DESPITE much talk about climate change, developing societies have yet to improve their understanding of its dynamics and response. ADB says that Pakistan loses over $2 billion a year on average due to climate disasters, making it one of the region’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

Climate change is changing policing roles. Besides crime, police are now also expected to handle disaster management, help with evacuation, rescue, control traffic, secure relief camps and distribution points, protect abandoned properties, provide public health support, mediate resource conflict, defend infrastructure and maintain order during climate shocks. Disasters increase security functions; police have to protect dams, water channels, power stations, telecom systems, hospitals, relief centres and supply chains. Climate change impacts policing in urban, rural, coastal and mountainous areas. Heatwaves impact public order; power outages and water shortages can result in angry crowds disrupting relief and food operations.

Floods and earthquakes damage roads and bridges, impacting patrolling and further straining police resources. Climate-driven relocations create long-term needs for conflict mediation. In rural areas, floods cause crop........

© Dawn