Food security is quickly becoming a global challenge. With increasing climate consequences, ensur... more Food security is quickly becoming a global challenge. With increasing climate consequences, ensuring food availability will be ever more challenging. Pakistan's inconsistent weather patterns highlight the negative trend that could hurt food production and raise food insecurity to an alarming level. Food security refers to the condition when everyone in a country or a region, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, place of living, and disability, has access to ample, healthy, and nourishing food. In the given economic disparity between rich and poor nations, diverse agroclimatic conditions, prevalent droughts and other natural disasters, wars, political instability, and forced migration of communities, ensuring food security of the affected communities has become a major challenge for the world. The latest United Nations (UN) figures suggest that over 820 million people around the world suffer from hunger due to lack of access to sufficient, safe and affordable food.
Maldives, the 6th smallest island state in the world in terms of land-area and the smallest South... more Maldives, the 6th smallest island state in the world in terms of land-area and the smallest South Asian developing country, home to over half a million people and three time as many tourists every year, is faced with the existential threat of being swallowed by the sea by 2050. This poses an ominous crisis for over 550,000 men, women and children. Should they abandon their homeland as climate-migrants in search of a new abode. It is pretty much certain that global temperatures are likely to rise at least in the next 2 to three decades. Sea-level rise driven by melting of polar ice sheets, alpine glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater will continue. Even if the present rate of 3-4 mm per year sea level rise remains unchanged, say for the next thirty years, the future of the islanders in general and particularly those living in tiny Small Islands Developing Sates (SIDS) like the Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, presents a looming risk of having to be relocated elsewhere. It’s time for urgent global attention including monetary and technical support from the developed countries to help the endangered islands and their people before they become extinct.
Climate scientists say Pakistan is especially vulnerable to wild weather. The government is takin... more Climate scientists say Pakistan is especially vulnerable to wild weather. The government is taking action but the challenge is formidable.
A case, in this context, relates to the construction of 2 feet wide, 1445 km long East African Cr... more A case, in this context, relates to the construction of 2 feet wide, 1445 km long East African Crude Oil Pipeline, extending from Hoima, Western Uganda, to the Tanzanian port city of Tanga on the Indian Ocean. It has been designed to deliver 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day at its terminal point with the help of 6 electric-powered pumping and 23 heating stations along the course of the pipeline. The pipeline is to be laid about 2 meters below the ground surface by digging a linear trench and ground clearance on either side of the trench for several meters, hence disturbing local ecology and human population. The initial 300 km of the pipeline will cut across 8 districts of Uganda and the remaining portion of 1150 km through 24 districts of Tanzania, while wrapping around a seismically active zone near the southern tip of Lake Victoria.
Climate change is a global phenomenon manifested in rising temperature, erratic changes in precip... more Climate change is a global phenomenon manifested in rising temperature, erratic changes in precipitation and other climate variables. To assess such impacts, climate-growth response function of the Blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) was studied in Galies Forest Division -Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, for the time period 1962-2011. Time function response and impacts of changing climate were estimated on the basis of annual ring-width and intra-ring wood formations. The results showed mean ring-width of 2.54±0.11 mm/annum with mean sensitivity and coefficient of variation of 0.38 and 19.50%, respectively. Overall, a decreasing trend was observed in ring-width. The largest mean ring-width was 3.33±0.31 mm, while the smallest ring-width was 1.85±0.27 mm. The mean intra-ring early wood formation was 75.56±0.21%, while the intra-ring late wood formation was 24.44±1.95%. The highest growth in ring-width and intra-ring early wood formation was recorded during 1962-71, while that of intra-ring late wood formation was recorded during 2002-11. The impact of maximum temperature and minimum temperature on ring width was negative and highly significant (p<0.01) and of precipitation positive and non-significant (p>0.05). The study showed a negative growth response of annual growth ring-widths and intra-ring early wood formation and a positive growth response of intra-ring late wood formation of Pinus wallichiana to rising temperatures. These results suggested that the use of ring-widths combined with intra-ring wood formations enables better assessment of impacts of climate change on tree growth. It is recommended that climate change projections and scenarios may be made an integral part of Forest Management Plans for making realistic wood volume and yield estimates.
