CSS 2020 Solved Current Affairs Past Papers | Global Climate Change and its Impacts on Pakistan
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Outline
1-Introduction
2-Global climate change impacts on the water resources of Pakistan impacts
- ✓Impacts on Glaciers
- ✓Impacts on Rivers and streams
- ✓Impacts on aquifers
3-Implications of Water Scarcity on Inter-Provincial Harmony Amidst Climate Change
- ✓Conflict over Agriculture dependency and livelihood impacts
- ✓Damming projects and provincial disputes
- ✓Conflict over Urban-rural divide and migration
- ✓Exacerbation of ethnic and regional differences
4-Recommendations
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Long-term global climate change has significantly impacted weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns, ultimately affecting water resources. Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, rapidly losing its main sources of water. The substantial increase in atmospheric and hydrosphere temperatures has led to global sea level rise, depletion of ice and snow cover, changes in air and ocean circulation, and alterations in local weather patterns, especially in seasonal precipitation. This has resulted in drastic climate change, leading to heavy floods, water crises, and natural disturbances in Pakistan. The loss of Pakistan’s water resources due to severe climate change has led to political confrontations among its provinces as they compete for a sufficient share of water for irrigation and livelihood. Addressing the global climate issue is crucial, as failure to implement proper policy measures will not only impact water resources in Pakistan but also affect provincial harmony.
Global Climate Change Impacts on the Water Resources of Pakistan
- Impacts on Glaciers
The Hindukush Karakoram Himalayan (HKH) region, known as the water tower of Asia, is home to over 7000 glaciers, which act as water reservoirs. These glaciers give rise to perennial streams that supply fresh water to the flora and fauna of Pakistan. Due to their sensitivity to temperature rises, the glaciers are melting more frequently, leading to natural disasters such as river floods and rising sea levels. The Himalayan glaciers have lost a significant portion of their size and are projected to lose between one-third and two-thirds more. This level of melting will result in increased river flow, causing intense floods, heavy landslides, and extreme weather erosion. Global climate change has led to recent floods in Pakistan, which are attributed to the melting glaciers and unpredictable monsoon rains. Additionally, rapid glacial melting leads to droughts in the mountainous regions, adversely affecting communities that rely on glacial meltwater. Therefore, the issue of glacial retreat cannot be ignored.
- Impacts on Rivers and Streams
One of the primary water sources in Pakistan is the Indus River system. Baluchistan has its distinctive drainage system consisting of several inland emptying and seasonal streams, with only a few joining either the Indus or Arabian seas. The river system relies on the melting of glaciers and precipitation for water supply, and it has been significantly impacted by global climate change.
The Indus Basin contributes almost 96% of the freshwater supply to Pakistan. It is noteworthy that approximately 80% of this water originates from outside the country, making it more vulnerable and perilous. The drastic climate change has widely impacted the flow of water in the river basin, and extreme temperatures due to climate change have increased the demand for water for agricultural activities.
Some research findings indicate a likely decrease in annual stream flow in the country in the future, which will ultimately affect agriculture and the livelihoods of the Pakistani people. The agricultural industry, which is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, has already been suffering, leading people dependent on agriculture to seek other opportunities in urban areas due to agriculture’s challenges resulting from the water crises linked to climate change.
- Impacts on Aquifers
Groundwater is the second largest source of water in Pakistan and is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change. Pakistan is currently the fourth-largest user of groundwater and the third-biggest consumer of irrigation. The quaternary alluvial aquifers in the Indus plains are high-yielding sources of groundwater. In addition to these, some less productive aquifers are also found in Cholistan, Thar, KPK, Balochistan, and the southern coastal areas. Unfortunately, all these aquifers are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, both directly and indirectly. These aquifers are under increased stress due to higher consumption resulting from intense temperatures. Furthermore, the submergence of land with salty water due to heavy floods is causing water scarcity. Groundwater in Pakistan is depleting at a faster rate than it is being replenished due to intense climate events.
