LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Effects of global warming

From the North to the South Pole, the earth is warming. Globally, the average surface temperature has risen by more than 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 degrees Celsius) since 1906; in the sensitive polar regions, the rise has been even greater. And the effects of rising temperatures are already being felt; they are not something that will happen in the distant future. The heat is changing precipitation patterns, melting glaciers and sea ice, and moving animals. The terms "global warming" and "climate change" are often used interchangeably, but scientists prefer the term "climate change" to describe the intricate changes currently affecting our planet's weather and climate systems. These effects of climate change have already been identified by scientists: All over the world, but especially at the Earth's poles, ice is melting. Mountain glaciers, the ice sheets that cover West Antarctica and Greenland, and Arctic sea ice all fall under this category. From more than 150 in 1910, the number of glaciers in Montana's Glacier National Park has decreased to less than 30 today. The melting of much of this ice raises the sea level. Sea levels are increasing by 3.2 millimetres (0.13 inches) annually. In recent years, the rise has accelerated and is expected to do so even more so in the decades to come. Wildlife and their habitats are being impacted by rising temperatures. In Antarctica, where some populations on the western peninsula have collapsed by 90 percent due to melting ice, species like the Adélie penguin have faced challenges. Steps must be taken to minimize the effects of global warming.

Javeria Ahmed,
Islamabad

Agriculture should take centre stage

A whopping 38 percent of all jobs in the nation are related to agriculture, which accounts for a 22.67 percent GDP contribution. Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why the per unit production is so low. The absence of a research and development culture, low investment, harsh credit terms, and a lack of ownership are a few of them. There are also insufficient training facilities for relevant stakeholders, such as farmers. Although the low yield is hurting the sector as a whole, that is only one aspect of the situation. Food shortages brought on by low yields result in rising food prices and a lack of competitive advantage in the exports market. We already know that the cost of most commodities has risen above what the majority of consumers can afford, and that our exports have also plummeted. By concentrating on the agricultural industry, we might also be able to address the effects. By establishing national production targets for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry, the development strategy needs to be upgraded. Technocrats must form a committee to accomplish this. It should include academics and technical experts who should be given the mandate of boosting exports. The first phase should concentrate on two significant agrarian products – wheat and cotton – two livestock products – milk and beef – and two fisheries subsector entities – shrimps in marine water and rohu (Labeo Rohita) in freshwater. In forestry, there should be tree planting and the development of range land. We must improve soil fertility and treat mineral deficiencies at the level of union councils (UCs) in profiles that mention them. Along with prompt seed delivery of the highest caliber, it is important to guarantee the availability of agricultural equipment for land development at discounted rates.

Uzair Majid,
Faisalabad