September is about to end but spells of extreme heat continue to affect the health of citizens. The only sense I could make of the oppressive heat in Rawalpindi this year was that maybe the Earth was running a fever. This scenario highlights the challenge of climate change-induced weather events.
“Of course, heatwaves are not the same; they are in fact, much worse. Science-based evidence foresees many more extreme weather events (EWE) like heatwaves. Climate change triggers EWEs brought on by human-induced activities such as deforestation, overconsumption, and pollution,” says Nayab Ali. “The heatwave that scorched through different parts of the city this year was recorded as having some of the worst effects on animals and humans alike. Birds fell dead from trees, people working outdoors suffered heat strokes, those indoors found themselves unable to function, and there was no respite even after sunset,” says Arslan Haider.
“Living in the heart of the city, we felt as if on a constant simmer, subject to a brutal temperature outside and just bearable inside, sapped of energy, most of us went through the days in a daze. Copious amounts of rehydrating liquids, low appetites, and sleepless nights blur out the most intense of days. Those who could afford air conditioning managed, those without, just suffered,” says Faraz Hussain. “Given that the government knew citizens were at high risk from extreme heat and a lack of cooling equipment such as fans and refrigerators, our city should have been better prepared to offer respite to its citizens in general and vulnerable populations in particular,” says Sheraz Hasan.
“A survey predicted that the city would face two major climate challenges, a rise in temperature and extreme rain events resulting in flooding, both of which we have experienced so far in the first half of 2024. What more proof did the authorities need? If they had the research and the plan of action by experts, then they needed to act fast,” says Hunain Reza., “The authorities should help citizens adapt and mitigate the impacts of heatwaves and the interconnected climate-health risks. As citizens of the city the best we can do is to understand for ourselves how the system functions and how best to work with those in the relevant departments to catalyze the work that needs to be done,” says Shaheer Alvi. Shahzad Naqvi says, “We can reduce heat just by planting what they call green corridors.