The accelerated human activity ignited by rapid industrialization and capitalism will have calamitous effects on the global environment and human life. Those who dismiss climate change for the deterioration of environment need to look at a recent study published by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. While the report notifies every other country to take appropriate steps to protect their populations, the warnings for Pakistan are grave.
According to the study, “Pakistan will observe almost a double in high-end flood risks.” The country has not completely recovered from the disastrous effects of the last floods of 2010 resulting in the displacement of almost 18 million people, according to Disasters Emergency Committee, a UK based relief organization. The latest study shows that at least 11 million will be at risk if the state fails to take necessary steps for their protection. This is a conservative figure in comparison with the prediction that Pakistan will observe a double in high-end flood risks. The chances are that more than the estimated number will suffer in case of any future floods.
Has Islamabad taken any steps after the 2010 flooding? Will the latest study prove useful in mobilizing the government of Pakistan to take immediate steps and revisit its outdated disaster management policy in case of any future natural disaster? Fortunately, The National Climate Change Policy of 2012 is Pakistan’s guiding document on climate change, setting out the goal of achieving climate-resilient development for the country through mainstreaming climate change in the economically and socially vulnerable sectors of the country. However, all the vigilance on the part of the government is at the moment just that – mere vigilance.
The government of Pakistan also needs to act upon the recommendations of the latest published study if it wants to protect its population from the catastrophic consequences of future floods. The government needs to take the advice of the institution seriously and start working on required measures on an emergency basis.