Climate change likely to increase heatwave incidents

Islamabad: The climate change has caused rise in frost-free days and warmer air temperatures in many areas of Pakistan including Islamabad and Rawalpindi that can cause a greater production of plant-based allergens.

According to a report by the climate change ministry, the climate change is most likely to increase the number and severity of heatwave incidents, which have shown increasing trends in incidents and intensity in recent years in the country.

"Steady and responsible action can help protect people's health but this is not possible without bringing positive changes in our present living standards, which are major cause of environmental degradation and unsustainable use of depleting natural resources," it said.

As per the initial assessment of Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review Mission of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the climate change-related activities are costing Pakistan 5 to 7 per cent of its annual federal budget.

Minister for Climate Change Mushahidullah Khan said climate change not only threatens sustained economic growth and development but intensifies existing political, social, economic and security challenges.