Adaptation to Climate Change and Mitigation of its Effects in the Arid Region of Pakistan (1961-2015)

Abstract

This research explains the weather and climate fluctuation adaptation and easing of its effects in dry climate region of Pakistan, based on weather data obtained from 40 weather observatories for the time duration of 55 years (1960-2015).The area of study is covering about 77 percent of the entire country, characterized by hot dry long summers and short warm moist winters. Pakistan has been dynamic on international and local scales to espouse a steadfast climate change strategy for the lessening of climate change effects in the arid region. The existing policy of the country, regarding adaptation to weather change in the dry lands, has not fulfilled the obligations and it is required to appraise it sporadically as per the country’s economic, environmental and social desires. The main sectors that call for mitigation in the dry lands on national level are; surface and underground water, coastal management, overgrazing, deforestation, agriculture and livestock, drought and desertification, public awareness, emergency response, early warning system and monitoring, landuse change, waterlogging, energy and power resources, and health issues. The hydrological sector is more vulnerable to the effects of climate and weather changes in the study area. These effects will be reduced by means of fresh hydro-reservoirs, local dams, and waterway embankments to save the existing flow from swamping. It will also bring perfection in the sanitation and irrigation schemes, policy for flood water consumption, appraisal of the hydro-management policy, implementation, research and development funds