 3

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGES: ........................................................................................................... 4

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE: ............................................................................................................ 6

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN PAKISTAN ................................................................................... 10

PAKISTAN WEATHER AND CLIMATE:...................................................................................................... 10

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.10

SOCIAL IMPACT..12

ECONOMIC IMPACT.13

CONCLUSION 14


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CLIMATE:

The climate is defined as the average weather in a place over more than thirty years. To describe the

climate of a place, people often tell what the temperatures are like over the seasons, how windy it is,

and how much rain or snow falls. The climate of a region depends on many factors including theamount of sunlight it receives, its height above sea level, the shape of the land, and how close it is to

the oceans.

Global climate is a description of climate of a planet as a whole, with all the regional differences

averaged. Overall, global climate depends on the amount of energy received by the sun and the

amount of energy that is trapped in the system. These amounts are different for different planets.

Scientists who study earths climate and climate change study the factors that affect the climate of our

whole planet.

While the weather can change in just a few hours, climate changes over longer timeframes. Climate

events happen over several years, small scale fluctuations happen over decades, and larger climate

changes happen over hundreds and thousands of years. Today, climates are changing. Our earth is

warming more quickly than it has in the past according to the research of scientists. Hot summer days

may be quite typical of climates in many regions of the world, but global warming is causing earths

average global temperature to increase. The amount of solar radiations, the chemistry of the

atmosphere, clouds, and the biosphere all affect earths climate.


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CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGES:

GREEN HOUSE EFFECT:

A layer of greenhouse gases primarily carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide act as a thermal

blanket for the Earth, absorbing heat and warming the surface to a life-supporting average of 59

degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).


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Most scientists agree the main cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of the

"greenhouse effect" -- warming those results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth

toward space.

Certain gases in the atmosphere behave like the glass on a greenhouse, allowing sunlight to enter, but

blocking heat from escaping. Long-lived gases, remaining semi-permanently in the atmosphere, which

do not respond physically or chemically to changes in temperature, are described as "forcing" climate

change whereas gases, such as water, which respond physically or chemically to changes in temperature

are seen as "feedbacks."

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include:

On Earth, human activities are changing the natural greenhouse. Over the last century the burning of

fossil fuels like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). This

happens because the coal or oil burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO2.

To a lesser extent, the clearing of land for agriculture, industry, and other human activities have

increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.


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THE ROLE OF HUMAN ACTIVITY:

In its recently released Fourth Assessment Report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a

group of 1,300 independent scientific experts from countries all over the world under the auspices of the

United Nations, concluded there's a more than 90 percent probability that human activities over the

past 250 years have warmed our planet.

The industrial activities that our modern civilization depends upon have raised atmospheric carbon

dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to 379 parts per million in the last 150 years. The panel alsoconcluded there's a better than 90 percent probability that human-produced greenhouse gases such as

carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have caused much of the observed increase in Earth's

temperatures over the past 50 years.

They said the rate of increase in global warming due to these gases is very likely to be unprecedented

within the past 10,000 years or more.

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE:

SEA LEVEL IS RISING.

During the 20th century, sea level rose about 15 cm (6 inches) due to meltingglacier ice

andexpansion of warmer seawater.Models predict that sea level may rise as much as 59 cm (23

inches) during the 21st Century, threatening coastal communities, wetlands, andcoral reefs.
http://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/cli_sea_level.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/cryosphere_glacier1.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/teach_thermalexpand.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/teach_thermalexpand.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/cryosphere_glacier1.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/cli_sea_level.html


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RCTIC SEA ICE IS MELTING.

The arctic sea ice is melting and its thickness is almost half now than it was in 1950. It can cause

changes in ocean circulation.

GLACIERS ARE MELTING.

Over the past 100 years, mountainglaciers in all areas of the world have decreased in size and so

has the amount ofpermafrost in the Arctic. Greenlandstoo.
http://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/cryosphere_glacier1.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/cryosphere_permafrost1.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/cryosphere_permafrost1.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/cryosphere_glacier1.html


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SEA-SURFACE TEMPERATURES ARE RISING.

Warmer waters in the shallow oceans have contributed to the death of about a quarter of the

world'scoral reefs in the last few decades. Many of the coral animals died after weakened by

bleaching, a process tied to warmed waters.

HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODS:

In some areas there is heavy rainfall because of warm temperature which can cause flooding.

DROUGHT IS INCREASING TREMENDOUSLY.

