By: Samina Chaudhary
Summers Grow by One Day Every Year
Global warming, driven by the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, has resulted in significant environmental changes across the globe. Pakistan, a country already vulnerable to extreme weather events, is witnessing a dramatic shift in its seasonal patterns. According to weather expert Dr. Muhammad Hanif Zamani, the country’s summer season is now extending by approximately one day each year, a seemingly small but significant shift that has far-reaching consequences.
“About 15 years ago, Pakistan’s summer season spanned 145 days (roughly five months), but now it is closer to 170 days. This means an increase of nearly one day per year,” explained Dr. Hanif, while attributing the change to environmental degradation. Deforestation, rampant industrial emissions, and unchecked urban expansion are accelerating this trend. Pakistan’s fast-growing population and the depletion of natural resources have contributed to the weakening of the ecosystem’s ability to regulate temperature and weather patterns.
This extension of the summer period is not just limited to warmer temperatures. It has caused a noticeable shrinking of winter, a season crucial for water resources and agriculture. The winter months used to bring much-needed snow in northern areas and rainfall to arid regions, but as summer grows, winter’s presence has diminished, leaving behind drier conditions and impacting water availability.
Agriculture at Risk from Changing Weather Patterns
The consequences of extended summers and shorter winters are most evident in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, a key pillar of the country’s economy. Agriculture accounts for nearly 19% of Pakistan’s GDP and employs more than 40% of the labor force. However, changing weather patterns pose an existential threat to traditional farming practices.
Pakistan’s farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to predict when to sow and harvest crops, as seasons no longer follow historical patterns. Heatwaves and erratic rainfall are becoming more frequent, disrupting crop cycles. For example, wheat—a staple crop for millions—is sensitive to temperature changes, and prolonged heat during the growing season can significantly reduce yields. Similarly, cotton, sugarcane, and rice production are also at risk, which could exacerbate food insecurity in the future.
Dr. Hanif suggests that farmers must adapt by consulting agricultural experts and adopting climate-smart practices to improve yields under new environmental conditions. He emphasizes the need for resilient crop varieties that can withstand the stresses of higher temperatures, prolonged droughts, and irregular rainfall. The government, along with international organizations, is working to develop and promote these varieties, but the scale of the challenge requires a rapid and sustained effort across the agricultural sector.
The Ministry of Climate Change has also warned that, if unchecked, climate change could lead to more frequent and severe droughts, jeopardizing not only agricultural productivity but also food security for millions of people. Farmers in provinces such as Sindh and Balochistan are already facing the brunt of water shortages, with inadequate irrigation systems exacerbating the problem.
Urban Expansion Exacerbates Climate Challenges
Pakistan’s population is expected to reach 230 million by 2030, with over 60% of people projected to live in urban areas. Rapid urbanization, while providing opportunities for economic development, has worsened the country’s vulnerability to climate change. Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have experienced a surge in population growth over the past two decades, but public infrastructure has not kept pace with this expansion.
Unplanned urban growth, combined with limited access to green spaces, is amplifying the effects of heatwaves and increasing the risk of urban flooding. Concrete surfaces, the destruction of wetlands, and the replacement of forests with housing developments are creating urban heat islands, where temperatures are significantly higher than in surrounding rural areas. In cities like Karachi, heatwaves have become more intense and frequent, and without adequate measures to mitigate this, the health and well-being of millions of residents are at risk.
The influx of rural migrants to cities, seeking better job opportunities, further strains already limited resources such as water and sanitation. As temperatures rise, the demand for water increases, yet many cities lack the infrastructure to provide a stable and reliable water supply. Karachi, for instance, has struggled with water shortages for years, and the growing population will only exacerbate this issue in the face of a warming climate.
Urban planning needs to shift toward sustainability, with a focus on enhancing green spaces, improving public transport, and integrating renewable energy solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Building climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood management systems and heat-resistant building materials, is also critical for protecting both the urban population and economy.
Floods and Heatwaves Threaten Lives and Livelihoods
In recent years, Pakistan has been hit by a series of catastrophic natural disasters, highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience. The floods in August 2022, for instance, left nearly 33 million people affected, caused over $40 billion in damages, and devastated livelihoods across the country. This disaster, described as one of the worst in the nation’s history, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change.
The loss of over 900,000 livestock during these floods added another layer of economic devastation, especially for rural communities dependent on animal husbandry. In addition to livestock losses, floodwaters contaminated drinking water sources, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea.
Economically, Pakistan is losing $1.7 billion annually due to climate-related natural disasters, with total damages exceeding $25 billion over the last five years. The Pakistan government, alongside international partners, is increasingly concerned about the financial and social costs of climate change, particularly as experts predict that by 2030, river floods could affect an additional two million people annually. According to experts, 70% of this increased risk will be due to the effects of climate change.
Heatwaves, another major climate-related threat, have already claimed thousands of lives in recent years, particularly in urban centers. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those living in poverty, are especially at risk from these extreme weather events.
Adaptation and Resilience: The Path Forward
To address these challenges, Pakistan must prioritize climate adaptation and resilience-building strategies. Experts have proposed climate-smart solutions for the agriculture sector, including introducing heat- and drought-resistant crops, adopting water-efficient irrigation technologies, and modernizing farming techniques.
The Ministry of Climate Change has also urged provincial governments to expedite the implementation of the National Climate Change Policy, which outlines adaptation plans for critical sectors such as agriculture, water, energy, and health. Expanding forest cover is seen as one of the most cost-effective strategies to enhance resilience against climate impacts. Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and also help in regulating water cycles.
Sustainable urban planning, focusing on green infrastructure, renewable energy, and energy-efficient buildings, will also be vital for building climate-resilient cities. Pakistan’s cities need more green spaces, urban forests, and public transportation systems powered by clean energy.
With global cooperation, investments in climate-smart projects, and public awareness campaigns, Pakistan can move toward a more sustainable and resilient future. However, the clock is ticking, and the sooner decisive action is taken, the better equipped the country will be to weather the impending storm of climate change.