Daily Times May 26, 2021 Notwithstanding the fact that China and Pakistan are deepening and diversifying numerous forms of collaborations to take their bilateral relationships to the next level — one crucial area remains untapped. China’s “network of wetlands” has been dubbed one of ultimate cures to climatic imbalances and environmental hazardousness. All of which have been taking a heavy toll on Pakistan in the form of rampant flash floods, ecosystem degradation, aquifer pollution, biodiversity damages, water depletion as well as flora and fauna decline. In the absence of a proper system of wetlands, known as the earth’s kidneys — since it naturally detoxifies underground water by making it fit for human consumption and watering of crops — Pakistan suffers water scarcity and contamination. Wetlands are also known to act as coolants to moderate temperatures. Owing to their dearth and dysfunction, “Pakistan observes rises in average temperatures significantly above the global average with a potential rise of 1.3°C-4.9°C by the 2090s over the 1986-2005 baseline.” As notes a recent study conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB). The report also finds that Pakistan is facing losses of up to $3.8 billion annually, due to climate change. Heavy floods are other natural disasters impact the agriculture sector, with damages to crops, livestock, fisheries and poultry.