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Fighting Noncommunicable Diseases: The Impact of iTFAs Reduction in Our Food Supply

Zubair Faisal Abbasi
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Fighting Noncommunicable Diseases: The Impact of iTFAs Reduction in Our Food Supply

There is a strong correlation between iTFAs (industrially produced trans fatty acids) as dietary risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); an increase in disease burden, and persistence of poverty and/or economic losses. This correlation is mediated through our systems of governance and public policies. Poverty leads to bad food choices, and unhealthy food via NCDs, increases healthcare costs, depletes human capital, and makes people and their economies worse off, thereby perpetuating poverty and/or economic losses.

It means that if we get our public policies and governance right, such as enforcement of iTFA reduction strategies, primordial prevention, better health, productivity gains, and good quality socio-economic outcomes are possible. Therefore, a robust campaign for enforcement is warranted to help eliminate one of the most harmful commercial determinants of health, i.e., iTFA in the food supply.

iTFAs’ reduction enforcement costs are less than the burden of disease costs

A large number of studies reveal that high intake of trans fatty acids is a recognised risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. Such studies have informed policymakers and implementers, leading to policy developments across the world to eliminate industrial trans fats. Such studies provide a variety of estimates and showcase convincing evidence about cost-effectiveness and the potential impact of iTFA reduction enforcement, indicating it can prevent thousands of ischaemic heart disease-related deaths.

With healthcare cost-savings, the studies estimate that the iTFA reduction benefits to health and the economy outweigh implementation and enforcement costs. Such studies[1] conducted in low- and middle-income countries, alongside other analyses in high-income nations, also suggest that eliminating industrial trans fats can be a cost-effective or even cost-saving strategy for reducing NCDs, especially ischaemic heart disease.

Let us have a detailed, deep-down reading into the issue of iTFAs in ghee, and the need to move from policy to enforcement.

iTFAs: A Dietary Risk Factor called “Silent Killer”

Empirical evidence from scientific research and credible institutions such as World Health Organization (WHO)[2], suggests that dietary risk factors and practices such as oils and fats (specially with higher than 2 percent of industrially produced trans fatty acids), consumption of higher levels of added sugars, and sodium are responsible for increasing rates of many non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

There is a strong correlation between iTFAs (industrially produced trans fatty acids) as dietary risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Credit: ncd.punjab.gov.pk
There is a strong correlation between iTFAs (industrially produced trans fatty acids) as dietary risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Credit: ncd.punjab.gov.pk

These diseases include, but are not limited to, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, and other chronic diseases in the  Pakistani population. Pakistan’s trans-fat intake is estimated to be the 2nd highest in the WHO-EMRO region at nearly six percent of daily energy intake, leading to a higher vulnerability risk of coronary heart disease. Recent research studies have highlighted that the consumption of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs) causes detrimental effects on human health.

Higher consumption of trans fats (>1% of total energy intake) is associated with increased risk of diet-related non-communicable Diseases (NCDs). Pakistan’s high TFA consumption is directly linked to a high rate of mortality due to heart disease (29.1% of deaths)[1].

It must be mentioned that a review of research on TFA content in industrially produced foods in Pakistan, conducted by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C) and WHO Pakistan demonstrates that the major contributors to trans fats’ consumption in Pakistan are vanaspati ghee 14.2% – 34.3%, margarine and fat spreads 11.5% – 34.8% and bakery shortening 7.3% – 31.7%[2].

Shifting disease burden

It is estimated that in the next 25 years, there will be a continued shift in disease burden from communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases to non-communicable diseases[3]. Pakistan will not be an exception, and it is the most opportune time to understand the gravity of the situation, and a well-coordinated multi-institutional response is generated to provide health security to the citizens of the country. Let us have a look at the NCD situation in the country.

The overweight, obesity, and diet-related NCDs are on the rise in Pakistan.

Obesity: The National Nutrition Survey 2018 confirmed that the prevalence of overweight among children under five has almost doubled from 2011 to 2018. Similarly, obesity and overweight increased in women of reproductive age from 28 to 38 percent from 2011 to 2018. According to the NCDs STEPS Survey 2014-2015, more than four out of ten adults (41.3%) were obese or overweight.

Diabetes: According to the 10th edition of the International Diabetes Federation[4] (IDF) 2021 Diabetes Atlas, Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of type 2 diabetes worldwide, with more than 36 million cases, with an additional 11 million termed as pre-diabetic. With 30% prevalence amongst the adult population, every third adult Pakistani is diabetic.

Disabilities and deaths

Apart from various behavioural influences on productivity and increases in the number of sick days, lower limb amputation is one of the disabilities that can strike diabetics. In Pakistan, amputation is increasing at an alarming rate, and more than 35 people go through this amputation, and nearly 600,000 people might have lost their lower limbs[5]. These unhealthy conditions of the Pakistani population are manifested in causes of mostly premature deaths.

It is estimated that around 6/10 deaths are contributed to by NCDs (WHO, 2016), and 3/10 deaths are contributed to by CVDs (WHO, 2016). With 37 percent of adults having hypertension, cardiovascular diseases stand among the top killers of Pakistanis, with 29 percent contribution in the total NCD-related deaths in the country (WHO, 2016).

iTFAs. Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of type 2 diabetes worldwide, with more than 36 million cases.
Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of type 2 diabetes worldwide, with more than 36 million cases. Credit: Unsplash

Economic cost of the rising disease burden

Such high prevalence rates of these conditions and the heavy burden of disease, disability, and deaths they can cause threaten to generate a devastating financial burden for the country, overwhelming health services, and undermining its economic and social well-being. Urgent action is, therefore, needed to tackle this alarming and escalating problem. If no immediate policy action is taken, several people living with diabetes will reach 62 million by 2045.

The IDF estimated $2640 million as the expenditure on diabetes in 2021 in Pakistan. In 2015, the annual cost of obesity was estimated to be PKRs 428 billion by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics. It must be noted that NCDs are usually comorbidities, and the cost of treating a diabetic is way higher than a non-diabetic.

Perpetuating Poverty/Economic Losses Vs the Job Creation Argument

NCDs and poverty, and/or economic losses, are central to understanding the problem. Many recent research studies[6] reveal, “the concentration of the burden of diseases among households is in lower socioeconomic strata”. “As a result, the poor are forced to borrow and sell out assets to meet healthcare needs.

Furthermore, the financial strain not only adversely affects the quality of life of ailing persons but also make their caretakers face the brunt of the reallocation of time and spending, often pushing families under debt burden and impoverishment”, the authors add. One of the conclusions of the aforementioned study is that “ever-increasing out-of-pocket expenditures are one of the crucial determinants of poverty”.