This study was conducted in Kalam Forest Division (KFD) and Kaghan Forest Division (KaFD), Khyber... more This study was conducted in Kalam Forest Division (KFD) and Kaghan Forest Division (KaFD), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with the objectives to assess the climate regimes and changes thereof during the period 1965-2015, and their impacts on ring-widths of Spruce (Picea smithiana), along with comparison of the results inter se the two Forest Divisions. Results indicated that KFD and KaFD had significantly different climate regimes of temperature and precipitation. Mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures and mean annual temperature at the two Forest Divisions during 1965-2015 significantly increased, while mean annual precipitation significantly increased in KaFD, but non-significantly decreased in KFD. Mean values of ring-widths of Spruce at KFD and KaFD during 1965-2015 were 1.36±0.02 mm and 1.48±0.02 mm and changes thereof – 0.11 mm and – 0.13 mm, respectively, showing a decreasing trend. The difference in the ring-widths and changes therein in the two Forest Divisions were significant (p<0.01). Correlation of ring-width with temperature precipitation and response functions of Spruce in KFD and KaGD for the period 1965-2015 indicated similar patterns, and were significantly (p<0.01) negative with temperature, but non-significant (p<0.05) positive with precipitation. The values of R2 for ring widths were high, indicating a good fit of the linear models.
With this in the backdrop a world full of over seven billion people, that continues to get repeat... more With this in the backdrop a world full of over seven billion people, that continues to get repeatedly battered by disasters with ever increasing intensity like heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, flash rains, GLOFs, floods, rapid glacial melting, sea level rise, species extinction and food insecurity all proven to be linked to climate change, was yearning to hear good news from Madrid, home to COP25. The global community was anticipating a unanimous and stronger international commitment on emission control within the timelines identified in the historic Paris Agreement 2015.
At the end of second decade of 21 st century, the review of environmental data indicates that the... more At the end of second decade of 21 st century, the review of environmental data indicates that the world we live in is becoming increasingly dangerous for human health at large and sensitive groups in particular. Almost everything that surrounds us such as air, water, soil, and often food items we consume are polluted because of our own actions making large populations highly vulnerable to adverse health impacts in the form of protracted ailments and fatalities. Besides, some air pollutants are directly responsible for global warming and climate change that trigger all sorts of natural disasters unleashing death and destruction on human beings and affecting rest of the ecosystem. Air Quality Index refers to the numerical value reflecting concentration of major air pollutants that include particulate matter, ground level ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide per cubic meter of air. Among these pollutants particulate matter and ground level ozone are considered to have the highest impact and affecting everyone. The AQI categorizes air into six categories i.e. Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very unhealthy, and Hazardous. Higher index value means higher pollution level, hence higher risk to human health. According to WHO air quality guidelines annual mean of 10 µg/m 3 is the safe limit for particles with diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller (PM≤2.5) while the safe limit for 24-hour mean is 25 µg/m 3. The safe limit of annual mean for PM≤10 is up to 20 µg/m 3 , while 24-hour mean is 50 µg/m 3. Common ailments associated with bad quality air include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, strokes, lung cancer, pneumonia, cardiac diseases, dementia, chronic renal diseases and type-2 diabetes.
