The ratio between humanitarian aid and military response in regions close to or in disaster stricken areas of the Middle East, specifically Pakistan as of late, is very much broad in respect from one another. However, the two needs, military and humanitarian, amidst the one region aren’t mutually exclusive of each other, in so far that climate change might shift foreign policy tactics altogether.

Though President Obama has requested nearly $334 million for international climate adaptation in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, its merely a step in the right direction, failing far too short for what’s really needed. In 2009, only ten percent of the US’s foreign disaster aid budget was devoted to disaster risk reduction which is estimated to have reached $86.7 million. However, the UN is estimating for at least 5 times that amount alone to deal with disaster response in Pakistan, calling for at least $460 million dollars to mitigate the crisis. If the US commits more earlier, it should reason that less would be needed after disasters

The US thus far has promised almost $76 million dollars in relief efforts in Pakistan, and has even sent 19 helicopters to help transport additional relief supplies.  By comparison, however, the U.S. government sent nearly $1 billion in aid in response to the tsunami.

With unlimited speculation to its reasons and causes among experts, climate change represents an even larger speculation in its future effects. Correlation between climate change and natural disasters must be made official knowledge in order to further advance appropriately in preparation and in response efforts. Without a doubt, scientists confirm that climate change is behind the recent flooding in Pakistan, displacing so many and killing others. That said, why shouldn’t the US acknowledge climate change enough to tailor disaster preparation to it?

Six and a half million Pakistanis still need food, water, and medical supplies on account of abnormal air patterns. Scientists world-wide have recorded new temperature highs this summer, the hottest in 130 years actually and higher ocean temperatures lead to more water vapor entering the atmosphere. Therefore, there is an abundant amount of oversaturated air in result that’s not being equally dispersed. As such, it’s not inhibiting the likelihood of extreme precipitation, the likes of which are causing the flooding seen now. The abnormal airflow is creating varying pressure extremes, blocking warm saturated air from moving west to east normally. Predicting such events is difficult and is further unpreventable, but preparation is both simple and applicable when it comes to mitigating the affects of climate change. And now, only 35% of what the UN is calling for in funds needed to assist Pakistan is being matched by the US and UK combined. Should disaster preparation include tactics centric to climate change, the amount of money allocated to help those at risk will result in considerable savings in both life and funds. Equally great is the incentive to foster partnerships in developing and implementing these preparations, facilitating good will while increasing political stability as well.

Earlier in the year, the US Department of State has promised $250 million to help with Afghani refugees fleeing into Pakistan. In addition, internal skirmishes between the Pakistani government and militants have displaced almost a million Pakistanis already, joining the 2 million Afghani refugees already estimated to be residing in Pakistan. With the recent flooding in Pakistan, the problem is further compounded, increasing the amount of resources needed as well as undermining US foreign policy efforts thus far too.

Zamir Akram, Pakistani ambassador to the U.N. center in Geneva, said floodwaters now cover an area roughly the size of England and is further confirmed by satellite imaging. Estimates put the number of displaced people at somewhere between 15 million and 20 million, and the Pakistani government believes about 1,600 are confirmed dead.

Climate change is a force to be reckoned with and to be reckoned with urgently. If the US intends to continue to respond to humanitarian needs abroad, it must factor the preparation needed for climate change among those most at risk. Preparation increases effective response.