Pakistan Glacial Melting and Climate Resilience - SAR-CLIMATE

Addressing Glacial Melting and Climate Resilience in Pakistan

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Mr. Muhammad Arif Goheer is a Principal Scientific Officer, Head of Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use Section at the Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GISC).

Mr. Muhammad Arif Goheer is Principal Scientific Officer, Head of Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use Section, Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC)

What can be done about glacial melting in Pakistan?

Most of Pakistan’s land is either arid or semi-arid and we experience prevalent rainfall. According to current studies, Pakistan’s average temperature will be at least one degree higher than the global average at the end of the century if the global temperature exceeds 4 degrees Celsius.

Unfortunately, this temperature rise is most experienced in the northern part of the country, which means that there will be higher instances of glacial melting. Pakistan has some of the world’s highest glaciers in the Karakoram, Hindu-Kush, and Himalayan Mountain ranges.

In Karakoram, there seems to be a scientific anomaly as the majority of its glaciers aren’t receding as fast as the glaciers in Hindu Kush. Regardless, surrounding communities are quite vulnerable to displacement.

Another thing is the pattern of glacial melt – since temperatures are getting higher in the April-May months, this means that glaciated water that usually comes down to the communities in June is now arriving in April, so we need to improve our water storage. If no water storage is possible, then we can’t use the glaciated water for agriculture and it will go into the rivers, dams, and streams.

We have a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) project now in Pakistan where we are establishing early-warning systems to support communities living in the areas and we are also developing dams to store water for agriculture and other purposes.

What actions are being taken for Pakistan’s long-term climate planning?

Extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and cyclonic activities are increasing in the country, we are still preparing our national adaptation plan.

We are in a forced state of adaptation and impacts are being felt nearly every day. For example, studies predict that by the middle of the century, yields of major crops will be reduced by 20 to 25 percent!

Major interventions are needed in agriculture, especially in water-use efficiency planning and enhancement. We are also focusing on climate-smart agriculture as well these days, not only to increase the sector’s resilience but also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture production.

They also don’t have as much transport infrastructure as they are limited to specific ports as their only connection point with the rest of the world or their territory.

Temperature rise is most experienced in the northern part of the country, which means that there will be higher instances of glacial melting.

What capacity does Pakistan have to adopt early warning systems routinely and effectively?

Pakistan can forecast early weather warnings, but the main priority is keeping communities informed. At the scientific level, the capacities are there, but the actions are not being effectively translated to reach out to vulnerable communities.

When it comes to climate action, the willingness is there. For example, in Pakistan’s recent Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), we have committed that at least 30% of all our vehicles will be electric vehicles by 2030. We have also committed not to import any more coal and 60% of our energy must come from renewable resources by 2030 as well.

It depends upon the support that we are being provided – we need a major transformation in our agriculture, not only for reducing emissions but also to make our agriculture climate resilient. We are ready to reduce emissions from nitrous oxide, fertilizers, and livestock methane emissions too.

Mr. Muhammad Arif Goheer spoke with ADPC at the 26th Conference of Parties (COP-26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

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homolata

homolata.borah@adpc.net

http://www.adpc.net

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