For healthy life, the availability of clean and fresh air is a basic need of every human being, a... more For healthy life, the availability of clean and fresh air is a basic need of every human being, albeit rarely found in most mega cities of developing countries, thanks to the growing air pollution caused by the energy, transport and industrial sectors. The list of undesirable impurities found in the air that harm human health is large and pervasive. Common air pollutants include certain gases such as ozone (O3),
Maldives-the smallest, least populated and a unique island country of South Asia, is situated in ... more Maldives-the smallest, least populated and a unique island country of South Asia, is situated in the Laccadive Sea of Central Indian Ocean, southeast of Indian Subcontinent. This small South Asian country is known the world over for its heavenly beauty thanks to a serene view composed of blue sea, white beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, colorful wildlife, lush green mangrove forests, as well as tourist attractions like kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and game fishing that help attract over a million foreign tourists every year. Madives' uniqueness is ascribed to its islandic setting into an exceptional constellation of 1190 unequal coral islands in two parallel chains of 22 disconnected atolls-rings of closely-paced small coral islands surrounding shallow lagoons. The atolls have formed over the longitudinally running Laccadive-Chagos submarine ridge and spread over 90,000 km 2 of the sea but just 1% land area of 300 km 2 and maximum elevation of just over 2 meters above the mean sea-level. Maldives is about 820 km long country from north to south and 120 km wide in east-west direction. The 22 atolls have been divided into twenty administrative units. Recent estimates show the population close to 044 million, inhabiting only
Public inconvenience is a necessary outcome of development work as extensive and significant as t... more Public inconvenience is a necessary outcome of development work as extensive and significant as the Peshawar BRT. Criticism of the project, however, stems from how it is being rushed through with absolute disregard for the law, public interest or heritage | Photo by Fahad Ali Unwary residents of the Peshawar suburb of Hayatabad woke up one morning in early March to the noise of a battery of tractors and dumpers. Much to their shock and amazement, this machinery had already begun razing the entire tree-lined belt across the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) building of what used to be the most verdant area of Hayatabad. Named after former PPP Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (then NWFP), Hayat Mohammad Sherpao, Hayatabad was first developed as a residential district in the in the late 1970s. And part of its appeal was the large tree lined boulevards. Despite development over the years, the founding fathers of the PDA had spared the centuries-old banyan trees and various other species in a one-mile stretch along the main service road of PDA building. This not just lent a serene ambiance in extreme weather but also provided a cool colonnade to the public, animals and birds chirping in the afternoon haze. This portion of Hayatabad was developed in 1978 and had a soothing effect on daily commuters. What compounds matters today, however, is the existence of a predatory timber mafia, allegedly working in cahoots with elements of the PDA. For instance, the timber mafia usually marks out hundreds of precious trees at the start of " contractor-consultant " planning around Peshawar and other cities. And in the present carnage of trees across the The urgency of completing the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transport project is leading to a bulldozing of all environmental and social concerns. Fears are mounting that the city of flowers is wilting under political expediency
By virtue of its geographic coordinates and climatic characteristics, Karachi lies in the subtrop... more By virtue of its geographic coordinates and climatic characteristics, Karachi lies in the subtropical zone – a transition between the tropical and temperate zones, of the earth. As a coastal city on the Arabian Sea, Karachi is only 18 m above the mean sea level. Subtropical climates are characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and perennial high atmospheric pressure the year round. High pressure results when the cool air mass descends from the upper atmosphere to ground level and absorbs humidity and long-wave radiation released by land and sea surfaces and condensed. The condensed air masses blow towards the neighboring low pressure areas as horizontal wind currents, making Karachi a breezy city. Predominantly, the wind blows from SW or WSW with an annual average speed of 4.8 m/sec but nearly 36 % of the time the wind speed drops below 2 m/sec at ground level. May and June are the hottest months in the year in Karachi, with average maximum daily temperature staying close to 35° C, with occasional spikes and, to make things worse, the relative humidity remains as high as about 80%, which makes weather condition of Karachi very stressful for its dwellers. The night temperature also rises to a maximum of 26-28° C from May to August. Thus, the overall normal character of the summer months can be described as hot, humid and breezy. The people of Karachi brave the harsh weather and continue with their routine lives. However, health risks of low income families and particularly those who must work outdoors to earn their bread and butter increase drastically, particularly in view of the frequent and prolonged power outages and shortage of water. The ever-increasing population, traffic congestion, air pollution, expanding housing schemes and slums, high rise buildings and almost non-existent green areas usually create a heat island effect in Karachi during the summer months. The urban heat Island effect refers to large urban centres of one million or more people and extensive built-up areas with scarce tree cover. The cumulative outcome of congested vehicular traffic, industrial emissions, higher population density and increased surface area of tall and congested buildings is jacked up in the local air temperature by 1–3°C as compared to nearby rural areas. The heat island effect distresses communities as it increases demand for water and energy, air pollution rises, greenhouse gas emissions are at a higher level, the water quality worsens, and heat strokes can sometimes lead to death. The increase of land surface temperature caused by UHI (urban heat island) effect influences material and energy flow in urban ecological systems. It alters their structure and
Food security is quickly becoming a global challenge. With increasing climate consequences, ensur... more Food security is quickly becoming a global challenge. With increasing climate consequences, ensuring food availability will be ever more challenging. Pakistan's inconsistent weather patterns highlight the negative trend that could hurt food production and raise food insecurity to an alarming level. Food security refers to the condition when everyone in a country or a region, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, place of living, and disability, has access to ample, healthy, and nourishing food. In the given economic disparity between rich and poor nations, diverse agroclimatic conditions, prevalent droughts and other natural disasters, wars, political instability, and forced migration of communities, ensuring food security of the affected communities has become a major challenge for the world. The latest United Nations (UN) figures suggest that over 820 million people around the world suffer from hunger due to lack of access to sufficient, safe and affordable food.
