In today’s world, climate change is not a distant threat; it is a reality that millions of people are living through each day. With rising temperatures, frequent heat waves, and declining green cover, many regions are becoming nearly uninhabitable during the summer months. Among them is Turbat, a city in Balochistan, Pakistan, now globally known for its blazing climate.
Turbat has earned a reputation as one of the hottest cities in the world. Located in southern Balochistan, it regularly records temperatures between 45°C to 48°C, and sometimes even crosses 50°C. In fact, on 28 May 2017, Turbat reached a shocking 53.7°C, making it the fourth hottest place on Earth ever recorded.
The harsh climate here is not only a result of geographical location but also human activity,particularly deforestation. Due to economic challenges, many households in Turbat rely on wood for cooking and heating rather than gas, as it is cheaper and more accessible. This has led to widespread cutting down of trees without replanting, creating a dangerous cycle , fewer trees mean higher temperatures, and higher temperatures increase demand for cooling, which often leads to burning more wood.
Many people think of trees only as providers of shade or beauty, but their importance goes far deeper. Trees are natural cooling systems. Through a process called evapotranspiration, trees absorb water and release it as vapor, which cools the air. They also block direct sunlight, reduce the ground temperature, and clean the air by absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide.
Cities that invest in green infrastructure are cooler, healthier, and more livable. Trees are especially important in urban heat island zones, where concrete and asphalt trap heat and raise temperatures even more.
In a place like Turbat, planting trees could bring the temperature down by several degrees, save lives during heatwaves, and create a much healthier environment for people to live in.
Turbat’s temperature isn’t just a number ,it reflects real suffering and real danger for its residents.
In 2009,a wave of extreme heat struck Turbat in May, with temperatures soaring to 52°C for several consecutive days. Residents struggled to find relief in homes that lacked air conditioning or even electricity in some areas.
2010, One of Pakistan’s most deadly heatwaves occurred this year, affecting many parts of Balochistan. Temperatures in Turbat again crossed 50°C, while Mohenjo-Daro hit 53.5°C, setting a record for Asia at the time. Dozens of people died due to heatstroke, and hospitals were overwhelmed.
2015, A devastating heatwave in June brought 49°C temperatures to parts of Balochistan and Sindh. This event caused over 1,200 deaths across Pakistan, many of them in poor and under-resourced communities.
2017, Turbat broke records by reaching 53.7°C on 28 May. This was one of the highest temperatures ever recorded on Earth. The heat was unbearable, with many people fainting in public places, facing dehydration, and unable to continue daily activities.
2022, In the spring of 2022, Balochistan faced drought, health emergencies, and water shortages due to intense heat. The same year, flash floods followed in July, showing how climate extremes both hot and wet are connected.
2024, Another major heatwave swept southern Pakistan, including Balochistan, leading to over 568 deaths and thousands of hospitalizations. People again suffered from dehydration, exhaustion, and many fainted due to unbearable heat.
As someone living in Turbat, I have personally witnessed people collapsing in the streets, unable to bear the temperature. These are not isolated incidents ,they are warnings signs that our climate is becoming increasingly dangerous without action.
It’s clear, without trees, the future of cities like Turbat will be even more unlivable. Trees are not optional, they are essential.
Lower air and surface temperatures. Improve air quality. Protect people from heat-related illnesses. Prevent soil erosion and support groundwater. Improve mental health and reduce stress.
If tree plantation campaigns are taken seriously, they can completely transform Turbat’s environment. More importantly, trees can save lives.
Turbat and other cities in Balochistan are on the frontlines of climate change. If we don’t act now, the rising heat will continue to endanger lives and destroy communities. But there is hope,a single tree can cool its surroundings by up to 4°C. Imagine what a forest could do.
