A coastal city in Pakistan is facing a paradoxical crisis – having too much water from the Arabian Sea but not enough freshwater for crops due to an ongoing drought. Gwadar, a city located on the coast, is experiencing more violent waves, tidal changes, and erosion of beaches, threatening hundreds of homes.
Rising sea levels are pushing saltwater inland along coastlines, as observed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Karachi, where the sea level rose by nearly eight inches between 1916 and 2016. If this rate continues, the sea level will climb by at least two inches by 2040.
Pakistan’s agricultural sector is struggling due to less rainfall during a winter that produced only 70% of average rainfall, and a drought that reduced rainfall by 40%. The country needs freshwater for its crops, but the available water from the Arabian Sea is not enough.
The global mean sea level rise in 2023 reached nearly four inches above the levels seen in 1993, making it the highest annual average since satellites started keeping records two decades prior. Scientists have reported the extinction of a local plant species in the Florida Keys due to rising sea levels.
To combat rising sea levels, experts recommend reducing heat-trapping gases and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Individuals can help by unplugging “energy vampires,” using efficient appliances, and installing solar panels at home. By learning about critical climate issues and sharing their knowledge with others, people can inspire action to protect the planet.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/concerning-paradox-playing-along-coastal-103052052.html