Environmental threats

Every state pays much attention to its security and the budget it uses for this purpose. In the past, the focus was on traditional security of the state but with the passage of time the concept of traditional security has changed and non-traditional security concept has emerged. Environmental threats are part of non-traditional security. Flood, earthquake, storms and hurricanes are examples of environmental threats.

Nowadays, borders are more secure because of modern technology and invention of weapons of mass destructions (WMDs). But the environmental problems create threat for state because these problems destroy the infrastructure of state and destroy the tourism industry. Environmental threats damage the economy of the state and have negative impacts due to displacement of people. Due to economic burden, the state cannot pay much attention on its national security.

Pakistan is facing a lot of environmental threats and people of Pakistan are suffering a lot due to environmental problems. Earthquake in 2005 and flood in 2010 both were catastrophic. Pakistan has to spend much of its budget on traditional defence due to rivalry between India and Pakistan and terrorism. Due to environmental problems, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate is not good and Pakistan has lost much of its foreign direct investment. Security is very important but an environmental threat can create problems for national security too. Environmental threats are unpredictable not only in developing countries but also in developed countries. Tsunami in Japan is a current example of this phenomenon.

Though these threats are unpredictable yet important precautionary measure can be taken. States can build dams, train the people as to how to react in such situations, plantation of trees and many others. There is also the need for a proper mechanism to monitor the situation.

KHUSHBOO AHMED

Karachi