Summary
Indigenous knowledge is playing a significant role in helping people in northern Pakistan deal with climate change effects like glacier bursts and floods. While the government uses early warning systems (EWS) for disaster response, local residents often depend on traditional methods and natural signs for early warnings.
Key Facts
- A shepherd named Wasiyat Khan in northern Pakistan responded to a glacier burst by warning villagers, preventing loss of life.
- Northern Pakistan is home to around 13,000 glaciers, making the area susceptible to glacial lake outburst floods, especially as global warming causes more glaciers to melt.
- The Pakistani government uses early warning systems (EWS) to help reduce damage and protect communities from climate disasters.
- EWS involves sensors that collect data, allowing meteorologists to predict and warn about potential disasters.
- People in the region often rely on traditional knowledge, such as changes in weather patterns and animal behavior, to anticipate natural disasters.
- Indigenous methods include using signal fires and observing natural signs to communicate danger.
- Reports suggest that snowfall in Pakistan may be less than average, which could increase glacier melting and the risk of floods in high-altitude areas.