Maldives, the 6th smallest island state in the world in terms of land-area and the smallest South... more Maldives, the 6th smallest island state in the world in terms of land-area and the smallest South Asian developing country, home to over half a million people and three time as many tourists every year, is faced with the existential threat of being swallowed by the sea by 2050. This poses an ominous crisis for over 550,000 men, women and children. Should they abandon their homeland as climate-migrants in search of a new abode. It is pretty much certain that global temperatures are likely to rise at least in the next 2 to three decades. Sea-level rise driven by melting of polar ice sheets, alpine glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater will continue. Even if the present rate of 3-4 mm per year sea level rise remains unchanged, say for the next thirty years, the future of the islanders in general and particularly those living in tiny Small Islands Developing Sates (SIDS) like the Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, presents a looming risk of having to be relocated elsewhere. It’s time for urgent global attention including monetary and technical support from the developed countries to help the endangered islands and their people before they become extinct.
Climate scientists say Pakistan is especially vulnerable to wild weather. The government is takin... more Climate scientists say Pakistan is especially vulnerable to wild weather. The government is taking action but the challenge is formidable.
A case, in this context, relates to the construction of 2 feet wide, 1445 km long East African Cr... more A case, in this context, relates to the construction of 2 feet wide, 1445 km long East African Crude Oil Pipeline, extending from Hoima, Western Uganda, to the Tanzanian port city of Tanga on the Indian Ocean. It has been designed to deliver 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day at its terminal point with the help of 6 electric-powered pumping and 23 heating stations along the course of the pipeline. The pipeline is to be laid about 2 meters below the ground surface by digging a linear trench and ground clearance on either side of the trench for several meters, hence disturbing local ecology and human population. The initial 300 km of the pipeline will cut across 8 districts of Uganda and the remaining portion of 1150 km through 24 districts of Tanzania, while wrapping around a seismically active zone near the southern tip of Lake Victoria.
Climate change is a global phenomenon manifested in rising temperature, erratic changes in precip... more Climate change is a global phenomenon manifested in rising temperature, erratic changes in precipitation and other climate variables. To assess such impacts, climate-growth response function of the Blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) was studied in Galies Forest Division -Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, for the time period 1962-2011. Time function response and impacts of changing climate were estimated on the basis of annual ring-width and intra-ring wood formations. The results showed mean ring-width of 2.54±0.11 mm/annum with mean sensitivity and coefficient of variation of 0.38 and 19.50%, respectively. Overall, a decreasing trend was observed in ring-width. The largest mean ring-width was 3.33±0.31 mm, while the smallest ring-width was 1.85±0.27 mm. The mean intra-ring early wood formation was 75.56±0.21%, while the intra-ring late wood formation was 24.44±1.95%. The highest growth in ring-width and intra-ring early wood formation was recorded during 1962-71, while that of intra-ring late wood formation was recorded during 2002-11. The impact of maximum temperature and minimum temperature on ring width was negative and highly significant (p<0.01) and of precipitation positive and non-significant (p>0.05). The study showed a negative growth response of annual growth ring-widths and intra-ring early wood formation and a positive growth response of intra-ring late wood formation of Pinus wallichiana to rising temperatures. These results suggested that the use of ring-widths combined with intra-ring wood formations enables better assessment of impacts of climate change on tree growth. It is recommended that climate change projections and scenarios may be made an integral part of Forest Management Plans for making realistic wood volume and yield estimates.
