Prof. Dr. Muhammad Suleman Tahir
Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. The country is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers. These impacts are having a devastating impact on Pakistan’s economy, environment, and people. In 2022, Pakistan experienced its worst floods in history. The floods killed over 1,700 people and displaced millions more. The country’s glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. This is causing water shortages and increasing the risk of flooding. Sea levels are rising along Pakistan’s coastline. This is threatening coastal communities and infrastructure. Extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and cyclones, are becoming more frequent and intense.
The impacts of climate change are having a devastating impact on Pakistan’s economy, environment, and people. Climate change is costing Pakistan billions of dollars each year. The floods of 2022 alone caused an estimated $30 billion in damage. The agriculture sector, which employs over 40% of the population, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Climate change is causing widespread environmental degradation in Pakistan. The melting glaciers are threatening the country’s water supply, and the rising sea levels are inundating coastal areas. The country’s forests are also being degraded, which is leading to soil erosion and flooding. Climate change is having a disproportionate impact on the poor and marginalized in Pakistan. These groups are more likely to be affected by extreme weather events and to lack the resources to cope with the impacts of climate change.
Universities can play a key role in helping Pakistan cope with the challenges of climate change. Universities can conduct research on climate change and its impacts on Pakistan. Universities have the expertise and resources to conduct cutting-edge research on climate change. This research can help to inform policy decisions and to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. Universities can train the next generation of climate scientists and experts. Universities are the training ground for the next generation of climate scientists and experts. These experts will be essential for helping Pakistan to cope with the challenges of climate change.
Universities can develop and implement climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Universities can work with governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. These strategies can help to reduce the impacts of climate change and to build a more resilient future for Pakistan. Universities can raise awareness of climate change and its impacts on the public. Universities can play a role in raising awareness of climate change and its impacts on the public. This awareness-raising can help to build public support for climate action.
In addition to these specific roles, universities can also help to build a more resilient future for Pakistan by promoting sustainable practices. Universities can promote sustainable practices on their own campuses, such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, and conserving water. They can also educate students and faculty about sustainable practices, and encourage them to adopt these practices in their own lives. Universities can incubate new businesses that are focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation. These businesses can help to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and reduce Pakistan’s reliance on fossil fuels. Universities can engage with communities that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This engagement can help to build resilience and to ensure that these communities are not left behind. Universities can collaborate with other academic institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to address climate change. These collaborations can involve joint research projects, sharing resources and expertise, and developing solutions together.
Pakistani universities are also contributing to providing valid data and solutions to the problems due to climate change. For example, the University of Karachi is conducting research on the impacts of climate change on the Indus River Delta. This research is helping to inform policy decisions about how to protect the delta from flooding and sea level rise. The National University of Sciences and Technology is training the next generation of climate scientists and engineers. These students are working on projects to develop new technologies to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology has also introduced and implemented modern agri technology in South Punjab for water preservation. It is also working in collaboration with international organizations to identify the problems of agriculture due to climate change. The Aga Khan University is working with communities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to develop climate-resilient agriculture practices. These practices are helping farmers to adapt to the changing climate and to reduce their vulnerability to drought and floods.
In conclusion, it is candid that climate change is a growing threat to Pakistan. The country is already experiencing the effects of climate change, and these impacts are only going to get worse in the future. Universities can play a key role in helping Pakistan cope with the challenges of climate change. By conducting research, training experts, and raising awareness, universities can help Pakistan build a more resilient future.
It is requested to publish this article. Cooperation in this regard would be highly appreciated.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Suleman Tahir
Vice Chancellor, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan
