In Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, temperatures are soaring, and for Shahbaz Ali, a 32-year-old motorcycle driver, this becomes a daily battle against heat and exhaustion. Starting his day at 8 a.m., he steps out into relentless heat that leaves him drenched in sweat before he has even begun working. With temperatures hitting over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and the humidity making it feel even hotter, Mr. Ali rides through the congested streets for nearly 12 hours a day.
"Living in this heat feels like being in a furnace," Ali expressed, reflecting on the harsh conditions he faces while navigating the city's rough roads. His only motivation to endure such harsh weather is his family's need for food and security; stopping work is not an option.
In the scorching conditions, Karachi’s power outages further complicate life. Ali often finds himself using a rechargeable emergency light to help his children study during blackouts. Despite the struggles, he represents the resilience of many Karachi residents, striving to sustain their families amid an unwavering climate crisis.
As he takes breaks under sporadic shade, his focus remains on transportation and earning enough to survive, perfectly illustrating the coping mechanisms required to handle life in one of the world's hottest urban environments.
