As global temperatures continue to rise, Pakistan faces an alarming vulnerability to climate change, ranking among the most at-risk nations in the world. Its geographical location exposes it to a range of severe climate-related challenges, including intense heat waves, accelerated glacial melting, unpredictable monsoons, and devastating floods. The catastrophic 2022 floods, which displaced millions and caused damages worth billions of dollars, underscored the fragility of the country in the face of environmental disasters.
According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan ranks as the fifth most climate-vulnerable country in the world. Despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, its geography places it in a precarious position. The country is located between two contrasting weather systems—one bringing extreme heat, droughts, and heatwaves in March, and the other causing heavy monsoon rains from July onwards.Additionally, the increasing frequency, intensity, and complexity of climate-induced heatwaves have left Pakistan’s urban areas ill-prepared to cope. Compounding these challenges issues such as inconsistent water and electricity supply are concerns that remain relevant year-round and across the country.
Electricity demand often outstrips supply, leading to daily blackouts of three to four hours, which affect not only low-income communities but also urban centers. These factors underscore the urgent need for climate adaptation and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the growing risks.
From 1994, Pakistan’s carbon emissions increased by 123pc in 2015. These emissions are projected to increase by about 300pc by 2030 and energy (and everything connected) and agriculture sectors account for about 90pc of total emissions. Despite claims that Pakistan’s contribution to the climate crisis is negligible, the fact remains that 46pc of the country’s total emissions is coming from burning fossil fuels. To overcome the power shortages, Pakistan was forced to invest heavily in coal under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), that too at a time when the rest of the world was moving away from the dirty fuel.
Despite these pressing threats, Pakistan still lacks a comprehensive and actionable climate change plan. This absence of a structured approach hampers the country’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, leaving millions of its citizens at the mercy of worsening climate phenomena. While the risks mount, the situation is further exacerbated by a decline in foreign funding for climate finance, which limits Pakistan’s capacity to implement sustainable and resilient solutions.
Pakistan is the second-most polluted country globally in terms of air quality and also ranks as the second-fastest urbanizing nation in South Asia. With rapid urbanization, the demand for transportation is expected to rise significantly, further exacerbating environmental concerns. Currently, nearly half of the 46% of emissions from the energy sector originate from the transport sector, which depends on oil for 92% of its energy needs. This heavy reliance on oil makes decarbonizing the transport sector particularly challenging.
Addressing this issue, especially in urban areas, will require the development and implementation of a robust regulatory framework aimed at promoting cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. Without taking decisive steps to decarbonize, Pakistan risks being left behind as the global community adopts advanced, low-carbon technologies. As major emitters like the United States and China transition to cleaner technologies to reduce CO2 emissions, certain cutting-edge solutions may eventually become inaccessible to countries that fail to align with global decarbonization efforts.
To mitigate these risks, Pakistan must prioritize investments in green infrastructure, promote the adoption of electric vehicles, and encourage the use of alternative energy sources. This would not only help reduce emissions but also improve air quality and enhance the overall livability of urban centers. The urgency to act cannot be overstated, as delays could have long-term environmental, economic, and social consequences.
A 2019 Time magazine article described Jacobabad as potentially becoming “uninhabitable,” highlighting the extreme summer conditions in Sindh province where “people die.” Despite the severity, the issue in Pakistan receives only seasonal attention. As temperatures continue to break records each year, minimal action is taken to address the long-term impacts of climate change in the region.
Although Pakistan has climate legislation like the Pakistan Climate Change Act of 2017, which established the Pakistan Climate Change Council and the Pakistan Climate Change Authority. These bodies are tasked with coordinating and supervising the implementation of climate-related policies, strategies, and international agreements. Additionally, Pakistan has introduced policies like the National Clean Air Policy 2023, which focuses on reducing air pollution across key sectors. However, while these frameworks exist, their implementation and enforcement remain significant challenges, limiting their effectiveness in addressing the country’s growing climate vulnerabilities. Mismanagement of funds and lack of accountability further undermine progress.
Globally, countries are creating strategies to combat the ongoing climate crisis. Pakistan must also prioritize long-term investments to enhance its preparedness for recurring climate challenges. Without a comprehensive approach, the region will remain vulnerable to the escalating consequences of climate change.Pakistan’s inaction on climate planning not only magnifies the impact of current disasters but also leaves the nation ill-prepared for the future. A robust strategy that includes policy reforms, investments in green infrastructure, and regional cooperation is urgently needed to address the growing climate crisis. Without such efforts, the country will continue to face mounting socio-economic losses and environmental degradation
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