Asifa Zehra

For thousands of years, humans have built civilizations that continue to be celebrated for their achievements. Among the earliest are the Egyptian, Indus River, Chinese, and Mesopotamian civilizations within these cradles of civilization, humankind constructed the first cities, laying the foundation for urban life. Cities offered a multitude of benefit, greater opportunities for development, improved health outcomes, access to education, efficient transportation and communication networks. Economic growth fueled by bustling markets and business centers. These advantages predictably drew people from rural areas, leading to population booms in cities. However, as cities grew, so did their challenges. The strain on natural resources intensified, and surrounding areas faced increased pressure. Urban planning and administrative capacities needed to keep pace with the population surge. When these efforts fall short, urban growth can degrade the quality of life for residents. Unplanned urbanization can lead to a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "urban burnout." Unplanned urbanization can have a significant impact on cities, leading to increased temperature and decreased economic and social sustainability.

The world is urbanizing rapidly, with more and more people moving to cities. This urbanization process has a significant impact on the environment, including causing climate change. According to the UNDP, Pakistan is the only country in South Asia where urbanization has increased most rapidly. From 1990 to 2008, the urban population of Pakistan was 36% of the total population. It is estimated that by 2025, half of the country's population will live in cities. This rapid urbanization has a significant impact on the environment as cities expand and replace natural landscapes with buildings and roads, leading to what are often referred to as a "concrete jungle." Natural forests have the ability to absorb heat. As cities grow, they replace natural landscapes with buildings and roads. These surfaces do not absorb heat, instead trapping it, leading to a phenomenon called the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. UHI makes cities significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. This rise in temperature has led to cities being compared to "burning ovens." At present, many cities in Pakistan are experiencing a heat wave, with Jacobabad, Sabi, Multan, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Karachi becoming increasingly hot.

The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research reports that the average annual temperature in Pakistan has risen by approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius over the last 50 years, and the number of heat wave days per year has nearly five-fold over the past 30 years. It is projected that by the end of the current century, Pakistan's temperature will increase by 3 to 6 degrees Celsius. Pakistan's major cities, particularly Karachi and Lahore, have been significantly impacted by the urban heat island effect for the past two decades. Karachi, as the largest and most populous city, has been hit the hardest. In 2015, the city experienced an urban heat island effect that led to the loss of 1,200 lives. The conversion of green spaces into high-rises, the replacement of trees with cement footpaths, and industrial and vehicular congestion have all contributed to this effect. Studies indicate that Karachi's temperature can be up to 6 degrees Celsius higher than the surrounding rural areas. Similarly, Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city has also been affected by the urban heat island phenomenon.

Urban expansion and the conversion of agricultural land into residential and commercial areas have reduced vegetation cover, leading to a temperature increase of 3-4 degrees Celsius compared to nearby rural areas. Lahore's standing has shifted from being known for its gardens to being associated with air pollution. In the 2024 ranking of the most polluted cities, Lahore was ranked “second”. Over the past decade, Lahore and Karachi have consistently appeared on the list of polluted cities. The impact of urbanization has also affected Faisalabad, with temperatures in the city being 2-3 degrees Celsius higher than surrounding areas. Similarly, Rawalpindi has also experienced the urban heat island effect, with temperatures being 2-3 degrees Celsius higher than the surrounding areas. Multan's temperature is also three to four degrees higher than the rural areas around the city. These cities in terms of increased energy demand, public health risks and environmental impacts. At this time, Pakistan urgently needs sustainable urban planning to avoid further deterioration in the coming years. Urban heat island effects in these cities present challenges for residents, including increased energy demand, public health risks, and environmental impacts.

Sustainable urban planning is urgently needed in Pakistan to prevent further deterioration in the coming years. Last year, the World Journal published a report revealing that the 100 most polluted cities in the world are located in Asia, with 83 of them in India. This poses a significant threat to the health of billions of people globally. The I-Q Air report identifies Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan as the most polluted countries in the region. Additionally, Lahore was ranked as the fifth most polluted city in the world. People are migrating to cities for social and economic growth, but the unplanned and abrupt increase in population, combined with a lack of sustainable development, has led to increased pollution and people are not aware of how to reverse this phenomenon. “Environmental Specialist associated with the Asian Development Bank Abdul Basit Khan suggested a multifaceted approach combining nature-based solutions, responsible material choices, and sustainable practices are crucial to combat the urban heat island effect and create a more resilient future. One key strategy is incorporating nature into built environment.

Residential and commercial buildings should allocate space for green areas with at least 20% of the covered area. Habitants must begin rooftop and terrace gardening, and encourage the concept of vertical gardening too. He says, unutilized spaces in parks, roadsides and pavements should be identified where medium to large trees with larger canopies can be planted. To ensure maintenance and survival, drought-tolerant local plant species should be selected that thrive in warmer climates. To cater the water needs for maintaining green spaces and also in light of conservation, few tips can be applied. Rooftop rainwater harvesting should be introduced from household to societal level. Condensate water from air conditioners can be collected and utilized in combination. Drip irrigation systems, misting showers, and intermittent sprinklers should be promoted and incentivized to maximize water efficiency. Moreover, ablution water drained from mosques should be reintroduced into parks and green belts.

Abdul Basit Khan emphasis that some physical changes can also be helpful in mitigating reduced albedo, such as, transitions to lighter-colored paints from darker shades on buildings and infrastructure and replacing conventional windows with double glazed glass. Sustainable lifestyle changes also play a vital role, like Car-pooling and utilizing mass transit systems reduce vehicle emissions, a major heat contributor. New architecture must prioritize green building principles, promoting energy efficiency, optimum ventilation and lighting, water conservation, and pollution reduction.” Pakistan has problem-solving experts and successful examples from around the world. Urgent adaptation of cities to current environmental needs is necessary, along with the implementation of new laws. Development projects should be initiated in cities other than Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta to reduce the population burden on major cities.

It is important to open the way for development in existing cities and protect them from the effects of climate change. In addition, it is important to consider opening markets in cities, particularly in Karachi and Lahore, during morning hours to make use of natural sunlight. The government should also promote the use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and establish waste management systems to address waste burning and methane emissions. Immediate improvement of waste management infrastructure is crucial for waste reduction, and transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectricity should be prioritized and exempt from taxation. Effective water management systems, including recycling and reuse, should be developed and implemented. Urgent laws should be implemented for sustainable development, with strict enforcement and proposed fines or punishments for violations. Urban planning should immediately halt the construction of buildings that lack proper ventilation and natural light.

The Smart City Mission in India, which has selected 100 cities for modernization and development, serves as an example to follow. Similarly, it is significant to prioritize the modernization of at least 50 highly populated cities across the country, initiate development projects, address environmental changes, and implement measures to reduce urban heat island effects, It's noteworthy to remember that Pakistan is one of ten countries worldwide severely affected by climate change." Pakistan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 in accordance with the National Climate Change Guidelines 2012. Immediate implementation of sustainable and long-lasting projects is crucial, as there is no time for delay or short-term endeavors. It is important to prioritize initiatives that will have a lasting impact, considering the urgency of the situation and the need for continuity across successive governments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan