Essay: Impacts of Climate Change-Induced Water Challenges on Peace and Prosperity and the Way Forward

 

Impacts of Climate Change-Induced Water Challenges on Peace and Prosperity and the Way Forward

 

The world has seen enough wars in the past; we have witnessed the devastating toll of conflicts over land, the loss of lives, and the rivers of bloodshed in the name of power and control such as the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Do we want this cycle of discord to continue, or is it time to break free from its grasp? Is it time for us to liberate ourselves from the relentless grip of a changing climate and halt the depletion of our resources driven by our own negligence and ignorance? Or will the world remain silent? Will we watch as lives are lost and futures are shattered, content to let yet another tragedy unfold? Are we, the so-called humanitarians, simply donning another blindfold, unwilling to face the harsh realities that play on repeat every day? Will you turn off the screen once more, only to find that you can’t escape the haunting images, the persistent voices, and the lasting impact!  

As we stand at the crossroads of history, the pressing question we must ask ourselves is whether we are prepared to confront a new and insidious challenge that threatens not only our environment but also our very way of life: the impacts of climate change-induced water challenges. And whether or not water—a resource so fundamental to our survival—will become the new battleground. Will it be the golden egg of the future, sought after by all, while nations collide, and homes are reduced to ashes in the struggle for its control? In a world where climate change exacerbates water scarcity and quality issues, will humanity face a future where compassion is replaced by conflict, and the essence of our shared humanity is lost? Who will be the golden goose protecting this precious resource, ensuring that it is managed with wisdom and equity rather than exploited and fought over? This essay explores these critical questions, examining the intricate link between climate-induced water challenges and global stability, and proposing pathways toward a future where water remains a source of life rather than becoming a catalyst for destruction, loss and despair.

What is peace? And what is water, truly? Is it the elixir of life, the essence of sanity? Peace is often tied to access—food, shelter, and most crucially, water. Water, the foundation of civilizations, is slipping from our grasp in a world shaken by climate change, becoming scarce and unpredictable. As freshwater sources dwindle, tensions rise, economies falter, and societies fracture. Can peace endure if water, this vital resource, is not protected? Or is the true threat to humanity not scarcity, but the inequality that governs its distribution? In times of crisis, we see the wealthy hoard, leaving the poor to struggle. The greatest danger may not be the lack of water itself, but how selfishness shapes its use. Sustainable water management is not enough—we need to change our values, foster cooperation, and ensure water becomes a bridge, not a source of division. Only then can peace, prosperity, and equity thrive, and humanity survive the challenges ahead.

Imagine carrying a guide to survival in your backpack, a map that could save us all, yet choosing to ignore it. Imagine knowing the path forward, seeing the warnings, but turning a blind eye as the world edges closer to collapse. This is what we do when we ignore the lessons of Mother Nature, the rule of conservation she’s taught us through the water cycle. Water flows from sky to river and back again, whispering a timeless truth: take only what you can give back. But despite mastering rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, wastewater treatment, and desalination, we still refuse to heed the call. And when we turn a blind eye to the rising threat, the typhoon doesn’t wait. It crashes through the walls, destroying homes built on love, tearing apart the bonds we thought unbreakable. What remains in its wake is not just loss, but the heavy weight of regret—regret for ignoring the guide we had all along. The answers are there, but if we don’t act, if we don’t embrace conservation and equity in water management, no technology or innovation will save us. The future of peace, prosperity, and survival depends on our willingness to protect and share this essential resource before it's too late.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, fear and uncertainty swept across the globe. Many rushed to grocery stores, hoarding supplies as if the very act of buying excessive quantities could shield them from the unknown. Shelves emptied, and panic took hold, revealing a stark reality: in times of crisis, the instinct to protect one-self can often overshadow the needs of others. Yet, amidst this chaos, we must remember that the true challenge we face extends far beyond the simple act of securing food. Techniques like water management—rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, desalination, and wastewater recycling—are powerful tools that help us conserve and maximize our precious water resources. They stretch what we have, ensuring we save more for future use. However, the survival of peace in this world cannot rest solely on these methods. Peace cannot thrive if the hearts of people remain hardened by greed and selfishness. The real threat to humanity is not a lack of water, an empty grocery shelf, or the scarcity of resources. It is the darkness that festers within—the selfishness, the indifference, the blindness to the needs of others. What kills humans is not merely a disease or a drought; it is the poison of greed that turns a blind eye to the suffering of those around us. Until we root out this darkness, no technique or innovation will bring true peace. It is only by replacing selfishness with empathy that humanity can survive, thrive, and preserve the fragile peace that binds us together. As we navigate the complexities of our world, let us remember that our greatest resource lies not in what we hoard, but in how we care for one another.

Internship at Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)

Internship Experience at Pakistan Meteorological Department: Learning About GLOFs and Stream Networks

In summer 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a place where I was immersed in the world of climate science, hydrology, and geographic information systems (GIS). One of the most fascinating areas we delved into was GLOFs—Glacial Lake Outburst Floods—and the intricate processes involved in digitizing data for better analysis and preparedness. At the heart of our internship was the task of understanding how GLOFs occur and the catastrophic effects they can have, especially in the northern regions of Pakistan where glaciers and glacial lakes are abundant. We learned how GLOFs are triggered by the melting of glaciers due to rising temperatures, and how these sudden floods can destroy infrastructure, displace communities, and significantly alter the landscape. Our role as interns was to help in the ongoing work to map and identify these vulnerable areas so that proper measures could be taken to predict and prevent future disasters.

