Weather worries

The article highlights the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly children. It emphasizes that increased carbon levels and greenhouse gases have raised global temperatures, leading to severe health risks. In Pakistan, rising temperatures, heatwaves, and floods pose serious threats to children’s physical and mental health. The urban heat island effect, especially in cities like Karachi and Lahore, exacerbates these issues. The article suggests that hospitals, clinics, and schools are unprepared to handle heat-related illnesses. Additionally, mental health challenges such as climate anxiety, attachment disorders, and cognitive deficits are emerging in children, especially after the devastating 2022 floods. While Pakistan cannot single-handedly reverse climate change, the article calls for measures to mitigate its impact, particularly by teaching children preparedness protocols for extreme weather events.

Overview

This article provides a critical examination of the health and psychological impacts of climate change on children in Pakistan. With rising carbon levels, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, disproportionately affecting children, especially those in poverty-stricken and urban areas. The article outlines the dire consequences for children’s physical health, including respiratory illnesses and heatstroke, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It argues that Pakistan must improve its healthcare infrastructure, and emphasizes the importance of educating children on how to cope with the extreme weather conditions they are likely to face in the future.

NOTES

1. Environmental Science: Discusses climate change, its impact on human health, and how it exacerbates weather patterns.
2. Current Affairs: Explores Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and the need for improved healthcare and infrastructure.
3. Pakistan Affairs: Addresses the social and economic challenges that climate change poses to Pakistan, particularly in urban areas.
4. Governance and Public Policy: Highlights the necessity for government intervention in healthcare and climate disaster preparedness.
5. Environmental impacts of climate change, public health concerns, and the importance of preparing for future extreme weather events.

Notes for Beginners with Examples

1. Heatwaves: These are periods of unusually high temperatures. For example, cities like Karachi and Lahore often experience heatwaves where temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius, making it difficult for children to stay outdoors.

2. Urban Heat Island Effect: This is a phenomenon where urban areas become much hotter than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and concrete structures. For instance, the temperature in cities like Lahore can be several degrees hotter than nearby towns.

3. Climate Anxiety: This is a feeling of worry or fear caused by the effects of climate change. Children who witness extreme weather events like floods may develop anxiety about the future of the planet.

Facts and Figures

– The amount of carbon in the atmosphere has exceeded 425 ppm in 2023. 

– UNICEF reports that one-third of all children globally experience four to five heatwaves annually. 

– The devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan affected 33 million people, with 670,000 children still reporting mental health issues such as anxiety and stress.

In a nutshell, this article underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to address the health and psychological effects of climate change on its most vulnerable population: children. While the country cannot stop global climate change alone, steps can be taken to mitigate its impacts. The article calls for better healthcare infrastructure, preparedness protocols, and climate education to protect children from the growing threats posed by extreme weather events. For CSS aspirants, this article is an essential read for understanding the intersection of climate change, public health, and governance in Pakistan.

Difficult Words and Meanings – Synonyms and Antonyms