This study was conducted in Kalam Forest Division (KFD) and Kaghan Forest Division (KaFD), Khyber... more This study was conducted in Kalam Forest Division (KFD) and Kaghan Forest Division (KaFD), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with the objectives to assess the climate regimes and changes thereof during the period 1965-2015, and their impacts on ring-widths of Spruce (Picea smithiana), along with comparison of the results inter se the two Forest Divisions. Results indicated that KFD and KaFD had significantly different climate regimes of temperature and precipitation. Mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures and mean annual temperature at the two Forest Divisions during 1965-2015 significantly increased, while mean annual precipitation significantly increased in KaFD, but non-significantly decreased in KFD. Mean values of ring-widths of Spruce at KFD and KaFD during 1965-2015 were 1.36±0.02 mm and 1.48±0.02 mm and changes thereof – 0.11 mm and – 0.13 mm, respectively, showing a decreasing trend. The difference in the ring-widths and changes therein in the two Forest Divisions were significant (p<0.01). Correlation of ring-width with temperature precipitation and response functions of Spruce in KFD and KaGD for the period 1965-2015 indicated similar patterns, and were significantly (p<0.01) negative with temperature, but non-significant (p<0.05) positive with precipitation. The values of R2 for ring widths were high, indicating a good fit of the linear models.
With this in the backdrop a world full of over seven billion people, that continues to get repeat... more With this in the backdrop a world full of over seven billion people, that continues to get repeatedly battered by disasters with ever increasing intensity like heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, flash rains, GLOFs, floods, rapid glacial melting, sea level rise, species extinction and food insecurity all proven to be linked to climate change, was yearning to hear good news from Madrid, home to COP25. The global community was anticipating a unanimous and stronger international commitment on emission control within the timelines identified in the historic Paris Agreement 2015.
At the end of second decade of 21 st century, the review of environmental data indicates that the... more At the end of second decade of 21 st century, the review of environmental data indicates that the world we live in is becoming increasingly dangerous for human health at large and sensitive groups in particular. Almost everything that surrounds us such as air, water, soil, and often food items we consume are polluted because of our own actions making large populations highly vulnerable to adverse health impacts in the form of protracted ailments and fatalities. Besides, some air pollutants are directly responsible for global warming and climate change that trigger all sorts of natural disasters unleashing death and destruction on human beings and affecting rest of the ecosystem. Air Quality Index refers to the numerical value reflecting concentration of major air pollutants that include particulate matter, ground level ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide per cubic meter of air. Among these pollutants particulate matter and ground level ozone are considered to have the highest impact and affecting everyone. The AQI categorizes air into six categories i.e. Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very unhealthy, and Hazardous. Higher index value means higher pollution level, hence higher risk to human health. According to WHO air quality guidelines annual mean of 10 µg/m 3 is the safe limit for particles with diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller (PM≤2.5) while the safe limit for 24-hour mean is 25 µg/m 3. The safe limit of annual mean for PM≤10 is up to 20 µg/m 3 , while 24-hour mean is 50 µg/m 3. Common ailments associated with bad quality air include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, strokes, lung cancer, pneumonia, cardiac diseases, dementia, chronic renal diseases and type-2 diabetes.
