As climate change accelerates, this system is faltering. In summer, the northern regions, once rich with grass, now yield less vegetation due to shifting agricultural practices. Potatoes and turnips replace the lush grasses, forcing Bakarwals to buy fodder.
By Kaif Afridi
In the rugged terrains of Dara Adam Khel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Taweez Gul and his family traverse a landscape increasingly imperiled by climate change. As 24-year-old Taweez guides his herd of sheep and goats across the arid fields, the very essence of his nomadic existence is under threat.
“For generations, our family has roamed these lands, moving with the seasons. We have no permanent home, spending roughly half the year in one place,” Taweez explains, his voice tinged with concern. “But the changing climate has altered everything. Summers have grown unbearably hot, making life in our tents excruciating. Winters force us to migrate to the Punjab regions.”
Taweez and his twelve-member family, originally from Paktia in Afghanistan, have long relied on their nomadic lifestyle to sustain themselves. But the escalating temperatures and shifting weather patterns have made this way of life increasingly difficult. The scorching heat, once manageable, now drives them from their traditional campsites as the intense temperatures pose health risks, especially for the children.
Repercussions beyond immediate hardships
The situation is not unique to Taweez’s family. Across the region, climate change is reshaping the lives of Pakistan’s Bakarwals, a group of nomadic pastoralists whose existence hinges on the rhythms of nature. These changes are more than just inconvenient; they are economically and ecologically damaging.
Dr. Muhammad Nafis, Chairman of the Environmental Science Department at Peshawar University, sheds light on the broader implications. “The traditional migration patterns of the Bakarwals are now disrupted by unpredictable climate shifts. Historically, they moved from the plains of Attock, Haripur, and Fatehpur to the cooler highlands of Kaghan and Naran during the summer months. Their migration was a finely tuned system of moving with the seasons.”
However, as climate change accelerates, this system is faltering. In summer, the northern regions, once rich with grass, now yield less vegetation due to shifting agricultural practices. Potatoes and turnips replace the lush grasses, forcing Bakarwals to buy fodder – a luxury many cannot afford. As a result, the cost of livestock has surged, impacting the broader economy.
Moreover, erratic temperature fluctuations complicate their seasonal migrations. Intense heat during the monsoon season accelerates glacier melt, leading to flooding that devastates pastures and livestock alike. These environmental changes have led to higher instances of disease among both the Bakarwals and their herds.
The repercussions extend beyond the immediate hardships faced by the nomads. Dr. Nafis explains that the wool, meat, leather, and dairy industries, which depend heavily on the products supplied by the Bakarwals, are suffering. The reduced supply from nomadic pastoralists has resulted in higher prices for mutton, leather, and other products, contributing to inflation and economic instability.
Intertwined fate of humanity and nature
The impact on biodiversity is equally alarming. Climate change disrupts ecosystems, affecting a wide array of species. For instance, Dr. Nafis points out that the sparrow population is dwindling. Rising temperatures interfere with the hatching of sparrow eggs, leading to lower reproduction rates and a decline in their numbers.
Disruptions like these ripple through ecosystems, causing imbalances that affect various species and their interdependent roles. The loss of biodiversity not only threatens individual species but also undermines the health of entire ecosystems, which are crucial for sustaining life and economic activities.
Dr. Nafis emphasizes the need for increased awareness and action. “The challenges faced by the Bakarwals are a microcosm of the broader impacts of climate change. We must raise awareness at both governmental and public levels to address these issues. Understanding the effects of climate change and implementing measures to mitigate its impact is crucial for preserving both nomadic traditions and biodiversity.”
For Taweez Gul and many like him, the future of their way of life hangs in the balance. The drying pastures and shifting climates are not just abstract issues but daily realities that threaten their livelihood and cultural heritage. As climate change continues to alter the environment, the resilience of communities like the Bakarwals is tested, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive strategies and comprehensive solutions.
In the face of these growing challenges, the story of Taweez Gul and the Bakarwals is a poignant reminder of the intertwined fate of humanity and nature. Addressing climate change is not just about preserving environments but also about safeguarding the diverse ways of life that depend on them.
