There is more bad news for Pakistan. The country faces the risk of flash floods as well as summertime periods that are both increasingly hotter and longer lasting. The way forward, according to experts, is to build more dams while increasing forestation. We must take Pakistan Meteorological Department Director General Dr Ghulam Rasul’s recommendations seriously. Pakistan is not alone. Other countries around the Equator are at risk from dangerous weather patterns, due to persistent rises in mercury levels. New research indicates that summertime is now arriving earlier in both Asia and Europe as compared to any other time over the last 40 years. Global warming is proving ruthless in its impact on ecosystems, agriculture and weather patterns all over the world. Since plant and animal life cycles are critically tied to seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, and light — one alarming result has been increased morbidity and mortality across several regions. Sadly, while other countries have shown seriousness in tackling climate challenges head on — the same cannot be said of Pakistan. We need to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels in favour of sustainable solutions, such as increasing the capacity and number of hydroelectric and nuclear power plants — in short, relying on renewable energy sources. By increasing forestation and building water reservoirs, the government can play its due role in environment sustainability. Domestic, agricultural and industrial waste needs to be recycled and disposed of properly. One of the most pervasive forms of pollution in the country is the growing number of cars on the roads, most without catalytic converters. The best way to reduce motor vehicle caused pollution is by setting up safe and efficient public transport networks. Pakistan has no time to lose in going green. The Parliament has recently passed a law that creates a policy-making Climate Change Council, along with a Climate Change Authority to formulate and supervise the task of preparing Pakistan to adapt to climate change and regulate climate-changing emissions. While this is a welcome step, one cannot overlook the recent experience. In 2013, a climate change policy was passed by the then government, which was shelved. Passing laws to comply with global covenants is easy but getting the enforcement and building institutional capacity are far more complex in Pakistan’s context. The new law creates a central mechanism but the real challenge after the 2010 devolution is to support provinces in fulfilling their mandates related to environment, agriculture and food security. Pakistan’s ruling elites will have to take climate change more seriously. It is imperative that the media and civil society continue to remind the state about its fundamental obligations to the citizens. *