Digitizing was another crucial skill we gained during our time at PMD. We worked on converting physical maps into digital formats, making it easier to analyze large datasets and model potential flood risks. I was particularly involved in calculating stream networks, an essential part of understanding how water flows through a landscape, and how rivers and streams are interconnected. This process required precision and attention to detail, as every stream mapped contributed to a larger picture of the region’s hydrology. One of the highlights of my internship was working on identifying all the lakes in the northern part of Pakistan. Using satellite imagery and GIS tools, we mapped out glacial lakes that could pose a risk for GLOFs. This work was not only intellectually rewarding but also deeply personal for me, knowing that our efforts could help mitigate future disasters and protect communities living in these vulnerable areas.

Overall, my time at PMD was an eye-opening experience. It not only expanded my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the environmental challenges facing our country. The knowledge I gained about GLOFs, stream networks, and GIS mapping will stay with me, and I’m proud to have contributed, even in a small way, to the important work being done at PMD.

Internship at the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA)

My Internship at the National Center of GIS and Space Applications 

In 2022, I had the privilege of interning at the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) at IST, where I worked alongside a group of incredibly talented individuals on content writing and research. The experience was enriching, allowing me to explore different facets of space science while contributing to something meaningful. One of the highlights of my internship was the creation of activity guidebooks for children who participated in "Space Week." Space Week holds a special place in my heart because it was during this very event in 2018 that I was first introduced to the field of space science. As a wide-eyed participant back then, I had no idea that Space Week would eventually lead me down the path of pursuing a degree in Space Science at IST. That’s why, when I got the chance to contribute to Space Week as part of my internship, it felt like life had come full circle.

Our task was to create engaging and educational content for children, sparking their curiosity about the cosmos. We developed activity guidebooks filled with fun challenges, puzzles, and experiments that allowed young minds to explore the wonders of space. It was incredibly rewarding to know that we were planting the seeds of curiosity in the next generation, just as Space Week had done for me years ago. Working at NCGSA wasn't just about content creation—it was about collaboration, research, and creativity. I was surrounded by passionate individuals who brought fresh ideas to the table every day, and together, we worked on shaping a memorable experience for children who, like me, may one day find themselves pursuing a career in space science. This internship wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a personal one. It gave me the chance to give back to a program that had profoundly impacted my own life. I look forward to seeing the kids' excitement as they explore space through the activities we created, and I hope that, for some of them, this will be the beginning of a journey into the fascinating world of space science—just like it was for me.

 

From Organizing Open House for My Seniors to Finally Attending My Own at IST

 Title: From Organizing Open House for My Seniors to Finally Attending My Own at IST

There’s something surreal about life coming full circle, and that’s exactly how I feel as I look back on my journey at the Institute of Space Technology (IST). Years ago, as a wide-eyed student, I had the honor of organizing the Open House for my seniors—a day where they presented their final projects, showcasing years of hard work and dedication. I remember the excitement in the air, the buzz of anticipation, and the awe I felt seeing the incredible achievements of those who were about to graduate. Little did I know that one day, I’d be in their shoes, preparing for my own Open House. When I helped organize the event, I was filled with admiration for my seniors. To me, they were trailblazers, standing at the edge of a new chapter in their lives, ready to take on the world. It felt like such a distant reality, one that seemed far out of reach at the time. I poured my energy into making that event perfect, not just for them, but also because I wanted to learn from their journey and, in a way, prepare myself for when my turn would come.

And now, that day has arrived.

Attending my own Open House feels like a dream come true, but it also feels like an emotional closing of a chapter. This time, I’m not behind the scenes, organizing or assisting. I’m the one presenting, standing at the culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and countless challenges. This time, it’s my projects on display, my journey that others will be looking up to. As I stand here, presenting what I’ve accomplished over the years, I can’t help but think about that younger version of myself who once stood on the sidelines. If only I could tell that version of me how much they would grow, learn, and achieve in the years ahead. Being a part of IST has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and this Open House marks not only the end of an era but the beginning of a new one. I am filled with pride, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead. From organizing the Open House for my seniors to attending my own—it’s been a full-circle moment, one that I will cherish forever.

Space Summer School 2018

My First Visit to the Institute of Space Technology: Space Summer School 2018

As I sit here, looking at a picture of my first-ever visit to the Institute of Space Technology (IST), a flood of emotions rushes through me. It feels like a lifetime ago when I first walked through those gates for the Space Summer School, just after completing my matriculation. Back then, it was simply an exciting opportunity to dive into my curiosity about space and science. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that one day I would return to this very place as a graduate, holding a Bachelor's degree in Space Science, with my convocation only a week away. I still vividly remember that summer school—the wonder of stepping into IST for the first time, surrounded by other students who shared the same passion for space exploration. I felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself. The lectures, the hands-on activities, the chance to meet real scientists—it all made me dream of being part of this world. But even then, I didn't fully believe that I would ever become a student here. It was just a dream, a far-off possibility. 

Yet, life has a way of unfolding in the most unexpected ways. Fast forward several years, and here I am, reflecting on the incredible journey from that first summer school experience to now. IST became more than just a place of learning—it became a second home, a place where I discovered not only the mysteries of the universe but also my own potential. As I prepare for my convocation, the emotions are overwhelming. It all feels like a dream, one that I didn’t even dare to dream fully until it became my reality. The long nights of study, the challenging projects, and the unforgettable friendships have all led me to this moment. The young student who walked into IST for that Space Summer School could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead. Now, as I stand on the brink of graduation, I feel a deep sense of gratitude—for the Institute, for the incredible opportunities, and for the transformation it sparked in me. This picture, this journey, and this moment will forever remind me that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, can come true.