Such research and evidence from across the globe reveal that the job creation argument of iTFA-producing industry is not convincing since iTFAs in food supply add enormously to the burden of disease, and it outweighs the benefits of job creation. Moreover, with iTFA elimination, even better jobs and healthy workforce can be developed. This will make people and the economies better off as a result on iTFA reduction campaign.

The Case of iTFAs Reduction for Better Health Outcomes is Strong

Argentina: iTFA elimination is associated with an estimated annual 1.3-6.3% reduction in coronary heart disease events[1].

Denmark: In the three years following the implementation of an iTFA limit in 2004, cardio-vascular disease (CVD) mortality decreased 3.2% about comparable countries that had not introduced iTFA regulation[1].

England and Wales: iTFA elimination across the two countries is estimated to result in around 1,600 fewer deaths and 4,000 fewer hospital admissions per year[1].

New York: Counties in the state of New York with restrictions on iTFA saw 7.8% fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks between 2007 and 2013 than counties without restrictions[1].

 

Countries already eliminating iTFAs from their food supply have seen substantial health benefits. It is estimated that iTFAs elimination in all countries worldwide could save 17 million lives by 2040[7].

iTFAs: From Policy to Enforcement Case!

Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has adopted a 2 percent iTFA limit to six items during the 43rd National Standards Committee (NSC) meeting (dated: June 23, 2023) and subsequent notification No. PSQCA/SDC-2/NSCAF/2023 (dated: 26th July 2023). Its adoption is a step in the right direction.

The above-referred standard sets a less than 2 percent iTFA limit for various products (i.e., for Vanaspati ghee, margarines, bakery fats, bakery wares, bread rusk, and biscuits). In addition, PSQCA has formulated Pakistan Standard 5462-2025 on March 25, 2025, which limits iTFAs in all foods.

This is the time to undertake a strong enforcement action because the iTFA reduction enforcement costs are lower than the burden of disease costs, and:

  • The PSQCA notification and PS: 221-2023 must be enforced using the REPLACE framework of the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Food authorities and PSQCA must develop monitoring plans and start an enforcement campaign.
  • Pakistan must try to be listed in the top six countries that have iTFAs reduction policies, and also strong plans to implement and monitor them. It requires validation from the WHO.

References:

  1. Marklund M, Aminde LN, Wanjau MN, et al. Estimated health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of eliminating industrial trans­ fatty acids in Nigeria: cost-­ cost-effectiveness analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2024;9:e014294. doi:10.1136/ bmjgh-2023-014294
  2. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/259519/emropub_2017_20141.pdf?seque
  3. Pakistan Health Data, 2017. http://www.healthdata.org/pakistan
  4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343084875_Understanding_the_complexities_of_prevalence_of_trans_fat_and_its_control_in_food_supply_in_Pakistan
  5. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00685-8/fulltext
  6. https://diabetesatlas.org/data/en/country/150/pk.html
  7. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2337382/diabetic-amputations-rising-at-alarming-rate
  8. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-18320-4
  9. Kontis V et al. Three Public Health Interventions Could Save 94 Million Lives in 25 Years. Circulation. 2019;140(9):715-25. doi: 10.1161/ CIRCULATIONAHA.118.038160.

Also, read: Food trends in South Asia

Failing Science in Pakistani Schools— Punishing Curiosity and Encouraging Rote Learning

Zoha Imran
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Failing Science in Pakistani Schools— Punishing Curiosity and Encouraging Rote Learning

Many children grow up full of wonder, asking questions like: Why is the sky blue? Why do we live on Earth and not on another planet? Does anybody live out there? What are stars, and why do they shine? These innocent yet profound questions are often met with silence or dismissed. However, if answered with care, they can ignite a lifelong curiosity. Sadly, in Pakistan, that spark is too often dimmed before it can grow. Science becomes something distant and difficult, disconnected from the child’s world, rather than a way to explore it.

My cousin Mihal, a curious primary schooler, once flipped through my space encyclopedia, his eyes lighting up at pictures of spacecraft, planets, and moons. His questions multiplied as he learned about constellations and stellar asterisms from me. During the recent planetary parade, excited after hearing about it in class, he tried spotting it in the sky but could not, so he came to me.

When I pointed it out, he stared in awe and asked, “What do I need to study to learn about these things?” I told him, “Physics—and more precisely, astronomy and astrophysics.” His excitement made me smile, but deep down, I felt a familiar heaviness. I knew the path he admired was full of hurdles here, especially for those who dream of studying the natural sciences in Pakistan. That spark of curiosity often meets discouragement at home and in society and, later, negligence at higher levels

But Mihal’s excitement is a sharp contrast to what most science students face across Pakistan. To dream of a scientifically aware society, we must first face the deep cracks in our system. While other countries nurture curiosity and critical thinking from the ground up, ours often shuts it down. Pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and rote learning dominate—even our classrooms feed into it.

Science is rarely taught as a way to understand the world. It has reduced to dry definitions and recycled questions like “Write a note on…” or “List the types of…”—killing the joy and wonder at its core. The spark—the why and how—is missing entirely.

This approach weakens scientific understanding and also discourages students from seeing science as something relevant, engaging, or empowering. As a result, we often find students scoring above 90 percent yet unable to grasp the essence of the concepts they have memorized. This is not about capability—it is a failure of how we approach science in our schools. The system rewards rote learning and punishes curiosity. From its very foundation, the system is a blow to scientific thinking and rational discourse in Pakistan.

Another critical barrier is the language gap between students, textbooks, and educators. Scientific education is primarily delivered in English—a language many students struggle with and in which many teachers themselves are not fluent. This disconnect makes it difficult for students to internalize complex ideas, turning science subjects into a string of unfamiliar terms rather than a living, understandable subject. When science feels foreign and intimidating, it becomes something to fear.

science
Instead of being treated as a tool to understand the universe, it’s reduced to guesswork, spectacle, or mysticism. This erodes the credibility of science in the eyes of young minds. Photo: DAWN.COM

Some of the classroom experiences I have personally witnessed—or heard about from others—are both shocking and disheartening. In one instance, an educator outright denied the moon landing, telling a class of 11th-grade students, “America can make great movies and has the absolute best editing staff in Hollywood. The moon landing is a pure piece of cinema distributed to the world to believe it.”

This is not an isolated case. Many teachers veer into pseudoscience, explaining paranormal entities through physics and suggesting ways to extract energy from spirits (Pakistan’s Pseudoscience Menace, n.d.).When authoritative figures in education present such narratives, students absorb misinformation as fact and begin to lose trust in scientific reasoning.

These statements might sound absurd, but they reveal a deeper issue: science is often misunderstood, misrepresented, or even ridiculed in classrooms. Instead of being treated as a tool to understand the universe, it’s reduced to guesswork, spectacle, or mysticism. This erodes the credibility of science in the eyes of young minds.

