The Tale of Quetta: Affected by Climate Change beyond Memory

A city in the cradle of mountains, Quetta, was once known for its snowy winters and mild summers. Years ago, in September, the mountains were covered in snow. Snowfall was not only just a part of the weather, but it was a part of Quetta’s identity. Snowfall used to shape school routines, crop cycles, and daily lives. However, the year 2026 has witnessed a catastrophe of climate change in Quetta. After nearly three decades, Quetta has seen a very small amount of snowfall, but the temperature has dropped severely, even reaching -130 C. On the other hand, summer used to be mild, but now the city experiences harsh summers. That Quetta, which captured the natural blessings of all four seasons, is disappearing. Quetta now confronts a relentless climate shift. Summers are getting warmer while winters strive to experience harsh coldness with little amount of rainfall and snowfall.  

There are many causes of this warming at both the global and local levels. At the global level, the major cause is the increasing level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which traps heat and accelerates temperature increases across regions, including Quetta. While locally, Quetta’s landscape is being transformed by its rapid urbanization and population growth. Furthermore, due to the increase in concrete structures, decrease in green spaces, and unplanned development, the city retains more heat than the surrounding areas, resulting in an intensified urban heat island effect. Similarly, the groundwater recharge is decreased, and the aridity increased due to reduced winter snowfall and irregular rainfall patterns.  

The environment, society, and health sectors excessively experience the effects of this ongoing situation. During the summers, the intensity of heatwaves has increased due to rising temperatures and reduced precipitation. Even during the summer of 2024, the temperature reached 470 C. In the same way, soil moisture is declining, which intimidates agricultural fields and impacts traditional crop cycles. Consequently, it causes reduced income for farmers, increases food insecurity, and produces uncertainty for the future. Additionally, several health impacts arise, such as worsening respiratory conditions and heat-related illnesses. The vulnerable populations, particularly women, are highly affected by the changing weather patterns and rising temperatures. Likewise, the poor communities face the turmoil of these challenges because of their limited resources. The list of affected people is huge, which mainly includes farmers, urban residents, and marginalized communities, as they face health, economic, and environmental challenges. The city’s ecosystem is another affected sector as it is under high stress due to shrinking green spaces, degraded soil, and drying rivers.  

However, there are still pathways to transform the ongoing situation at local, provincial, national, and global levels. On a local and provincial basis, Sustainable practices should be promoted. Through different water conservation measures, the water supply can be increased. For instance, repairing leaky infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, and managing groundwater recharge. Similarly, several adaptation measures need to be taken in the agricultural sector, such as adopting drought-resilient crops, improving irrigation systems, and adjusting planting schedules. Additionally, the general public needs to learn about waste management, keep plastic away, avoid burning waste, and use non-environmental polluting agents. The authorities need to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and ban plastic. Furthermore, they should encourage businesses and startups that bring environmentally friendly and climate innovative ideas. There is a crucial need for community awareness and policy support.  The citizens should be made aware through education on heatwave preparedness, energy conservation, sustainable land use, and water conservation practices.  

Secondly, on a national level, environmentally friendly policies should be implemented. Support the ones affected by climate change at all costs without discrimination and encouragement. At the national governance level, investment should be done in climate monitoring, early warning systems, and water management reforms, which can ensure locally relevant, evidence-based, and effective policies for strong climate practices. For this reason, strong coordination is required between farmers, local authorities, provincial government, national authorities, civil society, NGOs, academia, the private sector, and international bodies. Third, on a global level, Pakistan needs to push for the green fund and support and raise awareness regarding Pakistan’s situation among other countries. Pakistan needs to fight it through modern technology and techniques and shift to renewable energy; for that, it needs the support of the ‘haves’. Likewise, climate diplomats should be supported to come forward and raise Pakistan’s stance globally. 

In conclusion, Quetta’s weather shift is a direct reflection of a global climate crisis, which is evident in its rising temperature, hotter summer, harsh winters, shrinking water resources, and changing seasonal patterns. As a consequence of this, the historical structure of the city is threatened. Hence, the risks are high, but the potential for recovery is too. Through policy solutions at local, provincial, national, and global level, climate change can be tackled at Quetta. Thus, through science-informed policy, community engagement, and sustainable planning, Quetta can adapt to the emerging climate concerns and protect its residents as well as the fragile ecosystem that protects human beings.