Mangspecial: Climate Change: Global Impacts and Solutions

Introduction

The Earth is one of the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty, upon which the entire system of life is based. Mountains, seas, rivers, forests, air, rainfall, and soil all combine to sustain life. However, due to industrial development, excessive consumption, and human negligence toward nature, this balance has been disrupted. The most visible result of this imbalance is what we now call Climate Change.

Climate change is not merely about rising temperatures. It is a comprehensive phenomenon that affects our seasons, rainfall, oceans, glaciers, forests, agriculture, and health. According to experts, if immediate actions are not taken, many regions of the Earth will no longer be habitable for human beings within the next century.

Root Causes of Climate Change

Greenhouse Gases
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide act as a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat and preventing it from escaping.
Deforestation
Trees are nature’s “air conditioners” that absorb carbon dioxide. Their destruction increases greenhouse gases and eliminates shade and cooling.
Industrial Revolution & Fossil Fuels
The burning of coal, oil, and gas releases toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Urbanization and Overpopulation
Increased cars, factories, and air conditioners in cities contribute significantly to global warming.

Major Global Impacts of Climate Change

1. Heavy Rainfalls and Floods

Over the last 30 years, rainfall patterns have shifted drastically.

Pakistan (2010 & 2022 floods): Millions displaced, thousands dead.
Europe 2021 floods: Germany and Belgium recorded over 200 deaths.
China 2025 floods: A province received a year’s worth of rainfall in just one week.

2. Cyclones and Storm Surges

Hurricane Katrina (2005, USA): Over 1,800 deaths.
Typhoon Haiyan (2013, Philippines): More than 6,000 deaths.
Bangladesh: Suffers 2–3 major cyclones every year.

3. Forest Fires

Australia (2019–20 Black Summer): Nearly 3 billion animals perished or were displaced.
California, USA: Billions of dollars lost annually due to wildfires.
Turkey & Greece (2021): Entire villages destroyed.

4. Melting Glaciers & Rising Sea Levels

Greenland loses 280 billion tons of ice every year.
Pakistan’s northern areas host over 7,000 glaciers, melting rapidly.
By 2050, cities like Karachi, Dhaka, and the Maldives may drown.

5. Droughts & Famines

Africa 2022: 30 million affected by drought.
California & Spain: Severe water shortages.
Pakistan (Thar & Balochistan): Thousands displaced due to famine-like conditions.

6. Heat Waves

India & Pakistan (2022): Temperatures exceeded 50°C.
Europe (2019): Over 20,000 deaths from heat waves.

7. Snowstorms & Harsh Winters

Texas Blizzard (2021, USA): Millions left without electricity or water.
Russia & Canada experienced record snowfalls.

Historical and Recent Climate Disasters

Pakistan Floods

Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable nations.

2010 Floods: 2,000 deaths, 20 million affected.
2022 Floods: 33 million displaced, $33 billion in damages.
2025 Floods: Severely impacted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Bangladesh

Being a delta country, Bangladesh is highly prone to storms and floods.

1970 Cyclone: Over 500,000 deaths.
Every year, millions face displacement.

India

2015 Heat Wave: Over 2,000 deaths.
Rivers like Godavari and Krishna are drying.

Europe

2003 Heat Wave: 70,000 deaths across Europe.
2021 Floods: €40 billion in damages to Germany.

Australia

2019–20 Fires: 2,400 homes destroyed, millions displaced.

United States

Katrina (2005): New Orleans devastated.
Harvey (2017): $125 billion in damages.

Africa

Somalia Drought (2011): 200,000+ deaths.
Niger and Sudan frequently hit by food shortages.

Social and Economic Impacts

On Agriculture
Wheat, rice, and maize production is declining due to changing rain patterns.
On Economy
Trillions of dollars lost annually due to climate-related disasters.
On Health
Malaria, dengue, cholera, and other diseases are spreading.
On Migration
The UN estimates 200 million climate refugees by 2050.

Islam and Environmental Responsibility

The Qur’an states:

“Do not spread corruption on the Earth after it has been set in order.” (Surah Al-A‘raf: 56)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and a bird, person, or animal eats from it, it is regarded as charity (sadaqah) for him.”

Islam regards the protection of nature as an act of worship.

Solutions and Actions

Individual Level

Plant trees.
Save electricity and water.
Reduce plastic usage.
Use bicycles or public transport.

Government Level

Launch afforestation campaigns.
Impose strict industrial laws.
Promote renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro).
Introduce climate education in schools.

Global Level

Ensure compliance with the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Developed nations should fund climate projects in poorer countries.
Share research and technology worldwide.

Mangspecial

Monday, 18 August 2025

Climate Change: Global Impacts and Solutions