Authorities must urgently revise curricula and textbooks using clear, accessible English. Teachers need proper training, and science classrooms must foster objectivity. Students should be encouraged to ask questions and explore how and why the world works. To be fair, not all educators add to the problem—many are passionate and well-informed, striving to spark curiosity. But their efforts often get buried under systemic flaws and institutional neglect.

There must be an abundance of science outreach programs in schools and universities—open exhibitions, museums, and innovation festivals to ignite curiosity. International examples like the World Science Festival, Berlin Science Week, Deutsches Museum in Munich, and The Exploratorium in San Francisco show how interactive exhibits can engage audiences. Pakistan should also celebrate its scientific figures, not just in academic circles but through mainstream media, making their work accessible and relatable. Science must be promoted through public events, lectures, and discussions, not distorted by pseudoscientific narratives. Most crucially, a shift in the public mindset is needed; without it, the situation will remain stagnant or worsen.

Despite setbacks, Pakistan has passionate individuals working tirelessly to promote science, many doing so for free. Dr. Sabieh Anwar, through the Khwarizmi Science Society, organizes events like the Lahore Science Mela, leads engaging outreach programs, and makes his LUMS lectures open-source and freely available on YouTube. Quantum mechanics, famously elusive and counterintuitive, feels approachable and exciting in his hands. (Quantum Physics for Beginners – LUMSx, n.d.)

He also played a key role in establishing  Single Photon Lab, Pakistan’s first quantum optics lab for teaching and research—an interdisciplinary space blending optics, data processing, and embedded systems to support hands-on learning in quantum science (Physlab’s Single Photon Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Lab – PhysLab, 2019).

Then there’s Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, whose lifelong commitment to academia, social activism, and scientific discourse, as exemplified through his platform The Black Hole, continues to spark critical conversations (“The Black Hole (Community Center),” 2024).

Mr. Adeel Imtiaz, through his YouTube channel Takhti, simplifies complex topics in Urdu for the layperson. Dr. Salman Hameed creates engaging astronomical content and insightful podcasts that encourage meaningful scientific discussions. He founded Kainaat Studios, where he produces astronomy videos for children as part of the “Kainaat Kids” project. These videos play a crucial role in fostering children’s interest in astronomy and are now being presented in schools across Punjab.

Dr. Jibran Rashid, a member of QWorld, has been teaching the basics of quantum computing and quantum programming to countless students, again, free of cost.

Dr. Qadeer Qureshi runs a Facebook group “Science ki Duniya”, where he answers questions and sparks conversations about science—all in Urdu. This is a Urdu speaking community of millions across Pakistan and abroad where science presents in a simple but powerful way. By using mother  language, he’s helping science reach where it matters most.

I would also like to give due credit to Scientia Pakistan, the very platform where I am writing. It plays a crucial role in popularizing science by providing a space for individuals to share knowledge and spread scientific ideas. Through its written content and internships, Scientia offers opportunities for people to get involved in science communication and develop skills in science journalism, making a valuable contribution to science education in Pakistan.

While the world races ahead in developing new technologies, people like these are quietly working in the background, doing whatever they can to help others keep pace. Their efforts, though often overlooked, are rays of hope in a system that desperately needs reform. But we cannot rely on individuals alone. A widespread cultural shift is essential—one that values curiosity over conformity, reason over superstition, and education over rote.

Science must not remain confined to textbooks or elite institutions. It needs to spill into our homes, streets, media, and everyday conversations. Only then can we build a future where scientific thinking thrives and the next generation grows up not just memorizing facts but questioning boldly, wondering freely, and understanding deeply.

References: 

  1. Pakistan’s pseudoscience menace. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/pakistans-pseudoscience-menace-1.1927430
  2. Physlab’s Single Photon Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Lab—PhysLab. (2019, September 20). https://physlab.org/qmlab/
  3. The Black Hole (community center). (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Black_Hole_(community_center)&oldid=1215570453
  4. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar | Khwarizmi Science Society. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://khwarizmi.org/profile/muhammad-sabieh-anwar/
  5. Quantum Physics for Beginners—LUMSx. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://lumsx.lums.edu.pk/quantum-physics-for-beginners /

More from the Author: Gaia BH3: The Colossal Black Hole Next Door

Viral Oncotherapy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

Ayesha Noreen
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Viral Oncotherapy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy have been proven effective at treating cancer, but these therapies can be the cause of many side effects and the risk of recurrence. Recently, an interesting new treatment approach, called viral oncotherapy (also sometimes called oncolytic virotherapy), has been developed.

This revolutionary approach is based on genetically engineered viruses that attack cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue. Currently, its clinical trials have shown some promising results, and it looks like a first step towards revolutionizing cancer treatment.

Oncolytic virotherapy is the use of genetically engineered viruses that are designed to attack and kill cancer cells in particular. The viruses are introduced into cancer cells and then replicate inside them until they rupture ( it’s called oncolysis ), which destroys the cancer cells and encourages the immune system to recognize remaining tumor cells and attack those cancer cells.

How does viral oncotherapy work?

Unlike chemo and radiation, which kill healthy cells, oncolytic viruses are designed to attack cancer cells. That’s because cancer cells have weakened antiviral defenses; they are more prone to infection by the virus, while normal cells don’t get infected because they do not replicate in them.

oncotherapy
Oncolytic viruses attack cancer cells ( but not normal cells ) and multiply inside the cancer cell and destroy it, and then release particles that help the body fight the tumor. Photo Credit: Crown bio.com                                                               

Dr. Jane Smith, a leading oncologist, says, “Oncolytic viruses work much like smart bombs—they find cancer tumors and kill them without causing collateral damage to healthy tissue – and that’s what makes viral oncotherapy so exciting. One of the most exciting aspects of viral oncotherapy is that it works right in patients’ bodies.”

Dr Jane explains it with the case of John Doe, 45 years old, a melanoma patient, who took part in a clinical trial for T-VEC, the first FDA-approved oncolytic virus therapy. After receiving injections of the modified herpes virus directly into his tumors, John saw significant tumor shrinkage and improved survival rates.

“I was skeptical at first, but the treatment worked better than I imagined,” said John. “It gave me hope when I thought I had none left. 

Current  Clinical Trials and Research

Viral oncotherapy is currently under clinical trialls globally, showing encouraging results in different cancer types. Several of them are outlining below:

T-VEC for Melanoma

T-VEC is a modified herpes simplex virus. It is the first oncolytic viral therapy approved by the FDA, and is extremely effective in treating advanced melanoma (resulting in both tumor shrinkage as well as improved immune responses).

Systemic Oncolytic Virotherapy

Intravenous delivery of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) can help in the treatment of cancers that have spread throughout the body. Earlier phase trials have shown that intravenous administration of VSV can lead to remission in some patients with refractory cancers. (Cancer that resists treatment and fails to respond or stop progressing)

Global Trials

With Clinical trials, scientists from the United States, China, and the United Kingdom are trying to find the use of oncolytic viruses for pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, to expand the use of viral oncotherapy to other types of cancers.

