ISLAMABAD: Advancement in space technology has led to many inventions that are helping combat the effects of climate change.
In this respect, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) aims to use the satellite-based systems to tackle the climate change effects on the country, WealthPK reported.
Globally, space is a common resource that can be used for peaceful purposes by all. Like the developed nations, Pakistan is also adopting technological advancements in the peaceful use of space.
Space technology can help tackle climate change by identifying the most populated areas and helping to reduce emissions and pollution. In the agriculture sector, it can help improve crop yields through precision farming.
Space technologies can help identify areas at risk of flooding and understand the shifting weather patterns.
Globally, space technologies are providing early assessment and warnings for natural disasters.
SUPARCO is using remote-sensing techniques to overcome the challenge of climate change. Through the use of remote-sensing technology, the commission has conducted studies of extreme weather changes and features of climate change, thus enhancing the capability of authorities to timely and effectively respond to any eventuality. It has helped improve both human and mechanical simulations in order to reduce the likelihood of dangerous outcomes.
The Climate Change Study Programme of SUPARCO aims to provide an overview of the parameters and processes responsible for climate change in order to provide a better understanding of its effects and behaviour.
In order to determine vulnerable areas and adaptation options, experimental and computational studies are included in this analysis to assess climate change on a national, regional and global scale.
Due to the enhanced release of greenhouse gases (GHG) in our outer atmosphere as a consequence of fossil fuel combustion, the earth’s average temperature has risen and the air has become polluted.
Industrialisation in Pakistan has also led to climate change effects with significant geopolitical implications.
According to Germanwatch, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation based in Bonn, Germany, Pakistan is among the 10 countries most affected by climate change during the last 20 years.
According to the Asian Development Bank assessment, Pakistan’s economy loses 3.8 billion dollars annually due to climate change. During the period from 1999 to 2018, Pakistan experienced 152 extreme weather events, resulting in an economic loss of $3,792.52 million with a 0.53% decline in GDP.
The receding Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayan glaciers due to global warming and carbon soot deposits due to boundary pollution are threatening water inflow into the Indus River System. Besides, severe drought conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, are negatively impacting agriculture and livestock production. Decreasing forest cover and increased salinisation levels in the Indus delta are affecting fish population. –INP
