ASSESSING CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH VULNERABILITIES: A CASE STUDY OF PAKISTAN’S FLOODS- INTEGRATING SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Pakistan has been facing multiple repercussions owing to severe climate changes. The most significant consequences of climate change have been manifested in various forms in Pakistan ranging from heat waves to floods,
droughts, and forest fires. Heat waves are the outcome of temperature rise, while
floods are attributable to variations in precipitation patterns. According to
Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan has been ranked as the fifth most
vulnerable country due to climate-induced disasters. These events,
predominantly floods, certainly have a havoc-wreaking impact on different
security sectors. This research aims to highlight the existing gaps in the
healthcare sector of Pakistan and explore the direct and indirect effects of floods
on an important determinant of human security, health. Lives are lost in the
aftermath of these devastating floods. This especially takes the shape of
displacement, injuries, snake bites and lack of timely service. The paper
discusses the physical impacts of floods that result in the spreading of different
infections (skin, eye, respiratory, urinary tract infections) and diseases (water
and vector-borne diseases). Likewise, this paper also draws attention to the
psychological effects, particularly on children, and the gendered impacts of
these floods which unfortunately are neglected aspects in the case of Pakistan.
The impacts vary from short to long-term, depending on the adaptive capacity of
the affected state. The research will also highlight possible pragmatic
recommendations and propose an appropriate way forward.