Dr Emily Carter, a researcher in oncolytic virotherapy, says, “The results from these trials are wonderful, ” she said. “We’re seeing patients who had no other options in life take a big step forward in cancer treatment.”

The Future: A World Without Cancer?

What if cancer were eradicated by viral oncotherapy in the future? That’d be pretty cool, right? That would probably be considered a bit of a sci-fi fantasy, but researchers aren’t holding their breath. And some are even looking into using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create extraordinarily precise viruses that can respond more efficiently to mutations in cancer cells in real time.

Another interesting way to do this is with nanotechnology to inject oncolytic viruses directly into tumors. That means nanoparticles carrying the virus would be injected into the bloodstream to act like tiny drones, seeking out and destroying cancerous cells.

Challenges and what’s next

Viral oncotherapy faces some challenges; every individual’s body reacts differently to the viruses, so treatment plans require additional information to be tailored to each individual. Scientists are also working on ways to help the viruses go deeper into tumors without being broken down by the immune system.

These treatments require several years of trial to clinically approved as widely available treatments for cancer patients. But Sarah Blagden, an oncologist at the University of Oxford, believes the future is bright; “With advances in genetic engineering, we’re on the cusp of making viral oncotherapy a standard option for many cancer patients.”

References:

Similar articles: Waging a war against cancer using our fighter cells

Journey through Time and Space —The Revolutionary Role of Telescopes in Astronomy

Bisma Ishaq
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Journey through Time and Space —The Revolutionary Role of Telescopes in Astronomy

Humanity had gazed skyward at the vast expanse of stars and planets for millennia. Yet the true nature of the universe remained shrouded in mystery. This all changed with the invention of the telescopes, which served as transformative tools that became our cosmic eye and altered the landscape of astronomical discovery.

Most astronomers use telescopes on the ground to look through the Earth’s atmosphere to see into space.      The atmosphere blocks out light from part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. These telescopes offer a clear view of the night sky, allowing for capturing stunning celestial phenomena and collecting valuable data. ([1], n.d.)

Discovery of Galileo Galilei

In the 17th century, he improved his telescope and witnessed the previously unseen craters on the Moon, four moons of Jupiter (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), and sunspots on our host star. These discoveries challenged the prevailing geocentric model, where Earth was believed to be the center of the universe. Galileo’s observations supported the heliocentric model, placing the Sun at the center of our solar system. ([2]

Perhaps the most groundbreaking discovery made with a ground-based telescope was achieved by Edwin Hubble in 1929. By observing distant galaxies, he noticed their light redshifted, indicating they were moving away from Earth.

This realization led to the theory of the expanding universe and resulted in the formulation of the Big Bang theory, which is our current understanding of the universe’s origin.

The Role of Radio Telescopes

Radio telescopes like the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) play a crucial role in cosmic exploration. Unlike optical telescopes that detect visible light, radio telescopes pick up on the faint radio waves emitted by objects in space, including:

Interstellar Gas and Dust Clouds

These clouds, invisible to optical telescopes, are crucial sites for star and planet formation. By observing them, ALMA observes the hidden processes of stellar nurseries. It also discovered a supermassive black hole in the Messier 87 galaxy. ([3], n.d.)

space
The first image of the black hole

Exoplanetary atmospheres

Radio telescopes detect molecules in the atmospheres of exoplanets, potentially hinting at the presence of conditions suitable for life. The large exoplanet TVLM 513b was discovered in 2020. ([4]

Giant Leaps with the Very Large Telescope (VLT)

With its four-unit telescope working together, the VLT is one of Earth’s most powerful optical telescopes. This ground-based marvel has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, including:

Formation of Galaxies

Detailed observations of distant galaxies by the VLT have provided insights into the early universe and the processes that led to the formation of galactic structures. Chile’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) discovered a cluster of 20 galaxies. ([5]

Universe with Space Telescopes

Space-based telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) offer unparalleled advantages as they operate above Earth’s atmosphere; they are free from light pollution, atmospheric distortions, and the limitations of the visible light spectrum.

JWST has more resolution and can observe infrared light of longer wavelengths than HST. This allows them to peer deeper into space and observe objects invisible from Earth.

Gazing Back in Time with JWST and Hubble

With their ability to observe infrared light, JWST and HST act as time machines. By capturing light that has traveled for billions of years, they offer a glimpse into the universe’s infancy. Their observations have yielded incredible discoveries, including:

The first Stars and Galaxies

JWST and HST have captured images of some of the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang, allowing us to study the universe’s earliest stages of evolution. JWST has confirmed a proto-cluster of seven galaxies at a distance that astronomers refer to as redshift 7.9, or a mere 650 million years after the Big Bang, as shown in the figure. ([6], n.d.)

space
The figure shows the galaxies 650 million years after the Big Bang.

Active Galectic Nuclie (AGN)

Space telescopes have observed these powerful, energy-emitting regions at the center of some galaxies in incredible detail, revealing insights into their formation and behavior. JWST reveals active supermassive black holes that were surprisingly rare in the early universe. ([7], n.d.)

Supernovae and Nebulae

The powerful explosions mark the end of a star’s life and enrich the interstellar medium with the elements necessary for new star and planet formation. Additionally, space telescopes have captured images of various stellar nurseries. ([8], n.d.)

The Future of Telescopic Exploration

While the discoveries made by JWST and Hubble are truly remarkable, Euclid promises to push the boundaries of our understanding even further. Euclid will act as a cosmic cartographer mapping the distribution of dark matter, the mysterious invisible substance thought to comprise a significant portion of the universe’s mass.

space
The Perseus cluster by the Euclid Telescope.

The Synergy of Ground and Space

The synergy between ground-based and space-based telescopes allows astronomers to create a more complete picture of the cosmos. For example, a space telescope might detect a distant galaxy, and a ground-based telescope could then be used to measure its redshift, providing information about its distance and the expansion of the universe.

Technological advancements in radio telescopes, like the next-generation Square Kilometer Array (SKA), will offer even greater sensitivity and resolution, revealing faint and previously undetectable objects.

The Spark of Curiosity— Astronomy’s Impact on Science and Society

The journey of telescopic exploration has not only revolutionized our understanding of the universe but has also significantly impacted science and society as a whole; it has applications in optics, engineering, and materials, from medical imaging to fiber optics communications.

Telescopic discoveries spark curiosity by inspiring future generations to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of human knowledge.

As we continue to develop more powerful telescopes and refine our observational techniques, the coming decades promise even more groundbreaking discoveries. The universe holds countless secrets waiting to be unveiled, and telescopes remain our powerful tools to unlock them.