Implications of Water Scarcity on Inter-Provincial Harmony Amidst Climate Change
- Conflict over Agriculture Dependency and Livelihood Impacts
Agriculture sector contributes approximately 19% to Pakistan’s GDP. It employs over 38% of the workforce. However, the shortage of water has widely affected agricultural production, particularly in Sindh and Punjab. Punjab, being an upper riparian province, has a vast irrigation system which is often seen as monopolizing water resources. Therefore, the farmers in Sindh accuse Punjab for not providing adequate water especially in yielding season, which has affected crop production in Sindh. This situation drives Sindh into economic distress. Similarly, KPK and Baluchistan complain about limited access to water which nurturing inequality among provinces. These grievances regarding water are fuelling the inter-provincial disparities
- Damming Projects and Provincial Disputes
Due to the water scarcity, inter-provinces relations have always suffered from a lack of trust and cooperation. Dam projects, such as the Kalabagh Dam, have remained a conflict zone for inter-province harmony. The Dam project is being supported by Punjab debating that it will help in storing water for the purpose of irrigation and energy generation. On the contrary, Sindh opposes the construction of Kalabagh Dam, arguing that it will limit the water access to Sindh, ultimately threatening its agriculture and mangrove ecosystem. Furthermore, the operation of canals such as the Chashma-Jhelum link has also been objected to by Sindh, the shortage, which disrupts the water supply. Similarly, KPK presumes that the Kalabagh Dam project will submerge its territory which ultimately lead to the displacement of its community. Likewise, Baluchistan argues that Punjab will only be the beneficiary of such a project at the cost of smaller provinces. However, these grievances have evolved amidst water crises, which severely affect the national unity.
- Conflict over Urban-Rural Divide and Migration
Water crises trigger urban-rural migration, which further straining the inter-provincial relations. Due to water scarcity, the rural population migrated towards Karachi and Lahore causing competition over employment, water, housing, and etcetera. However, the influx of migrants has been seen as a failure of the federal and provincial governments in Sindh. Nevertheless, this perception further escalates the grievances among provinces. Additionally, these challenges have further escalated due to a lack of proper management or policies at the provincial level. Nevertheless, the grievances among provinces are a challenge to the national cohesion and stability. However, if this is acknowledged with proper measures, it could further intensify inter-provincial tensions, which would undermine the federal structure.
- Exacerbation of Ethnic and Regional Differences
Inter-provincial grievances over water scarcity lead to ethnic and regional differences. Punjab has been viewed as a dominant power over water resources which is perceived as the exploitation by other provinces. Likewise, Baluchistan argues that its limited access to water is due to the negligence of the federal government. However, the blame game escalates the tensions among provinces, posing a threat to national cohesion.
Recommendations
The escalation of tensions among provinces over water scarcity is alarming for national cohesion. However, these grievances can be lessened through the efforts of the federal government. The federal government should strengthen the governance over water regulation as per the 1991 Accord. The previous distribution of water should be managed or monitored timely. The water distribution Accord could also be revived, considering the changing dynamics of the country and climate change. Additionally, there should be inclusive consultation on controversial projects, such as the Kalabagh Dam. Moreover, there should be climate adaptation policies such as climate-resilient infrastructures, promotion of afforestation, and improved water management, which could help address the water crisis, which is ultimately causing tensions over interprovincial harmony. Lastly, there should be efforts to foster dialogue among provinces to resolve water disputes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, global climate change is an undeniable phenomenon that leads to perilous climate events, resulting in the depletion of Pakistan’s water resources. The Indus basin, being the chief source of fresh water in Pakistan, is under threat due to the rapid melting of glaciers, heavy precipitation, and a significant rise in temperature. These climate calamities have a significant impact on the water resources of Pakistan, resulting in a water crisis in the country, and ultimately leading to conflicts between provinces. If measures are not taken, these crises will not only damage the country’s economy but also affect interprovincial harmony.
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