Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Climate Change, has proposed establishing a Climate Data Bank for V20 countries, stating that such a bank would be a critical step in consolidating data on environmental risks, economic damages, and the financial resilience requirements of V20 group member nations.
Environmental threats have shaken the world to its core, with impacts so severe that environmental experts, the United Nations, and other organizations are actively engaged within their spheres of influence. If such activities had begun two decades earlier, perhaps the earth would not be in its current state of decay. Addressing any issue requires accurate data, which is currently lacking in many countries; thus, Pakistan’s proposal is sound and will likely see implementation. The question remains, though: can our efforts restore Earth’s beauty and stabilize its temperature? This is a question the world must address collectively.
In developed countries, the extensive use of fossil fuels has increased carbon emissions, resulting in a steady rise in global temperatures. This has led to water shortages in many parts of the world and decreased agricultural productivity. Increasingly frequent wildfires are also a direct consequence of this situation. Scientists have repeatedly warned that Earth has crossed a series of tipping points with potentially disastrous consequences, such as permafrost thawing in the Arctic and the rapid depletion of Greenland’s ice sheet.
For years, economists and environmentalists have urged policymakers to impose high taxes on activities that emit greenhouse gases. Carbon taxes are now in place in 27 countries, including members of the European Union, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Ukraine, and Argentina. Yet, the world remains overwhelmingly dependent on plastic. Annually, 300 million tons of plastic waste is produced. According to a report in the journal *Nature*, approximately 14 million tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, endangering marine wildlife and their habitats. According to National Geographic, only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled.
Hundreds of scientists from around the world spent eight years preparing a report which states that due to climate change, the lack of phased reduction in fossil fuel industries, and insufficient determination to curb carbon emissions, we face an increase in famine, drought, floods, rising sea levels, environmental inequality, food insecurity, a global food market crisis, and decreased agricultural productivity. Additionally, climate change has caused displacement, disrupted water and energy supply chains, and accelerated glacier melt, all posing heightened risks to the world.
Climate change is also creating global security concerns. Simply put, in the future, food, water, and energy supplies will be disrupted due to climate change, leading to competition among nations and regions for natural resources. Economies will suffer significant losses, natural disasters will force migrations from affected areas, and refugees from low-income regions will migrate to nearby poor countries. Due to limited resources, adequate data is often lacking in low-income societies, which allows undesirable elements to enter host countries, eventually leading to security issues in those countries.
The World Meteorological Organization reports that only 0.5% of Earth’s water is readily usable, and climate change is significantly impacting its availability. We are witnessing unexpected rainfall, shrinking ice sheets, rising sea levels, and increasing floods and droughts. Experts are concerned about the socio-economic and environmental degradation resulting from the rapid depletion of resources.
Pakistan, situated in a geologically vulnerable region, faces climate changes that threaten the income, housing, food, and security of a large portion of its population. The severity of this situation is evident in that Pakistan is experiencing a higher-than-average global temperature. According to the 2023 ranking by the INFORM Risk Index, which measures disaster risk levels, Pakistan ranks 16th among 191 countries. Experts predict that Pakistan will continue facing issues related to environmental pollution and smog in 2024. In Punjab, air pollution and smog are the second biggest health risk for citizens, potentially shortening life expectancy by up to seven years.
Without robust research on smog, relying only on rumors and speculations won’t help us manage it. Comprehensive, data-driven actions are necessary to protect public health from smog. Environmental science experts suggest that while measures like sprinkling water on roads or closing schools for three days may bring minor improvements, the government must understand how to implement effective, long-term solutions for environmental issues. The increasing demand for and shortage of water is also escalating tensions, potentially leading to unrest. Scarcity of fresh and irrigation water, as well as hydroelectric power requirements, could lead to disputes. Natural disasters are destroying crops, and coastal fishing faces threats, affecting food production. Rising food prices and hunger fuel inequality, potentially compromising law and order. Increased global carbon emissions are also contributing to displacement.
From devastating floods in Pakistan and the Republic of Congo to persistent droughts in Afghanistan, Madagascar, and Africa, millions have been forced to abandon their homes. Annually, over 20 million people are displaced due to extreme weather events, including abnormal rainfall, prolonged droughts, environmental degradation, sea level rise, and storms. The population of the poorest countries is disproportionately affected by climate change, with those reliant on agriculture, forestry, and fishing suffering the most. Water scarcity is a significant issue for Asia.
In the past, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee also expressed grave concern over water disputes between Pakistan and India. Experts agree that nearly 78 million people worldwide are currently affected by hunger and poverty. If climate change risks are not controlled, and global temperature rise continues, an additional 20 million people could face hunger. The crises induced by climate change now threaten global peace and security. Although low-income countries may not fully grasp the sensitivity of this issue, nations prioritizing security, welfare, and resource management recognize it as a paramount concern.
The United Nations is also deeply concerned. That’s why the world is reminded daily of the need for countries to unite and tackle this challenge together. Climate change mitigation efforts often disproportionately impact the most vulnerable populations. Therefore, we must mobilize in every way possible to address and remain informed about this challenge. Practical action is needed at all government levels, from federal to provincial and local, and climate change must be integrated into school curricula to prepare the next generation to understand and combat these challenges effectively.