References

  • Retrieved from the school’s observatory; Ground telescope: https://www.schoolsobservatory.org/learn/eng/tels/groundtel.
  • Retrieved from [10]: https://esahubble.org/images/heic0611b/
  • Retrieved from NASA: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/galileos-observations-of-the-moon-jupiter-venus-and-the-sun/
  •  Retrieved from Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/science/radio-telescope
  • Retrieved from Max Planck Gesellschaft: https://www.mpg.de/15245755/vlba-radio-telescope-discovers-exoplanet
  •  Retrieved from CERN COURIER: https://cerncourier.com/a/vlt-discovers-early-galactic-cluster/
  •  Retrieved from NASA Webb: https://www.nasa.gov/universe/webb-reveals-early-universe-prequel-to-huge-galaxy-cluster/
  •  Retrieved from Supermassive Galaxy: https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-reveals-active-supermassive-black-holes-were-surprisingly-rare-in-early-universe
  • Retrieved from ESA HUBBLE: https://esahubble.org/images/archive/category/nebulae/
  •  Retrieved from ESA HUBBLE: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness

Similar articles: James Webb Space Telescope: A curious urge of humanity to know itself

Role of Climate Change in Economic Uncertainty in Pakistan

Muhammad Kashif Raza
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Role of Climate Change in Economic Uncertainty in Pakistan

Climate change is a present crisis for underdeveloped countries like Pakistan. It directly affects Pakistan’s economy and creates uncertainty for overall growth. Factors like temperature rise, unsmooth weather patterns, floods, increase in energy demands, and heatwaves contribute to environmental problems and have economic consequences. Pakistan’s agriculture and energy sectors, and industry, are stressed out due to an unstable economy.

Unfortunately, Pakistan received $1-2 billion annually to cope with climate change and mitigation. Pakistan’s energy conversion alone costs $100 billion. Still, there are problems with the global climate funding mechanism. Prime Minister of Pakistan appealed to the foreign authorities for financial assistance to cope with the environmental challenges during the World Government Summit in the UAE on February 17, 2025. According to The World Bank, floods of 2022 caused a loss of about $30 billion and put a heavy toll on its economy.

The contribution of the agriculture sector of Pakistan is about 21.9 % to its GDP, with employing 45% of the workforce. According to Frontiers in Environmental Science, Pakistan’s GDP will drop by $19.5 billion by 2050 as an outcome of reduced wheat and rice crop yields.

The intersection of climate change and energy insecurity will push Pakistan into deeper economic distress unless immediate policy shifts prioritize sustainability. ~ Adil Najam

Pakistan’s main water supply, the Indus River System, is dependent on glacier drainage. Rising temperature leads glaciers to melt down quickly, rendering water more limited and exposing agriculture to further risk. Bearing in mind that Pakistan’s energy sector is wholly dependent on hydropower generation, which is about 30% of electricity supply as a whole.

Michael Kugelman is working as a deputy director of the Asia Research Program at the Wilson International Center for Scholars, he speaks about the origins of energy problems in Pakistan, “An acute ongoing energy crisis poses serious threats to Pakistan’s feeble economy and national security environment”.

Economic
Between 6.5 and 9% of GDP will likely be lost due to climate change. Photo Business Recorder

Above highlighted unpredictable rainfall weather situations affecting the flow of rivers and dams, and also an increase in melting glaciers is a big reason for lowering the water availability in recent times. Consequently, Pakistan continues to rely extensively on fossil fuel imports. Economic instability has been made worse by alterations to global energy prices as well as increased demand pushed on by climate change.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has recently issued a warning about the reduction of hydropower sector performance as a consequence of melting a huge amount of glaciers due to extreme heatwaves. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reported the high summer demands have increased by 7-10 % annually. In Pakistan Economic Survey 2023, experts expressed that only in 2023 Pakistan spent about $15 billion on importing fuels for the energy sector.

Power stations, cables for transmission, and power distribution networks undergo damage from violent weather events, which raises repairs expenses and causes shortages of energy. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), by 2050, the yearly losses to the energy industry from disasters caused by climate change may surpass $2 billion. Also, a report from ADB till year 2023 is attached below, where the GDP growth was declined to 3.5%.

Dr. Adil Najam, a Professor of International Relations and Earth & Environment in Pardee School of Boston University says: “The intersection of climate change and energy insecurity will push Pakistan into deeper economic distress unless immediate policy shifts prioritize sustainability.”

Dr. Abdul Sattar Nizami is working as an Associate Professor at Sustainable Development Study Centre at Government College University, Lahore. In a conversation with Dr. Nizami, he said that Pakistan must move on converting solid waste into energy.

According to Dr. Nizami, natural zeolite and black lava (basaltic rocks) are the ingredients that have inherent characteristics for waste to energy production. Dr. Nizami’s solid waste group has successfully converted plastic waste into liquid fuel and valuable char using a small-scale pilot pyrolysis reactor. The liquid fuel is then utilized as a renewable energy resource for the future.

For the future, to create financially viable climate initiatives, Pakistan must further develop its institutional ability at home. Strategies that may bring in private as well as public capital are necessary for implementing our promise to generate renewable energy by 2030 and switching to electric cars.

It is crucial to establish an enabling regulatory framework through public-private partnerships, required climate risk reports, as well as customized incentives. Pakistan must also put a high priority on financial innovation by developing adaptive insurance plans, green bonds, and hybrid financial models. Effective use of the funds will depend on establishing deep expertise in climate finance and technology and fostering collaboration between both the national and provincial levels.

Reference:

More from the author: Is electrical energy an alternative to more carbon footprints?

The Role of Climate Change in Humanity’s Past and Future

Sadaf Sarfraz
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The Role of Climate Change in Humanity’s Past and Future

For millions of years, the planet has been rewriting the story of humans, sometimes in whispers, sometimes in shouts. Shifting lands turned tree dwellers into long-distance walkers. Ice Ages tested our resilience, forging the ancestors who would one day build empires. And now, as human-driven climate change accelerates, we stand at another turning point. The question isn’t just how we’ve adapted before; it’s how we’ll evolve next.

Climate change has always influenced our biology, behavior, and societies. It has determined where and how we live, pushing us to adapt or migrate. From our earliest ancestors in Africa to modern megacities, shifting environments have influenced everything from the way we think to the way we build communities. As we look ahead, climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s a fundamental driver of human evolution.

From Forests to Grasslands: Learning to Walk

Millions of years ago, our ancestors lived in lush forests, swinging from trees and foraging for food. Then, about 2 to 3 million years ago, the climate shifted, forests thinned, and vast grasslands took over [1]. To survive in this new world, our early relatives like Australopithecus and Homo habilis stood upright and walked on two legs. Bipedalism made it easier to travel long distances, spot predators, and free up hands for tools and food [2].

At the same time, changing diets moving from mainly plant-based to more diverse food sources helped fuel brain development. With better brains came better tools, and with better tools came better survival.

