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As early predictions for winter in Pakistan this year ring true, citizens continue to battle one of the coldest winters in many years as a result of the La Nina climate pattern and climate change. The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) has now reported a new western disturbance that is likely to persist in upper Pakistan for some time. It is set to cause road closures and slippery conditions in several northern regions, with an added risk of landslides and avalanches in mountainous areas. Just recently, four people lost their lives in Gilgit-Baltistan as a result of a tower collapse caused by heavy snowfall, highlighting an urgent need for resource accumulation to tackle unprecedented weather conditions.
Even cities that barely receive harsh winter spells every year, like Karachi and Gwadar, are experiencing temperatures well below 8.5°C on average. This is climate that many regions in the country are not well prepared for, especially in terms of infrastructure. Pakistani houses are often not well-insulated and can easily enable heat loss, causing indoor environments to feel much cooler. Moreover, the country has a notable population of homeless families that are often left to rely on roadside bonfires which are drastically insufficient in the face of extreme weather.
The Government of Pakistan needs both short-term and long-term strategies to facilitate its citizens and provide them relief in the face of unpreparedness. In the shorter run, it must prioritise safety and security ahead of natural climate disasters, especially in northern regions rife with both locals and tourists. Climate readiness is now needed more than ever, as climate change grips the entire world and brings disasters that countries like Pakistan are not yet equipped for. In the longer run, policies that support sustainability and energy efficiency must be kept at the forefront of all environmental reforms.
