Pakistan’s coastal areas to face growing climate risks

Islamabad

Secretary Climate Change Ministry Syed Abu Ahmed Akif said that Pakistan’s coastal areas are most likely to face growing climate risks like storm surges, sea level-rise, cyclones, heat waves and cloud bursts in future.

In his remarks over soaring level of sea pollution he said, “We must realize that the seas provide a unique set of goods and services to society, including moderation of climate, processing of waste and toxicants, provision of vital food, medicines and employment for significant numbers of people. Our coasts provide space to live and directly and indirectly create wealth, including millions of jobs in industries such as fishing, aquaculture and tourism.”

He suggested that these climate change-induced risks could be mitigated through adaptation measures, mainly increasing mangroves forest cover and averting encroachment in coastal areas, boosting network of installation of early coastal cyclone warning systems and sensitizing coastal communities about possible coping measures to save their lives and livelihoods.

“The climate change poses risks for cities near the ocean and could flood more often or more severely, if sea level continues to rise. If that happens, many people will lose their homes and businesses,” he warned.