Higher temperatures cause a higher rate ofevaporation and more droughts in some areas of the

world.
http://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/Water/evaporation.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/Water/evaporation.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.html


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ECOSYSTEMS ARE CHANGING.

As temperatures warm,species may either move to a cooler habitat or die. Species that are

particularly vulnerable include endangered species, reefs, andpolar animals.Warming has also

caused changes in the timing of spring events and the length of the growing season.

HEAT WAVES BECOME FREQUENT:

It is probable that heat waves have become more common in more areas of the world.

HUMAN HEALTH IS AFFECTING BY HIGH TEMPRATURE:

There have been more deaths due to heat waves and more allergy attacks as the pollen season

grows longer. There have also been some changes in the ranges of animals that carry disease like

mosquitoes.

SEAWATER IS BECOMING MORE ACIDIC.

Carbon dioxide dissolving into the oceans is making seawater more acidic. There could beimpacts

on coral reefs and other marine life.
http://windows2universe.org/earth/Life/classification_intro.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/polar_life_intro.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/ocean_acidification.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/ocean_acidification.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/coral_change.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/climate/ocean_acidification.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/polar/polar_life_intro.htmlhttp://windows2universe.org/earth/Life/classification_intro.html


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EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN PAKISTAN

PAKISTAN WEATHER AND CLIMATE:

Pakistan has three seasons: winter (November to March) is warm and cooled by sea breezes on the

coast; summer (April to July) has extreme temperatures and the monsoon season (July to September)

has the highest rainfall on the hills. Karachi has little rain. The best time to visit southern Pakistan is


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between November and March, when the days are cool and clear. The best time to visit northern

Pakistan is from April to October.

Pakistan is responsible for only a small fraction of global warming but is among the countries that will

be hit hardest by the effects of climate change. Pakistan is facing the adverse impacts of climate

change including social, environmental and economic impacts. Key sectors of Pakistan, affected by

climate change, included water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, livestock, energy sector, forest,

coastal zones and extreme events disrupting nature.

Climatic changes are likely to exacerbate this trend. Water supply, already a serious concern in many

parts of the country, will decline dramatically, affecting food production. Export industries such as

fisheries will also be affected, while coastal areas risk being inundated, flooding the homes of millions of

people living in low-lying areas. Although Pakistan produces minimal chlorofluorocarbons and emits

little sulphur dioxide, thus making a negligible contribution to ozone depletion and acid rain, it will

suffer disproportionately from climate change and other global environmental problems.

ENVIRONMENTALIMPACTS:

The weather of Pakistan becomes hotter than the past. The summer season remains for longer periodof time than winter.

Heat waves are more frequently enter in the land areas like Karachi.

Incidences, due to high sea level are also increased due to climate change. The Hunza lake water level

is also rising due to climate change.


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Pakistan contributes just one-35th of the worlds carbon dioxide emissions but temperatures in the

countrys coastal areas have risen since the early 1900s by 0.6 to 1 degree Celsius.

Precipitation has decreased 10 to 15 percent in the coastal belt and hyper-arid plains over the last 40

years, while summer and winter rains have increased in northern Pakistanwhich would lead to an

increase of atmospheric humidity and the duration of thewet seasons.Combined with higher

temperatures, these could favor the development offungal diseases. Similarly, because of higher

temperatures and humidity, there could be an increased pressure frominsects anddisease vectors.In

most areas, rainfall patterns have become very erratic, making it difficult for communities to predict

local rainfall patterns.

The duration of the cropping period has shrunk perceptibly in southern Punjab and Balochistan, with a

forward shift in sowing time and an earlier harvest.

This apart, droughts in 1999 and 2000 have caused sharp declines in water tables and dried up

wetlands, severely degrading ecosystems.

Traditional coping mechanisms used to deal with water shortages; declines in fish catch; and reduced

agricultural produce are no longer enough to counter the immense impact of climate change.

The health of millions would be affected with diarrheal diseases associated with floods and drought

becoming more prevalent.

Freshwater availability projected to decrease in Central, South, East and Southeast Asia by the 2050s

and Pakistan is included in Central Asia; coastal areas will be at risk due to increased flooding; death

rate from disease associated with floods and droughts expected to rise in some region.

In Pakistan a number of native species of plants and animals are facing extermination as a result of

climate change. Rising sea levels, and accelerated melting of glaciers in the Himalayas are threatening

the natural habitat of rare animals such as the Markhor and Ibex. In the plains the Blind Dolphin is

threatened by extinction due to declining water levels in the Indus River. While along the coastal areas

rare coral reefs which sustain hundreds of species of marine life are threatened as a direct result of

increased surface temperatures.

