Climate change

The news that made headlines worldwide in print and social media is that at least 82 people have died after heavy rain across northeastern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan this week — flooding caused widespread damage to farmland, infrastructure, and public facilities — which shows how the world is facing the disastrous effects of climate change (“Heavy rain and flooding kill 82 across India, Pakistan and Afghanistan,” July 23, Gulf Today website).

According to the report, at least 10 people have died in floods in India’s northeastern state of Assam over the last 24 hours, in what authorities said was “unprecedented devastation”, taking the total death toll during the week to 36.

Almost the whole region is now affected by heavy rain, flooding, and scorching heatwaves. The news of the loss of precious human lives has now become the new normal. Not a single day passes without reports of heavy rain, flooding, and wildfires, which have claimed human lives in many parts of the world. The world has to realise that, despite many challenges, the most dangerous challenge it is facing at the present time is climate change, which is slowly and gradually gripping the world with its devastating effects.

I am sure the world is capable of coping with climate change and saving the planet from its disastrous effects for present and future generations.

Shahid Khan
By email