Hunza and Climate Change: A catastrophe yet to unfold
Over the years Hunza has been widely acclaimed for the alluring valleys and breathtaking beauty. It has been a tourist hotspot since the late twentieth century. The people who live in the harsh conditions and yet have a surprisingly greater life expectancy. Several scientific researches indicate that the reason for such an extended life expectancy is due to the organic diet and the simplicity of life that the people of Hunza have been living. But now there are growing concerns about the food, climate and stability of the biodiversity of the region after having witnessed an unprecedented number of floods and other natural disasters whose occurrence has become more frequent after the recent surge in tourism.
Ashaad Karim
1/20/20242 min read
Understanding the conundrum
Hunza valley along with numerous other regions in Gilgit Baltistan contribute enormously to the stability of climate because of being the only place outside of the polar region to contain the highest number of glaciers. Undeniably, the significance of glaciers in sustaining life on earth has to be considered. Nevertheless, the abrupt and unplanned flow of tourists exacerbates the increasing temperatures in the region. More than any other time, it has become crucial for the local populace as well as the administration to take consideration of the issue before it turns into an irreversible environmental matter.
Adversity looming over the region
How can this calamity be controlled?
Despite the widespread outcry in the media by environmental activists, the masses pay less heed towards the seriousness of this subject and take it for granted. This is certainly going to make the natives pay the cost for the ignorance of administration and policy makers. In order for this to be tackled a policy has to be introduced for the initiation of ecotourism and restricting the numbers of people visiting each day to a certain limit.
Contributing to the cause
In order to have a better future, a collective effort is required and public awareness has to be strengthened by being a part of the cause and helping the climate vulnerable regions. To get more insights on this topic you can read research articles and scientific analysis of experts and local organizations who have been working in the region.
The temperatures in Hunza during winters would usually fluctuate between -11 to -3 degree Celsius but this year, the temperatures have been warmer. One can have a better understanding of the practical effects of global warming in Hunza. Moreover, there still has not been any snowfall which is an odd occurrence in such a region at such an altitude. What we are missing is that the entire body of tourism is working at the expense of the destruction of nature. It's important to be cognisant of the long-term impacts of such practices that will only add more to the misery of people who have suffered the devastations of climate change and are vulnerable to more such events. Consequently, the impact of climate change will leave many people permanently displaced and limit the access of all the necessary goods to Hunza, a remote region with limited routes for transport of goods and traveling.