More floods, droughts expected in Pakistan

Erin Lankford

10:30 PM

11/04/2010

Environmental experts in Pakistan say that we need to make an effort to reduce greenhouse gasses, the burning of fossil fuels, and deforestation that has lead to global warming. If action is not taken the result could be more flooding and droughts in Pakistan. To prevent an increase in natural disasters there needs to be a reduction in man-made temperatures and forests need to be replanted. The floods were exacerbated by many factors that are the result of human negligence and over-consumption. Millions of people were affected by the most recent floods in the country and thousands have perished. The World Bank estimated $9.5 billion in economy losses due to the floods. There is a very high rate of deforestation in Pakistan that worsens the destruction caused by flooding and causes a loss in natural resources. Global warming causes a change in weather patterns that can bring about droughts, floods, or storms that result in loss of biodiversity and food scarcity. In order to stop further damage to the environment there should be a conversion to wind and solar power and putting an end to unnecessary deforestation.

I covered an article earlier that featured the damage done in Pakistan due to flooding. While natural disasters cannot be stopped at least we have the means necessary to lessen the impact. Since it is suspected that global warming is causing the flooding to cause more damage it seems like the right thing to do would be cut down on the carbon footprint. The environmentalist in the article said that we should take advantage of natural resources such as solar and wind power. While these methods pay off in the long run the initial cost is higher and would probably be the key deterrent for most companies. If the trend of over-consumption of limited resources continues then we face the problem of barren lands and lack of food. The areas that suffer the most of these catastrophes are densely populated and lack resources. Food security may already be an issue that grows worse due to natural disasters coupled with the aid of over-development and destruction from residents. It is good that they know where improvements need to be made but taking action is what needs to be seen. The loss of biodiversity will have an effect on everyone by limiting food supplies and altering food chains for animals. Taking action to limit emissions will greatly improve the likelihood for a sustainable environment and food security. Add to that stopping deforestation and replanting where possible will lessen the damage done by floods.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\01\story_1-11-2010_pg7_6