In Lahore, one of the most visible climate change impacts is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, especially heatwaves and heavy, unseasonal rainfall. Summers have become significantly hotter, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C, while sudden downpours cause urban flooding due to inadequate drainage.
Extreme weather creates several challenges for community members:
Health risks: Heatwaves lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and increased burden on hospitals, especially for outdoor workers.
Economic disruption: Urban flooding damages shops, stalls, and infrastructure, causing financial losses for small businesses and daily wage earners.
Water and electricity shortages: High temperatures increase electricity demand, causing load shedding, while heavy rains contaminate water supplies.
Impact on mobility and daily life: Flooded roads disrupt transportation, schooling, and work routines.
Air quality deterioration: Hot, stagnant air worsens smog episodes, affecting respiratory health.
So far, my community and local authorities have taken a number of adaptive steps:
Increased awareness of heat safety, such as staying indoors during peak hours and using water coolers in public spaces.
Community-driven efforts to clear neighborhood drains before monsoon season to reduce waterlogging.
Shifting school schedules during heatwaves to protect students from extreme temperatures.
Government measures like heatwave alerts, tree plantation campaigns (e.g., Miyawaki forests), and upgrading drainage systems in some areas.
Growing use of rooftop water tanks, solar power, and UPS systems to cope with electricity and water disruptions.