Average crop yield is expected to drop down to 50% in Pakistan because of climate change. The

quality of crops also being affected by the increasing temperature and CO2, e.g. rice; For rice, the

amylase content of the grain--a major determinant of cooking quality--is increased under elevated

CO2.

Studies have shown that higher CO2 levels lead to reduced plant uptake of nitrogen (and a smaller

number showing the same for trace elements such as zinc) resulting in crops with lower nutritional

value.
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The warmer atmospheric temperatures observed over the past decades are expected to lead to a more

vigorous hydrological cycle, including more extreme rainfall events. Erosion andsoil degradation is

more likely to occur. Soilfertility would also be affected by global warming. However, because the

ratio of carbon to nitrogen is aconstant,a doubling of carbon is likely to imply a higher storage

ofnitrogen in soils as nitrates, thus providing higher fertilizing elements for plants, providing betteryields. The average needs for nitrogen could decrease, and give the opportunity of changing often

costlyfertilization strategies.

Pakistans eco system has suffered greatly due to climatic change; one such example is that of Keti

Bandar; one of the richest port in the region of the coastal belt of Pakistan that lost privileges of being

at some point in time. The former port facilities bordered both shores of the Indus River delta but have

become submerged as a result of coastal erosion, leaving only a thin, 2km long isthmus by way of a

land bridge to the mainland. There was a time when it was known to be an area thriving on

mangroves ecosystem, rich with agriculture and boasting a busy seaport. Now the landscape is barren

and thatched houses dotted on mudflats. Water logging and salinity is its major problem and the

intruding sea has almost eaten up the villages. Thousands of peasant families and fisher folk

community already had to migrate to other areas in search of livelihood.

SOCIALIMPACTS:

When it comes to climate change population does matter, particularly for countries like Pakistan with

an annual growth rate of 2.69 percent, will be the sixth most populous country. As poor families

struggle to survive, environmental degradation is going to be more pervasive. Long-term sustainable

development goals are disregarded in favor of immediate subsistence needs, leaving vulnerable

communities specially women at the mercy of climate. Increased use of wood for fuel, abusive use of

land and water resources, in the form of overgrazing, over fishing, depletion of fresh water and

desertification- are common in rural areas of Pakistan.

Although most societies have a long history of adapting to the impacts of weather and climate, climate

change as we are experiencing it today poses new risks that will require new investments in adaptive

responses.

Intensifying rural poverty is likely to increase internal migration as well as migration to other countries.

Given the enormity of the impact, adaptation and mitigation measures are critically important.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soils_retrogression_and_degradationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constanthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertilisationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertilisationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constanthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertilityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soils_retrogression_and_degradation


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The behavior of people is become hot as well; the anger of the people is increased. Mostly people react

very harsh on little issues.

The clothing trend of the society also has changed. The use of warm clothes is almost finished in some

areas of Pakistan like Karachi because the winter season is for short period of time and also there is not

so cold weather even in winter.

ECONOMICIMPACTS:

The change in climate also impacts economy of the country. The impacts of climate change in Pakistan

economy are as follows:

The cost of energy is increased as the use of energy because of rising temperature has increased. The

energy is also depleted in Pakistan so it costs more.

As the chances of natural disasters have increased it also impacts economy because natural disasters

bring damages in area with them. So the costs of reconstruction would impact economy.

The impact of climate change on agriculture is not good for Pakistan economy as the economy of

Pakistan based on agriculture 90%. The low quality of crops will affect the export activities of Pakistan


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and the delay in crops to be prepared would also impact economy as it is based on agriculture so it

cant afford the delay.Also the food production is decreasing because of climate change and it will

impact Pakistan economy badly.

As the climate change is affecting the health of public so the cost of public health is also increasing

which increasing the burden on economy.

The hotter weather is also affecting the tourist activities in Pakistan as most of the tourist comes from

European countries and they are not used to of hot weather.

CONCLUSION:

To control the rapidly changing climate, it is responsibility of government as well as individuals to hand

in the effort to control the climate change.

The use of coal and other fossil fuels should be minimized and their alternative should use to satisfy theneed. The glacier and rain water should be stored properly for the water need as water recourse is

being scarce.

All must have to take measures to control the climate as it is necessary for healthy survival of human

population.

Documents

Effects of Climate Change in Pakistan