STAFF REPORT IBD: Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average atmospheric and oceanic temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising sea level rise.
These remarks were expressed by Dr. Karim Ahmed, Director of International Programmes and Board Member, National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE), Washington, USA, while giving a special lecture on impacts of climate change on human health at SDPI here last week.
He deliberated that one of the most serious consequences of climate change is its impact on human health and welfare, adding that WHO estimates around 150,000 deaths annually across the globe which are attributable to climate change, as he supported from relevant research example from France.
He urged the policy makers to seriously consider reducing the role of Black Carbon significantly formed from cooking sources in Asian countries, including Pakistan, which also contributes in household indoor air pollution. He said, Black Carbon is now believed to be a major contributor towards global warming.
Other speakers also highlighted the growing global concerns, research initiatives and sufficient available knowledge to accept the changing climatic mechanism with its negative impacts on diverse walks of life over the last few decades.
Ambassador (R) Shafqat Kakakhel emphasized that the state is dysfunctional in the course of provision of resources for the actions needed for foremost adaptation agenda in the country.