In the development of Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan plays a vital role. This area’s blessed with mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes, and valleys. In this post, we’ll discuss everything about Gilgit weather and climate changes.
The temperature here varies from time to time. Overall, the climate feels pleasant. However, it becomes too hot in summer and too cold in winter often.
For tourism in Pakistan, the best time to visit is winter. Even though, it’s harsh. But for the snow lovers, it’s the perfect spot.
Biodiversity
The biological diversity of this area is rich. Weather in Gilgit affects by forests, minerals, and endangered species. The world’s most significant landscapes occupy by this province. Around 101 peaks above 7,000 meters are present.
Changes in Gilgit Weather: Mountain Ranges
Northern areas of Pakistan crowd the three largest mountain ranges. These are the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindukush.
Glaciers
There are 5,218 glaciers and 2420 glacier lakes here. And 52 of them are dangerous. Well, they pose threat to the regional people. Those people live in the basin of the nine river systems. This is cover by HKH glaciers.
Global warming
Still, the danger of Gilgit Baltistan weather is impossible to overstress. Global warming has threatening effects. This increases the rise of sea level. That results in floods, droughts, and storms.
Heatwaves are another threat related to it. Therefore, this has negative effects on poor people. This is a disturbing food chain. Also, the species, habitat, and ecosystem are messing up.
52 Glacial Lakes
Outside the Polar Regions, the longest glacier is Baltoro Glacier. It is 62 kilometers long. According to the UNDP project, 52 glacier lakes are dangerous for residence.
These are present in the north and Astore districts.
Floods in the area
In June 2013, this area suffered from excess flooding. The heavy rainfall was not the main reason. The changes in Gilgit weather caused the melting of glaciers.
The high temperature led to runoff. This resulted in floods in the region.
Due to severe climate, landslides are another major problem. The water pressure covers the soil and residues. This lets them flow like liquid.
Therefore, this place faced severe flooding in 2010 and 2011. It all happened because of melting glaciers.
Himalayas Retreat
Scientist connects global warming to the occurrence of glacial retreat. It happened because of greenhouse gases in the environment. Human activities are the main reason behind it.
It can be either deforestation or changed weather Gilgit. Glacial retreat is a threat for the villagers of that place. Yet it affects cultivation for their livelihood.
Human Activities
Human activities are the main reason for snow melting. In Siachen, the battle between India and Pakistan happened. It was at 5,653 meters above sea level.
In addition, this war cost 5000 lives with millions of dollars money on both sides.
Since the war between Pakistan and India in Siachen is dominant. Ports and pipelines made for supplying kerosene. Hence, it is causing glacial melting.
Deforestation
According to the record, the amount of forests in Pakistan is minimal. It covers only 4.8 percent of the total land area. Still, this is quite less than average. The average country’s forest cover level is 25 percent. This is due to deforestation.
The natural forests are present in the mountain ranges of Pakistan. So the natural forests are than 60 percent covering level.
Loss of Capital
There is a total of 140 climate changes that have happened in Pakistan for over 20 years. This resulted in 500 deaths every year. Also, the economy of the country is losing $200 million each year.
In the last 110 years, the global temperature increased to an average of 2 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the temperature rose 0.57 degrees centigrade in Pakistan.
Therefore, the sea level rose to 1.2 mm per annum. In 2100, it is likely to rise to 40 mm.
Impacts and Facts
Livelihood
Climate changes became aware of the livelihood. The people living here rely on agriculture for their earning. This option is sensitive to the severe effects of the environment and conditions.
Agriculture is been affected by temperature, humidity, and CO2. This is lessening the food. On the other hand, humidity is causing the outbreak of diseases. These are born from insects.
Roadblocks and lakes are happening due to soil erosion, flooding, and land sliding. Fruit and vegetable quality and quantity are also affected by this.
Health conditions
Another significant effect of the environmental condition is on health. First, it affects by direct exposure to temperature, flooding, and drought. Therefore, the economy is disturbing by crop failure, malnutrition, and famine.
Second, diseases like malaria, dengue, and diarrhea are causing health risks.
International Climate Agreement
The communities cannot respond to such destructive Gilgit weather. The need of the time is a new agreement that covers;
- Promoting energy efficiency
- Renewable energy resources
- Preventing deforestation and greenhouse gases
- Promoting adaptive strategies
