Seasonal Changes

Many research participants cited changes in seasonal patterns and the disappearance of seasons as one of the most noticeable indicators of climate change.

“There is so much extreme weather now — everything has changed. It’s either summer or winter and that’s it.”

In a village outside of Bagh, AJK, we spoke to two sisters and business-owners about the changes they have witnessed. They told us:

“Thanks to Islamic Relief, we are able to run a successful clothing business in our father’s building — even making bridal clothes. Our business has provided us with a livelihood and independence … [However] we have noticed the impact of climate change in our community and even within our own business. The significant weather changes have caused an increase in demand for summer clothes – made of denim, cotton and linens – that are now required much earlier in the year. The demand for summer fabrics used to begin around the month of May or June, but this year it was much earlier; the demand for summer clothes began in March! This past winter was also a lot more extreme. It was colder than usual with a lot more snow, and we completely sold out of all our winter fleece clothes quickly and early into the season.”

Speaking on a more personal level, the sisters went on to tell us about the adverse agricultural and economic effects of changes in seasonal patterns:

“We have also experienced impacts to our crop production due to climate change. We used to grow a lot of vegetables, but due to lack of rain, we have had low yields. Because many of our fruits are not producing, we actually have to go buy fruit now! This is because of the sudden weather and temperature changes, as the buds are falling off the trees prematurely, so the fruit doesn’t properly blossom. ”