GILGIT-BALTISTAN (G-B), with its formidable mountains and deeply incised valleys, is a land of climatic extremes—unbearable heat during the peak of summer and bone-chilling cold in winter. For centuries, communities here coped with these hardships by building dwellings from stone, clay, and timber. These traditional structures, shaped by the natural environment, provided a degree of thermal balance that made life tolerable.
But the story has changed drastically.
Concrete Houses, Climatic Hardship
Over time, the triple forces of climate change, population growth, and land scarcity have transformed how people build their homes. With only one percent of the region under cultivation and barely another one percent habitable without mechanical intervention, families have been compelled to build compact, vertical concrete structures on whatever land is available.
These cement-and-iron boxes may be efficient in terms of space, but they are catastrophically inefficient in terms of comfort. In summer, they trap heat like sealed furnaces; in winter, they lose warmth rapidly, turning into iceboxes. The natural insulation once offered by earthen and wooden structures has been lost.
This evolving landscape reveals the human cost of climate change—one that now manifests directly in the homes people live in. Across the world, societies are rethinking how houses should be designed amid rising climate stress. Unfortunately, in our region, we are still fortifying ourselves behind concrete walls, in structures that defy rather than harness nature.
A Proposal Worth Considering: Geothermal Airflow Systems
In this context, a valuable idea shared by Yasir Arfat Lashari on social media some time ago — and later highlighted by this writer in an article titled “Harnessing the Earth’s Energy: A Natural Solution for Comfortable Homes in Gilgit-Baltistan” (September 4, 2025) — deserves serious attention. The proposal to adopt geothermal or earth–air heat exchange systems is particularly significant, as this technology has already been tested and trusted across many parts of the developed world. Introducing such systems in Gilgit-Baltistan could provide a sustainable and highly effective means to help residents cope with the increasingly harsh climatic conditions, which are intensifying year after year under the pressures of accelerating climate change.The proposal, if implemented, will significantly ease the tremendous hardships faced by the poorer segments of the region who, during the harsh winters, struggle to afford the escalating cost of heating their homes. According to an estimate, a household typically requires about 70 maunds of firewood for the winter season — equivalent to roughly 2,800 kilograms. At the current rate of Rs. 1,300 per maund, this amounts to a staggering Rs. 91,000 per household per winter, an unbearable financial burden for families already living on the margins.Given the increasingly severe impacts of climate change on this region — impacts that are directly eroding our vital glacial reserves, the very lifeline of Pakistan — it has become imperative to adopt alternative solutions that reduce dependence on firewood. Minimizing tree felling for household heating is no longer merely advisable; it is indispensable for safeguarding the fragile mountain ecosystem and protecting the country’s long-term water security.
How It Works
A few meters below ground, soil maintains a relatively constant temperature, typically between 15°C and 25°C, regardless of the season. The method is elegant in its simplicity:
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Underground pipes are laid at a depth of 1–3 meters.
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One end opens outside; the other connects to the home’s living space.
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Air drawn through these pipes naturally adjusts to the soil’s temperature.
In summer, scorching hot air cools to a comfortable level.
In winter, freezing air warms significantly before entering the home.
A small fan is all that is needed to circulate the airflow. When integrated with heat-exchange ventilation, the system can reduce heating and cooling energy needs by over 80%.
Scientific Viability and Practical Relevance
This is not theoretical—it is a proven, widely adopted technology.
1. Stable Subsurface Temperature
Despite wide fluctuations at the surface—where G-B’s valleys can cross 35°C in summer and drop below –15°C in winter—the subsurface maintains a stable temperature close to the annual average, often between 15°C and 20°C.
2. Natural Heat Exchange
As air moves through underground pipes, it exchanges heat with the surrounding soil—cooling down in summer and warming up in winter.
3. Global Success
Countries like Germany, France, Canada, and the U.S. have used geothermal airflow for decades in homes, offices, and greenhouses, consistently achieving 60–80% reductions in heating and cooling costs.
4. Ideal for Gilgit-Baltistan
Given the dense, land-scarce nature of G-B’s settlements, the technology aligns perfectly with the region’s needs. Compact homes, when designed with centralized geothermal ventilation, become significantly more livable. This reduces dependence on wood, diesel, kerosene, or electricity—resources either scarce, expensive, or environmentally damaging.
5. Long-Term Economic Benefits
While initial installation involves some excavation cost, the system’s operational expense is minimal. The long-term savings—on fuel, firewood, and electricity—are substantial, making it a wise investment for families and communities.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
For the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, this technology offers more than comfort—it offers hope.
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Reduced reliance on electricity-hungry air conditioners in summer.
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Lower need for firewood and diesel heaters in winter – helping preserve forests.
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Reduced household energy expenditures.
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Smaller carbon footprint at the household and regional level.
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Enhanced resilience in the face of accelerating climate change.
In a region where climate stress is rising, and modern concrete construction has magnified discomfort, this nature-aligned technology could be transformative.
Challenges—And Why They Are Worth Overcoming
Admittedly, installing geothermal airflow systems requires initial capital and technical guidance. But these short-term costs pale against long-term benefits—economic, environmental, and health-related.
Countries with far harsher climates than ours have already adopted this method successfully. What remains is the willingness to innovate and adapt.
The Way Forward
It is imperative that engineers, architects, urban planners, and policymakers in Gilgit-Baltistan begin to rethink the future of housing. Instead of adding layer upon layer of concrete insulation, we must explore designs that harmonize with natural forces.
The geothermal system is not the only solution, but it is a powerful and practical one—well-suited to the geographic constraints and climatic challenges of the region.
Conclusion: Let the Earth Be Our Ally
Gilgit-Baltistan stands at a critical moment. As climate change intensifies and traditional architecture fades into history, the region needs bold, science-backed solutions.
The earth beneath our feet is ready to serve as a natural air-conditioner and heater.
If builders, planners, and households embrace this technology, our homes can once again become sanctuaries—cool in summer, warm in winter—rather than concrete prisons of discomfort.
It is time to build with wisdom, not just with cement.
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