Economic Insider

Pakistan, climate change and the consequences of inaction

Economic Insider Staff Economic Insider Staff on September 28, 2022

Compiled By Tanweer Ahmed

Climate change is no longer a distant threat to the very survival of the world as we know it. 

Shifting weather patterns across the planet, recent dry spells in Europe, unprecedented heat wave in China, forest fires in the U.S are all signs that the fears of tomorrow have become a reality sooner than expected.

But while the world leaders’ debate and mull over COP emissions targets, Pakistan and its people are suffering the consequences of its inaction in the form of a devastating moon soon which has left behind a trail of unfathomable disaster.

Those wondering where to look for evidence of climate change, look no further. Climate change ground zero is a massive body of water in the Sindh province of Pakistan, visible from the space, and formed in a mere space of weeks as a result of record torrential rainfall. It is the consequence of the bulge in Indus River creating a 10 kilometer long and 100 kilometer wide fresh water lake. 

The scale of the deluge has never been witnessed. In the words of US Congresswomen from Texas Sheila Jackson Lee, who has seen this natural monstrosity with her own eyes, there was ‘water as far as the eye can see.’ 

What the UN secretary general called ‘moon soon on steroids’ and US congresswoman Sheila Jackson dubbed ‘a monster of a disaster’, scientists claim is the result of climate change. 

The science is simple; Global warming is causing a rise on global temperatures leading to more evaporation and this intense rainfall. Yet, the effects are deadly as seen by Pakistan.

The fact that Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent of the global green house gases that continue to warm the planet and raise temperatures and yet is 8th in the list of most vulnerable countries is of little consolation.  

By contrast the U.S and China, world’s largest economies, alone contribute 45 percent followed by the EU (9 %) and India (7 %). 

But the cost is being paid by Pakistan: Approximately 1400 precious human lives including 458 children, 33 million people with direct impact, damages to infrastructure and crops worth billions of dollars, live stock, dams, schools, roads, hotels washed away as if they had never existed.  

With more than one third of the country from its North to South affected, the government is yet to come to terms with the exact scale of damage. Conservative estimates suggest it will take 40 billion dollars and years to rehabilitate the people and rebuild the infrastructure.

The signs were already there. Just like for the rest of the world to see. 

Uniquely placed on the global map, Pakistan is home to some of the world’s highest mountains and as a consequence more glacial ice anywhere in the world. Its northern areas are also referred to as the Third Pole. 

But like the North Pole, these have been melting at a fast pace with occasional bursts that inundated local population. In 2019, the Prince of Wales and Kate Middleton witnessed fist hand a disaster in the making and said that ‘action needed to happen soon’ before we lose many of the precious things we care about.’ Ominous words, indeed.  

These melting glaciers have already created more than 3000 artificial lakes, with more than 33 at the risk of bursting which could cause havoc and risk the lives and livelihoods of 7 million people.

As a consequence of climate change, it is not just rainfall that Pakistan is worried about. Though scientists predict more unpredictable weather patterns, its impact will be seen in terms of water scarcity, agriculture, energy and a strain on the economy. 

Weakened by a struggling economy, in the midst of a global crisis exasperated by the Ukraine war and resulting energy price spike, the people and State of Pakistan are staring at a harsh reality and one tough question: Will the world come to their aid? 

The UN has appealed for financial aid but it is not just a loud call for help with rebuilding the country but also a desperate wake up call for action to battle the effects of climate change. We do not know what calamity the world will face next and more importantly, where. Mere promises will not solve the crisis.

Cinnamon toast crunch crocs: Where to buy, price, and More details

Economic Insider Staff Economic Insider Staff on September 28, 2022

Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast may be a delightful way to start the day, but your love of cereal should not stop there; it is now possible to extend it to your footwear. Recently, Crocs and General Mills collaborated to release a pair of clogs with a cereal theme, commemorating the beloved cinnamon-sugar treat in style. And these cushy sneakers are as enjoyable as a bowl of overflowing cereal.

Similar to their delicious cereal inspiration, the limited-edition Cinnamon Toast Crunch-themed crocs have a tan and white sugary swirling design. The all-terrain shoes also have a striped heel strap in the recognisable red, green, blue, and purple colours of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The comfortable shoes are not just as satisfying to wear as the cereal, but they are also as versatile. The comfort of the shoes is apparent and undeniable; the foam material conforms to any foot shape, and can be worn throughout the day. For those times when you need some extra cushioning or support, you can appreciate that the Croslite foam material helps to break in your shoes with every step.

