Pakistan's Climate Change Minister Calls for Integrated System to Monitor Glaciers and Climate Data
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, has advocated for the integration of national institutions responsible for climate, glacier monitoring, early warning systems, satellite data, and disaster management. In a meeting with the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman, Malik emphasized the need for a coordinated mechanism to ensure timely data sharing among relevant departments.
He noted that the Prime Minister had established a committee under the Ministry of Defence to facilitate collaboration between various entities. A virtual platform has already been developed as part of these integration efforts.
Currently, different ministries handle distinct aspects:
- Glacier and water systems: Ministry of Water Resources and Wapda (Water and Power Development Authority)
- Early warning systems: Ministry of Defence
- Satellite data: Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco)
- Disaster management: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Malik argued that these systems need to be aligned to provide the country with integrated, timely data. He also mentioned plans for a new authority to handle civilian weather-related matters, serving as the think tank for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
Dr Malik discussed the distinction between glacier melt and flooding, suggesting that while dams can mitigate flooding, glaciers themselves cannot be stopped. He highlighted the exploration of digital twinning technology for better understanding and modeling of climate and glacier risks, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a digital laboratory.
According to officials, as of August 5, 105 out of 115 potentially dangerous glacial lakes had thawed. They attributed limited reliable data on glacier melt in Pakistan to the expensive nature of glacier monitoring.