Homo on the Move: Facing the Elements

About 2 million years ago, Homo erectus became the first of our kind to venture beyond Africa. Climate swings pushed them into new lands from the humid tropics to cold European landscapes [3]. They had to be creative, mastering fire, tool-making, and social cooperation to endure harsh conditions. This adaptability set the stage for modern humanity’s global success.

Ice Ages and the Survival of the Smartest

Fast forward to the Ice Ages (2.5 million – 12,000 years ago). As the world cycled through extreme cold spells, humans kept evolving. Neanderthals in Europe developed stocky builds to retain heat, while Denisovans in Asia adapted to high-altitude living [4]. Meanwhile, our direct ancestors, Homo sapiens honed their creativity. They designed warm clothing, built sturdy shelters, and developed complex tools, allowing them to migrate across the world.

Artwork of the last ice age made by Swiss geologist Oswald Heer. Credit: Science Source - Climate Change
Artwork of the last ice age made by Swiss geologist Oswald Heer. Credit: Science Source

Settling Down: A Climate for Civilization

Around 12,000 years ago, the last Ice Age ended, and the world stabilized. This shift allowed humans to stop roaming and start farming. The Agricultural Revolution was born, and with it came cities, societies, and civilizations [5]. But climate still held the reins droughts and resource shortages shaped the rise and fall of empires, reminding us that we’ve never been fully in control.

Then came the Industrial Revolution, which flipped the script. For the first time, we weren’t just adapting to climate change we were causing it. Our factories, machines, and deforestation triggered a rapid warming of the planet, bringing us to today’s climate crisis.

Industrial Revolution | Definition, History, Dates, Summary, & Facts | Britannica
Industrial Revolution: spinning room. Credit: Britannica

What’s Next? How Humans Might Evolve in a Warming World

As climate change accelerates, humanity faces a new evolutionary challenge. Will we adapt naturally, or will technology step in? Our bodies might become better at cooling down more efficient sweating, leaner builds, and even genetic changes that help us tolerate extreme heat. Populations in hot climates have already shown some of these adaptations, such as lower sweat thresholds and more efficient thermoregulation.

As tropical diseases spread to new areas, our bodies could evolve to resist them, much like how sickle cell genes protect against malaria. A future where humans develop natural resistance to new pathogens is a possibility, though it could take generations to manifest. History shows that extreme conditions push us to be more resourceful. Future generations may become even better at problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. As climate disasters increase, social cohesion and technological advancements may become critical survival tools.

With most of us living in cities, our bodies may adapt to pollution, developing stronger lungs or metabolic defenses against toxins. Some researchers suggest that prolonged urban exposure could lead to micro-evolutionary changes, making future humans more resistant to air pollution. Unlike our ancestors, we now have genetic engineering. Will we use tools like CRISPR to tweak our DNA, making us more resilient? It’s a real possibility. Advances in bioengineering could allow future generations to mitigate the effects of climate change through targeted genetic enhancements.

For millions of years, climate change has sculpted us into who we are today. But now, for the first time, we have the power to influence the next phase of human evolution through science, innovation, and the choices we make. Whether we adapt naturally or take evolution into our own hands, one thing is certain: humanity isn’t done evolving yet. As the world changes, so will we. The question is, how do we want that change to look?

From survival to revival, our climate story continues.

References

  1. Ungar, P.S., Chapter 7. The Neolithic Revolution, in Evolution’s Bite. 2017, Princeton University Press: Princeton. p. 169-197.
  2. Exequiel, E. and M. Eric, Desert Ecosystems, in Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (Third Edition), M.S. Samuel, Editor. 2013, Academic Press: Oxford. p. 403-428.
  3. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/homo-erectus-our-ancient-ancestor.html
  4. https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/how-humans-survived-the-ice-age
  5. https://www.history.com/topics/pre-history/neolithic-revolution

Also Read: Artificial Organs: Redefining the Limits of Modern Medicine

Scientia’s Guidlines For Writers

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Scientia’s Guidlines For Writers

Welcome to Scientiamag.org, a magazine of Scientia Pakistan private limited, a registered company under the rules and regulations of the Government of Pakistan. Please read this writing policy and guidelines before sending us pitches for an edition or News items with our editorial team. You may wish to print this page for your reference.

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Einstein and Hawking: Great Minds of Two Eras

Scientia
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Einstein and Hawking: Great Minds of Two Eras

Today is 14th March. A day that marks the birthday of Albert Einstein and the death anniversary of another big name: Stephen Hawking. These two brilliant individuals may have had different eras of their prime, but both significantly impacted the world of science. They also led extraordinary lives, but many instances can be compared that show how they were very different yet very similar simultaneously.

Here is a pictorial comparison of the lives of two great minds!

Einstein and Hawking
Einstein was born on 14 March 1879 in the Kingdom of Württemberg, German Empire, and Hawking (R) came into this world on 8 January 1942 in Oxford, England, United Kingdom.

Einstein and Hawking
At 16, Einstein had a life-changing moment when he was introduced to a children’s science series by Aaron Bernstein, Naturwissenschaftliche Volksbucher, which made him more interested in science. Hawking, on the other hand, studied natural sciences at Oxford, and after receiving his B.A. in 1962, he went to Cambridge to study physics. At 21, he was diagnosed with ALS.

Einstein and Hawking
Einstein took a very different approach to Physics. His most important works include Special Theory of Relativity (1905), General Theory of Relativity (1916), Investigations on Theory of Brownian Movement (1926), and The Evolution of Physics (1938). Hawking extensively studied quantum gravity and quantum mechanics. He showed that black holes emit radiation, known as Hawking radiation.

Einstein and Hawking
Einstein’s equation of energy and matter revolutionized the concepts of physics. His discovery of the photoelectric effect and his theory of general relativity were groundbreaking. Hawking gained international prominence for the first time in 1988 with the publication of ‘A Brief History of Time.’ It was meant to be a simplified version of cosmology for the masses and became an instant bestseller.

Einstien and Hawking
Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 “for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect.” Hawking also received many accolades and awards throughout his life, including the Albert Einstein Award and the Hughes Medal from the Royal Society.

Einstein and Hawking
Albert Einstein was married twice: in 1903 to Mileva Maric and in 1919 to Elsa Einstein. It is debated that he could never have become Einstein without his first wife and college sweetheart, Mileva Maric. Hawking married Jane in 1965 but later got divorced. In 1995, he married his nurse Elaine Mason. His life story was also depicted in the award-winning movie “The Theory of Everything.”

Einstein and Hawking
Along with his scientific work, Einstein also worked with civil rights activists to condemn racism and anti-Semitism, as he experienced it a lot. And Hawking became a symbol of hope and inspiration for many, especially those with a disability, as he continued to work and break barriers even with a severely limiting disorder.

