By Habibia Habib
Climate change is rising as a pressing challenge around the globe.From rising temperature and heatwaves to flash floods everything has only one reason behind which is climate change.While it’s seems very abruptive but it has been getting worst slowly and gradually time time.This phenomena is leading to recurring disasters in different regions especially Pakistan which needs to be addressed and solved
Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change although it only contributes less than 1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions.But we can see the destructions done by disasters in the form of floods especially in 2022 ,cloud bursts in the northern areas,drought and heatwaves causing loss of millions of lives.The reason behind that is it’s geographical location,over population,poor infrastructure and least capacity to cope with disasters.If we analyse the situation we cannot control our geographical location but we can improve our disaster management system.
The main problem Pakistan is facing is the treatment of these disasters as mere emergencies.Which means if there is flood in an area and it is making people homeless and loss their life our government just try to control the situation at that time , provide funds and cope with the aftermath.Millions of money is then spent on rebuilding the infrastructure, supporting families and recovering the loss.
Honestly,if we consider our 5 to 6 years back history we can see that these disasters are now part of every year seasonal shift.Weather it’s in winter we suffer from fog and smog which is hazardous,if it’s summers it’s the water scarcity and heatwaves. Especially during the monsoon every region of Pakistan get harshly affected by floods and cloud bursts.Which proves that disasters are now longer rare emergenciesbut they are recurring reality
Proactive resilience is the main strategic way to handle these recurring events.Proactive resilience is the ability to anticipate risks, prepare in advance, and strengthen communities and infrastructure so they can better withstand and recover from disasters.
Disaster management has three simple components preparedness, prevention and mitigation.The authorities require to take proper action and involve the public by training them. Awarness of the natives can reduce risks of loss of every kind. Establishment of propers early warning systems using the modern technology can play a vital role in reducing the potential loss.Moreover, building a climate resilient infrastructures, reducing deforestation, recovering forests and most importantly the strong involvement of government coordination can be the best possible solutions.
Pakistan should stop treating disasters as unexpected emergencies and start treating them as predictable risks that can be prepared for. Every rupee spent on preparedness can save many more in relief and reconstruction while protecting lives and livelihoods.