Some may say that a pair of cereal shoes are more appropriate for a child’s wardrobe than an adult. However, while they may look like they are made for a child, these shoes are cute, comfortable, colorful and fun. This makes them perfect for anyone who enjoys the taste of cereal and the playful design of a wild stallion with a tasty snack. Regardless of whether you enjoy eating cereal in the morning or whether you destroy your feet while working out in your new shoe, these shoes are bound to make your day more enjoyable than ever before.

Where to buy it:

The sneakers are offered both offline and online at Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Eastbay.

what is the price?

These shoes are very reasonably priced, especially compared to other Crocs products. They may be more expensive than other Crocs shoes because they were made to be a pair of slippers, but they are still a quality product and will last for years. The retail price of these shoes is between $45 and $70 and are offered in kid’s and men’s sizes.

What Crocs had to say:

Whether you wear them to work or school, these shoes are sure to brighten your day. Similar to your favorite cereal, the Crocband Clog is sweet and delights the senses. The fun pattern and comfortable material represent the vibrant colours of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. The sugary texture of the clogs adds a ‘crunch’ sound when walking in them, mimicking the sounds of cereal falling into an empty bowl.

When they were being designed, the designers were inspired by the simplicity of the cereal’s packaging. The packaging art is made up of bright, bold colours to catch your attention. As you can see, the designers succeeded in creating an artful design that satisfies the eyes as much as it satisfies the stomach. Perhaps this is why they were eager to work with General Mills and create a shoe that met your taste buds’ satisfaction just as well as it met your preference for comfort.

Why Crocs and General Mills collab:

It is no secret that General Mills is well known for their cereal products. They have been producing a large number of different cereals to target audiences of all different demographics. One such cereal is Cinnamon Toast Crunch and, according to the manufacturer’s website, this product has been enjoyed by customers since 1993. With a 22 year history, it should come as no surprise that General Mills seeks to create brand loyalty and encourage customers to purchase their products again and again.

As a company that produces footwear, Crocs was the ideal choice to collaborate with General Mills. They offer more than just a comfortable shoe, they provide the feeling of being on vacation and sleeping on your favorite blanket. In their own words, “It’s fun, it’s colorful and it’s comfortable”. This is entirely in line with the experience of eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch for the first time. More specifically, these shoes are very much like walking on clouds or swimming in a sea of marshmallows.

Marketing analysis:

The advertising campaign was created with a specific purpose in mind and was executed accordingly. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crocs shoes were advertised through several different types of media. They were made to boost sales for both Crocs and General Mills, with the goal of attracting consumers from a variety of different markets. Specifically, the purpose was to add value and appeal to existing Crocs consumers by adding more value to their brand, while also providing a strong incentive for new customers.

The advertisements contained several different marketing messages, all of which are used to promote the idea that the shoes are made with the same care and quality as the cereal. One such message is “the same quality that goes into every box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch from General Mills is now in their Crocs”, but another says “now you can finally be one with your bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch”. The purpose of the advertisement is to inform, and convince people that the shoes are exactly as delicious as they appear.

why do we want to buy it?

Advertising was used to convince people that the shoes are just as delicious as they appear. The company wanted to show that the product was made with the same quality as the cereal itself, so this message was used heavily throughout the campaign. It sets a subliminal message that, no matter what else may be going on in a person’s life, if they have Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crocs on their feet, then everything will be okay. The messaging is meant to give consumers the feeling that their current problems will be resolved, and just as easily as it is with cereal, all they have to do is enjoy these new shoes.

Reviews:

Many consumers have had positive experiences with these shoes and have found that they are both comfortable and fun to wear. They have compared the shoes to being like walking on clouds, marshmallows, and even an air mattress. Their comfort level is so high that many people who have worn them claim to forget that they are wearing them. In fact, many people say that they could sleep in these shoes if they had the chance. Oftentimes, these sneakers can be worn throughout the day without needing any sort of discomfort relief or support.

One con is that they can be difficult to clean because of the variety of colours used in the design. Grease and dirt tend to stick to these shoes like glue. Additionally, because the shoes are made of rubber, they can be damaged by things like liquid, heavy objects, and sharp objects. If you take care of them correctly and treat them with respect, it is possible to get quite a few months out of them. If you do not clean or care for your shoes properly, however, it will only be a matter of weeks until they start to deteriorate.

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