With fall’s arrival and winter on the brink, the seasonal shifts are exciting but uniquely challenging for the local population and their livelihoods. With its cool breeze so dearly longed for during scorching summer heat, fall brings along a smog-cover, thick enough to turn the afternoon sky grey and gloomy in mid-October. Climatic changes have only added to the struggles of urban dwellers, whose suffering is just beginning as summer transitions into the short-lived autumn.

As if coronavirus had not caused enough damage to human life and the local economy, dengue has also started its yearly round of inflictions. With a rising number of dengue cases and other viral and infectious diseases rearing their nasty heads in the changing season, the local healthcare system is under unprecedented pressure.

Fall and the upcoming winter spells monetary bliss for many businesses. For Pakistanis, crip air is a chance to celebrate. Wedding invitations that pour in during fall and winter aid the economy in many ways. From small embroiderers to mega fashion houses, and all others associated with the wedding industry are about to experience a significant financial boom all hail to the yearly seasonal transitions which make the weather pleasant.

Locals have developed adaptation mechanisms that help them brave the changing tides; some are affected more than others, but most survive in all seasons unscathed.

Electronics stores too have a chance to earn in all seasons. If selling air conditioning units runs their households during the hot summers, the upcoming winter season will increase heaters demand. Street vendors who sell cooling sharbat in summer switch to hot beverages and soups to accommodate the changing needs of the eager buyers with seasons.

From industry, agriculture to the human population, seasonal shifts promote transition in the conduct of all. Even though the changing weather is a mood elevator, the status quo with all its complications and health-related challenges is certainly quite depressing.

The local lawmakers’ too little, too late policy is only adding to the burdens of a society slowly coming to terms with the new normal. It is high time that those having authorities begin to effectively use their powers, take decisive action to prevent further climatic degradation and develop ways of supporting the economy through disease and disaster.