GLOBAL warming is the increase in the temperature of the earth’s near-surface air and that of the temperature of oceans. This rise in the temperature will cause the sea level to rise. This will increase the intensity of the occurrence of extreme weather events, leading to a change in agricultural productivity, trade, water crisis, glacier melting, extinction of species and an unchecked increase in disease rate.

Global warming in Pakistan presents a grimmer picture as the country depends heavily on its natural resources. Pakistan does not have the required technology and finances to use these natural resources in an apt manner to get maximum production out of them.

Climatic changes taking place in Pakistan add to the gravity of the situation. There has been a decrease in crop yields. Already the country is undergoing a terrible food crisis. There is a shortage of flour and rice all over the country.

To find a solution for this leviathan problem, Pakistan will have to take the bull by the horn. It will have to start a specialised research-based operation to understand and address the deteriorating situation of global warming.

A ministry of environment won’t do. It would have to be a massive awareness campaign that involves pointing out and solving the problem, involving individuals from all walks of society, thus initiating an educational programme.

RABIA ABDUL GHAFFAR Karachi