Unraveling Lahore's Environmental Crisis: Extreme Weather Conditions and Inhabitability

Lahore experiences extreme weather due to its geographical location in the eastern part of Pakistan, influenced by continental air masses leading to hot summers and cold winters. The proximity to the Himalayas contributes to unpredictable weather patterns, while urbanization and pollution further contribute to temperature extremes.

The climate system exhibits natural variability, and extreme weather events can occur for reasons beyond human impact, such as changes in air pressure or air movement.

Air pressure, resulting from gravity acting on the air, exerts force on the earth. Sea-level pressure is typically 1013.25 millibars or 14.7 pounds per square inch. Changes in air pressure can significantly impact climate by influencing atmospheric circulation, moisture movement, rainfall, temperature, winds, and storminess.

Scientists propose that a drop in air pressure may lead tissues, including muscles and tendons, to swell or expand, exerting pressure on joints, causing increased pain and stiffness. This could explain the prevalence of symptoms like tiredness, fever, joint pain, and bone coldness observed in people in Lahore.

Over the past three decades, there has been a continuous significant increase in carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to abnormal temperature fluctuations in Lahore and globally. This rise in temperature is exacerbating climate disasters, emphasizing the urgency for action to mitigate its impact.

The authorities in Pakistan are not focusing on environmental changes; instead, they are prioritizing developmental and mega construction projects, which are major contributors to the increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane. Construction projects should incorporate plans to mitigate environmental impact, with the inclusion of tree planting as a crucial aspect. For instance, when building a 5-kilometer road, it is essential to plant 10,000 new trees to offset the carbon dioxide generated by the construction.

The government takes advantage of an unaware public, showcasing development projects to secure votes while keeping people uninformed about the potential dangers and diseases resulting from increased pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore is currently at 315, posing a severe threat to all living beings. This escalating AQI indicates that even short exposures to the air can lead to serious health effects. The environmental safety department advises avoiding outdoor activities, rendering Lahore, once the most developed city in Pakistan, nearly uninhabitable due to pollution.

Regrettably, all politicians continue to emphasize mega construction projects such as roads, overhead bridges, and metros without acknowledging the irreversible environmental damage inflicted upon Lahore. These construction projects are tantamount to slow poisoning, posing a grave danger to the well-being of the populace.


Author

Sajid M.Qureshi

Email: sajid.mq@outlook.com
Blogs: https://sajidmq.blogspot.com
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sajidmq

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