Einstein and Hawking
These two great minds challenged and changed the way we think and work. The impact they made in their fields is undeniable. Their names have become synonymous with genius, and the whole world is inspired by their hard work, motivation, and dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

Also Read: Assessing Mars: A Potential Sanctuary for Humanity

Tales of Transformation: Pioneering a Global Climate Policy through Cutting-Edge Technology

Krishna Kumar Mahato
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Tales of Transformation: Pioneering a Global Climate Policy through Cutting-Edge Technology

In the high-stakes chess game of planetary survival, cutting-edge technologies aren’t just players—they’re the new grandmasters, outsmarting climate threats with intelligence beyond human capability. Imagine AI algorithms forecasting environmental shifts with quantum-level precision, satellite constellations feeding real-time data into policymaking, creating a digital nervous system for the Earth, and augmented reality (AR) experiences bringing climate impacts to life.

We’re not just witnessing a technological evolution; we’re entering a new era where machine learning interprets hidden ecological patterns, sensor networks unveil the unseen, and quantum models simulate planetary futures before they unfold. These are more than just tools; they are the guardians of our future. This fusion of technology and policy holds the potential to transform reactive governance into a proactive, data-driven force for planetary stewardship.

Artificial Intelligence: Turning Data into Strategic Insights

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a cornerstone in the fight against climate change. AI-driven climate models refine predictions with unparalleled accuracy, helping policymakers make informed, proactive decisions. These sophisticated algorithms analyze vast datasets, detecting patterns and trends impossible for humans to discern. As a result, governments and organizations can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

For instance, AI models can forecast extreme weather events, giving communities crucial time to prepare and offering policymakers insights into implementing preventive measures.

AI climate change emissions
Leveraging AI to interpret the Global data and predict emissions of CO2 by 2035. Credit: World Economic Forum

In 2024, Google’s DeepMind developed an AI system capable of predicting rainfall patterns with 90 percent accuracy just hours in advance. AI’s long-term modeling assists governments in designing infrastructure that anticipates changing climate conditions, thereby reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience.

Quantum Computing: Simulating Planetary Futures

While AI excels at analyzing existing data, quantum computing has potential to revolutionize our understanding of climate change by enabling the simulation of complex environmental scenarios. Quantum computers, leveraging principles like superposition and entanglement, can process these calculations exponentially faster, enabling the exploration of numerous environmental scenarios in real time.

Imagine a quantum algorithm modeling the impact of deforestation in the Amazon, accounting for variables such as temperature shifts, carbon flux, biodiversity loss, and atmospheric feedback loops. Such simulations could reveal potential tipping points, guiding policymakers to intervene before ecological collapse becomes inevitable. In 2025, IBM announced significant investments in quantum solutions for climate research, signaling a future where quantum-enhanced models become indispensable tools for global governance. 

Satellite Constellations and Sensor Networks: Earth’s Digital Nervous System

Satellite constellations and sensor networks form the backbone of Earth’s digital nervous system, providing real-time data on environmental conditions. These technologies enable continuous monitoring of the planet’s health, from atmospheric composition to land and ocean temperatures. By integrating this data into climate models, policymakers can make more informed decisions based on up-to-date information.

Recent advancements in Earth observation technology have enabled the launch of specialized satellites that monitor critical parameters such as greenhouse gas concentrations and ice melt. For example, NASA and the European Space Agency are now deploying high-resolution sensors that capture data essential for early warning systems. Integrating these data streams with AI analytics transforms raw information into actionable insights, empowering governments to enact policies that address both short-term emergencies and long-term climate resilience.

AR & VR: Enhancing Climate Awareness and Education

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are transforming the way policymakers, stakeholders, and the public visualize and understand the impacts of climate change. For instance, VR simulations can take users on virtual tours of melting glaciers, deforested areas, or vulnerable coastal regions, providing a visceral understanding of the impacts of climate change.

AR applications can overlay real-time environmental data onto physical landscapes, allowing users to visualize climate changes in their surroundings. This enhanced understanding can drive greater public engagement and help policymakers envision the real-world implications of their decisions, leading to more informed and holistic policy development.

Drones: Eyes in the Sky for Environmental Monitoring

Drones, equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, can capture high-resolution imagery and data from hard-to-reach areas, such as remote forests, glaciers, and coastal regions. This information can supplement satellite and ground-based observations, providing a more comprehensive picture of the Earth’s climate.

Drones and the Role They Play in Climate Change Response - Pilot Institute
Drones Soaring to Capture Data on the Frontlines of Climate-Driven Changes. Credit: Pilot Institute

Recent initiatives have demonstrated drones’ effectiveness in providing early warnings for climate tipping points. For example, the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency has funded projects that deploy fleets of drones to monitor critical areas like the Greenland ice sheet and the North Atlantic Ocean, detecting early signs of ecological collapse that can inform targeted policy intervention. By offering rapid, on-demand data collection, drones significantly enhance the government’s ability to respond to environmental emergencies and enforce climate policies.

Internet of Things (IoT): A Web Connectivity for Climate Action

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a vast network of interconnected devices that communicate continuously, collecting and transmitting data on everything from air quality to energy consumption. In the realm of climate policy, IoT devices are crucial for monitoring environmental conditions in real time. Sensors deployed across urban areas, agricultural fields, and remote ecosystems provide granular data that can be aggregated and analyzed to track climate trends and inform decision-making.

climate IoT
IoT in Action – A Web Showcase of Smart Solutions Shaping Climate Policy. Credit: Ullo & Sinha, 2020

For instance, in California, IoT-based systems have been developed to detect wildfires using sensors that send alerts to emergency services, thus mitigating potential damage. As these systems become increasingly sophisticated, they offer policymakers a constant stream of reliable data, which is essential for crafting dynamic, responsive climate policies. 

A Collaborative Effort: Action Today for a Greener Tomorrow

As individuals, we hold the power to drive change by adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives. The integration of cutting-edge technologies into climate policy is not without its challenges. Effective implementation requires collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By working together, these groups can ensure that technological advancements are harnessed to their full potential, driving meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.

One successful example of this collaboration is the European Union’s Copernicus program, which provides high-quality environmental data and services to support climate action. By leveraging satellite observations and other data sources, Copernicus enables policymakers to monitor and respond to environmental changes in real time. This integrated approach has proven invaluable in addressing climate challenges and promoting sustainability across Europe. 

Reshaping Climate Policy: From Reactive to Proactive

The integration of Human efforts with AI, quantum computing, satellite constellations, AR/VR, drones, and the IoT is reshaping climate policy, transforming it from a slow, reactive process into a dynamic, data-driven force for planetary stewardship. By providing policymakers with the tools they need to understand the complexities of climate change and anticipate future challenges, these technologies are enabling a more proactive and effective approach to climate action.

The future of climate action isn’t just in human hands anymore—it’s in the algorithms, sensors, and simulations that are shaping a sustainable tomorrow. By embracing these cutting-edge solutions, we can create a more resilient world for coming generations.