For healthy life, the availability of clean and fresh air is a basic need of every human being, a... more For healthy life, the availability of clean and fresh air is a basic need of every human being, albeit rarely found in most mega cities of developing countries, thanks to the growing air pollution caused by the energy, transport and industrial sectors. The list of undesirable impurities found in the air that harm human health is large and pervasive. Common air pollutants include certain gases such as ozone (O3),
Maldives-the smallest, least populated and a unique island country of South Asia, is situated in ... more Maldives-the smallest, least populated and a unique island country of South Asia, is situated in the Laccadive Sea of Central Indian Ocean, southeast of Indian Subcontinent. This small South Asian country is known the world over for its heavenly beauty thanks to a serene view composed of blue sea, white beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, colorful wildlife, lush green mangrove forests, as well as tourist attractions like kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and game fishing that help attract over a million foreign tourists every year. Madives' uniqueness is ascribed to its islandic setting into an exceptional constellation of 1190 unequal coral islands in two parallel chains of 22 disconnected atolls-rings of closely-paced small coral islands surrounding shallow lagoons. The atolls have formed over the longitudinally running Laccadive-Chagos submarine ridge and spread over 90,000 km 2 of the sea but just 1% land area of 300 km 2 and maximum elevation of just over 2 meters above the mean sea-level. Maldives is about 820 km long country from north to south and 120 km wide in east-west direction. The 22 atolls have been divided into twenty administrative units. Recent estimates show the population close to 044 million, inhabiting only
Public inconvenience is a necessary outcome of development work as extensive and significant as t... more Public inconvenience is a necessary outcome of development work as extensive and significant as the Peshawar BRT. Criticism of the project, however, stems from how it is being rushed through with absolute disregard for the law, public interest or heritage | Photo by Fahad Ali Unwary residents of the Peshawar suburb of Hayatabad woke up one morning in early March to the noise of a battery of tractors and dumpers. Much to their shock and amazement, this machinery had already begun razing the entire tree-lined belt across the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) building of what used to be the most verdant area of Hayatabad. Named after former PPP Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (then NWFP), Hayat Mohammad Sherpao, Hayatabad was first developed as a residential district in the in the late 1970s. And part of its appeal was the large tree lined boulevards. Despite development over the years, the founding fathers of the PDA had spared the centuries-old banyan trees and various other species in a one-mile stretch along the main service road of PDA building. This not just lent a serene ambiance in extreme weather but also provided a cool colonnade to the public, animals and birds chirping in the afternoon haze. This portion of Hayatabad was developed in 1978 and had a soothing effect on daily commuters. What compounds matters today, however, is the existence of a predatory timber mafia, allegedly working in cahoots with elements of the PDA. For instance, the timber mafia usually marks out hundreds of precious trees at the start of " contractor-consultant " planning around Peshawar and other cities. And in the present carnage of trees across the The urgency of completing the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transport project is leading to a bulldozing of all environmental and social concerns. Fears are mounting that the city of flowers is wilting under political expediency
By virtue of its geographic coordinates and climatic characteristics, Karachi lies in the subtrop... more By virtue of its geographic coordinates and climatic characteristics, Karachi lies in the subtropical zone – a transition between the tropical and temperate zones, of the earth. As a coastal city on the Arabian Sea, Karachi is only 18 m above the mean sea level. Subtropical climates are characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and perennial high atmospheric pressure the year round. High pressure results when the cool air mass descends from the upper atmosphere to ground level and absorbs humidity and long-wave radiation released by land and sea surfaces and condensed. The condensed air masses blow towards the neighboring low pressure areas as horizontal wind currents, making Karachi a breezy city. Predominantly, the wind blows from SW or WSW with an annual average speed of 4.8 m/sec but nearly 36 % of the time the wind speed drops below 2 m/sec at ground level. May and June are the hottest months in the year in Karachi, with average maximum daily temperature staying close to 35° C, with occasional spikes and, to make things worse, the relative humidity remains as high as about 80%, which makes weather condition of Karachi very stressful for its dwellers. The night temperature also rises to a maximum of 26-28° C from May to August. Thus, the overall normal character of the summer months can be described as hot, humid and breezy. The people of Karachi brave the harsh weather and continue with their routine lives. However, health risks of low income families and particularly those who must work outdoors to earn their bread and butter increase drastically, particularly in view of the frequent and prolonged power outages and shortage of water. The ever-increasing population, traffic congestion, air pollution, expanding housing schemes and slums, high rise buildings and almost non-existent green areas usually create a heat island effect in Karachi during the summer months. The urban heat Island effect refers to large urban centres of one million or more people and extensive built-up areas with scarce tree cover. The cumulative outcome of congested vehicular traffic, industrial emissions, higher population density and increased surface area of tall and congested buildings is jacked up in the local air temperature by 1–3°C as compared to nearby rural areas. The heat island effect distresses communities as it increases demand for water and energy, air pollution rises, greenhouse gas emissions are at a higher level, the water quality worsens, and heat strokes can sometimes lead to death. The increase of land surface temperature caused by UHI (urban heat island) effect influences material and energy flow in urban ecological systems. It alters their structure and
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