The rise in the level of heatwaves is causing tremendous death tolls across the world. A heatwave is an extreme weather condition in which the temperature rises above the temperature zone and averages about 42 °C. The heatwaves make their way to various regions of the world, leaving horrific damage behind. The recent heatwave in Pakistan had such a high death toll that everyone took notice. According to the New York Times, the death toll from heatwaves in Pakistan totaled 800 people in a single event. According to research, there have been 126 deadly heatwave events in Pakistan.
Pakistan is a country in South Asia, and it consists of 4 provinces. It is the world’s 6th most populated country with over 212.7 million people. In terms of area, it is the 33rd biggest landmass, spanning across 881,913 square kilometers. It has 650 miles of coastline along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. The geological location of Pakistan benefits its economy because its land is fertile for crops. The country is famous for its cultivation of cotton, mangos, wheat, and rice predominantly. The temperature of the country averages about 42 °C.
According to “Atmospheric Research”, a study was conducted to speculate the future of heatwaves in different areas in the country using the SimCLIM CLIMATE MODEL The input data was collected between 1995 and 2015, and it was then used to predict the readings. The General Circulation Model (GCM) was used in addition to the 3 Green House Gases (GHG) Concentration Pathways that used the SimCLIM model. The heatwaves were projected for the years 2030, 2060, and 2090.
The results that appeared were horrifying. According to the model, there was an average of 26% increase in heatwaves by 2030, 49% by 2060, and 75% by 2090. Heatwaves during monsoon may affect agricultural production.
Given past and future data projections, it is worrisome, and we can say that the extreme weather events will become frequent, prolonged, and persistent. “In 2015, Pakistan recorded the highest temperature in the entire continent of Asia, reaching up to 53.5 °C.” – (
We ignore the facts of today and leave the consequences for tomorrow. A small amount of effort can make a huge difference in other people’s lives. We should always remember what harm we bring by polluting the air, or that a small amount of prevention can save a life. It is not only about money anymore.
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