REFERENCES:
  1. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/artificial-intelligence-climate-transition-drive-growth/
  2. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/02/ai-climate-adaptation-technologies/
  3. https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/ai-for-climate-energy-and-ecosystem-resilience-at-nvidia-gtc-2025/
  4. https://www.copernicus.eu/en/news/news/copernicus-global-climate-report-2024-confirms-last-year-warmest-record-first-ever-above
  5. https://unfccc.int/news/ai-for-climate-action-technology-mechanism-supports-transformational-climate-solutions
  6. https://www.uncclearn.org/wp-content/uploads/library/19-00405e-turning-digital-technology-innovation.pdf
  7. https://vivatechnology.com/news/understanding-climate-change-through-quantum-ai

Also read: Assessing Mars: A Potential Sanctuary for Humanity

Losing Battle with the Rising Tide: The Tragic Tale of Bramble Cay Melomys

Gopika Krishnan
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Losing Battle with the Rising Tide: The Tragic Tale of Bramble Cay Melomys

Climate change is affecting almost every facet of life on the earth. According to NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the global mean temperature has risen by 1.1oC as compared to the pre-industrial period (1850-1900). The major culprit is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere disrupting the natural carbon cycle. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been steadily increasing, leading to increased absorption of the sun’s heat by the atmosphere, termed the greenhouse effect.

But how significant is the “climate change”? How detrimental can a 1oC increase in several hundred years be to the planet? The global temperature records collected from as early as the 19th century to the present show a dramatic warming trend correlates very well with increasing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. However, as James Watson, the Director of the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Australia notes, “we still don’t accept that global warming is a problem for now”.

The Impact of Rising Waters

The rise in global sea level is a direct effect of climate change. The warming of atmospheric temperature causes polar ice sheets to melt. The higher average temperature also affects the thermal expansion of water and increases sea levels.

Since oceans cover the major percentage of the earth’s surface, this can have significant adverse impacts on the planet: saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, coastal flooding, and also damage to land and infrastructure. The Mekong River delta in Vietnam, known as the rice bowl of Southeast Asia is bearing the brunt of climate change in this way, where the saltwater is being pushed further upstream and into the farmlands, disrupting farming practices.

Low-lying islands are particularly susceptible to the consequences of climate change. Several island nations like Maldives, Kiribati, and Tuvalu, are being rapidly devoured by the oceans, the latter two being projected to be completely submerged by 2100 at the present rate of global warming.

Melomys
Photo, Wikipedia

Although not widely acknowledged, a significant fraction of Earth’s biodiversity has been severely affected by climate change and subsequent sea level rise. Several species are grappling with the loss of habitat and foraging areas. Contrary to intuition, it is not only the terrestrial biodiversity that’s being affected by the rising sea levels; marine species are, too.

Coral reefs, which support a large fraction of marine biodiversity, have been drastically affected by the increasing ocean temperatures, and the population has halved in the last 150 years. For Hawaiian Monk Seal and loggerhead Turtle, the loss of beaches hinders their reproductive cycle, leading to these already endangered species closer to the brink of extinction.

It has also been widely observed that climate change and warming temperatures drive marine biodiversity away from equatorial and tropical zones towards polar latitude

Climate Change is Wiping out Bramble Cay Melomys

To put the picture into perspective, climate change has already wiped out a mammal from the face of the planet: the Bramble Cay Melomys. A species endemic to the isolated island of Bramble Cay of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, these rodents are the first mammalian victims of the rising sea level and extreme weather events that caused habitat loss and loss of food sources.

Melomys
The location of Bramble Cay in relation to Papua New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Photo, Research Gate

Extensive surveys carried out between 2011 and 2014 failed to give any trace of the rodents on the island. Last spotted by the natives in 2009, the tiny rodent was known to be easily spotted in the 1980s. The sea level in the region near Bramble Cay (Torres Strait, Queensland) is rising 0.6cm per year, almost twice the average global rate.

The storm surges due to cyclone activity have also increased after the 1950s. Studies and analyses show that the area on the island that lies above high tide has shrunk from 9.8 acres in 1998 to 6.2 acres effectively reducing the habitat for the Melomys.

The scientists also show evidence that the island of Bramble Cay faced ocean inundations on an increasingly regular basis as a result of climate change over the past years. The increased ocean inundation and the extreme weather have also been correlated to the loss of vegetation (Portulaca oleracea, a fleshy herb, common on the island) that the Melomys predominantly feed on.

In 2014, when the last survey for the rodents was conducted and failed, the vegetation cover was identified to be reduced by 97 percent from that of 2004, when they were last spotted on the islands.

Scientists speculate that frequent ocean flooding of the island might also have caused the direct mortality of several individuals in the already diminishing population. Interestingly, the Melomys species was free from direct human-animal conflicts; it lived on an isolated island uninhabited by humans. Species getting extinct without other direct interventions are a stark reminder that climate change is impacting biodiversity.

The warning bell for climate action

Several researchers believe that this extinction could have been prevented if the Queensland government had made a timely intervention. Although a recovery plan was proposed for the species in 2008, it was not implemented effectively, according to experts. The Bramble Cay Melomys was declared extinct on 18 February 2019 by the Australian government. The day is now observed as Bramble Cay Melomys Day, as a reminder of the first casualty of human-induced climate change.

While this Rodent species extinction is being pushed into oblivion as being insignificant, it serves as striking evidence to show that global warming and its effects are very real. A study estimates that a rise of sea level by 1 meter will submerge 6 percent of islands and with it, 10 percent of biodiversity hotspots.

Given that the world is seeing several groups of “climate change refugees”, people migrating from locations threatened due to climate change to safer zones, it is also important to consider measures to conserve the endemic biodiversity of these regions that are threatened to be devoured by the seas.

References:

  • Krauss L. M, The  Physics of Climate Change, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021.
  • Watson, J. Bring climate change back from the future. Nature 534, 437 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/534437a
  • Costello, M.J., et al,  2022: Cross-Chapter Paper 1: Biodiversity Hotspots. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 2123–2161, doi:10.1017/9781009325844.018
  • Waller N. L et al,  The Bramble Cay melomys Melomys rubicola (Rodentia: Muridae): a first mammalian extinction caused by human-induced climate change? Wildlife Research, 2017, 44, 9–21
  • Gynther, I., Waller, N. & Leung, L.K.-P. (2016) Confirmation of the extinction of the Bramble Cay Melomys Melomys rubicola on Bramble Cay, Torres Strait: results and conclusions from a comprehensive survey in August–September 2014. Unpublished report to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government, Brisbane.
  • https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2015/1129/In-Arkansas-a-growing-population-of-climate-change-refugees

More from the Author: Solving the Protein Folding Problem: A Journey from Experiments to AI Algorithms

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