Irked of Searing Climate Change and Prevailing Fragility in Pakistan

Abstract

To,
The editor,
The chronicle of climate change has been going on for
a number of decades with the industrialization boom.
Evidence based studies of WHO (World Health
Organization) from 1970 to 2004 have showed that
mortality due to temperature only, was approximately
160,000 deaths/ year worldwide. According to the CDC
(Center of Disease Control and Prevention), in USA
almost 9000 deaths had occurred due to extreme heat
from 1980 to 2002. Nearly, 20 major heat waves had
been observed from 1980 to 2000 in India. In the year
of 1998, about 1,800 deaths were reported in India and
only 1,300 deaths due to heat waves were claimed1 by
the Government of Pakistan, in June, 2015. However
the data is lacking especially in the subcontinent regarding
the heat stroke mortality. Unofficial reports had expressed
that actual numbers are far more than the claimed figure.
According to a research, Pakistan’s proclivity to climate
change not merely depends on environmental situation
but further significantly on the socio-economic
circumstances and adaptive ability of the inhabitants.2
Core body temperature is strikingly elevated in heat
stroke (also termed as hyperthermia or heat stroke)
usually above 40 °C (104 °F), in the presence of some
neurologic symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness and
disorientation. Heat stroke’s morbidity and mortality
affects mostly elderly, pregnant women, infants, younger
children, urban poor, outdoor workers, malnourished,
pilgrims of Mecca, holders of fasting in Ramadan, etc.
Moreover animals and birds are ignored population at
risk in searing surge of heat. Fortunately enough it’s
preventable in nature. Rapid identification and prompt
aggressive cooling is the mainstay. Frequent water
drinking, working in shades, ORS consumption, light
colored loose dressings and proper ventilation could
prevent from heat stroke.3