Pakistan Climate change is no longer just a scientific term; it is an undeniable reality that is reshaping our lives. From record-breaking heatwaves to devastating floods, its consequences are felt across Pakistan, impacting our economy, public health, and environment. Once fertile lands are turning barren, water shortages are worsening, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. If urgent action is not taken, the situation will continue to deteriorate, threatening the future of millions.

Major Causes of Climate Change

Alongside natural factors, human activities are a major cause of climate change. Excessive construction, deforestation, and the rampant use of fossil fuels are increasing greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, global temperatures are rising, leading to extreme heat, unpredictable rainfall, floods, and droughts. If this trend continues, these issues will intensify in the future.

Extreme Weather Conditions and Natural Disasters

Pakistan has faced 152 severe environmental disasters in the past two decades, including floods, droughts, and intense heatwaves. The devastating floods of 2022 caused $30 billion in economic losses and displaced millions. Even in 2024, monsoon rains wreaked havoc, claiming 196 lives and leaving thousands homeless.

Affected Regions and Communities

Climate change is profoundly impacting Pakistan’s regions and communities through rising temperatures, altered precipitation, and extreme weather events. The 2022 floods affected 33 million people, causing over 1,700 deaths and displacing 8 million individuals. Coastal areas like Gwadar face severe challenges from rising sea levels and intensified monsoons, leading to devastating floods and infrastructure damage.

Economically, Pakistan has suffered losses of $100 billion over two decades due to climate-related disasters. Projections indicate a potential GDP decline of 18-20% by 2050 if current trends continue. These challenges underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable communities and sustain economic stability.

Water Scarcity: A Severe Crisis

Pakistan is among the countries facing dangerously high levels of water scarcity. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has warned that the country will approach absolute water scarcity by 2025 if current trends continue. According to PCRWR, Pakistan crossed the ‘water stress line’ in 1990 and the ‘water scarcity line’ in 2005. If this situation persists, the country may face acute water shortages or drought-like conditions in the near future.

Furthermore, a study by PCRWR highlighted alarming water quality issues in various districts. For instance, 100% of water samples from District Astor were found unsafe, followed by District Skardu (80%), Hunza (80%), Gizer (74%), Gilgit (70%), and District Diamer (67%). Overall, the highest percentage of unsafe water quality was found in Gilgit (100%), followed by Sindh (85%), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (70%), Punjab (51%), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (43%).

Health Impacts of Climate Change

Air pollution has become a major health hazard for the Pakistani population. According to the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, air pollution is potentially reducing the average life expectancy in Pakistan by four years. If World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines are followed, public life expectancy could improve significantly.

Devastating Economic Effects

Climate change is severely affecting Pakistan’s economy, particularly in the agriculture and industrial sectors. Agriculture, which contributes 21% to the national GDP and provides employment to 45% of the population, is at risk due to unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures. Industries are also struggling with increasing energy demand and declining hydroelectric power production.

Future Risks

The World Bank and other environmental organizations have raised alarms regarding Pakistan’s future. If current conditions persist, the country will face even more extreme temperatures, droughts, and floods. Declining agricultural output will lead to food shortages and inflation, while millions of workers could lose their livelihoods.

Possible Solutions

Addressing climate change in Pakistan necessitates urgent and comprehensive strategies. The government must implement and enforce stringent climate policies to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. This includes strengthening the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) and ensuring its effective execution, establishing strict regulations for industries to limit carbon emissions, and implementing climate adaptation and mitigation plans at federal and provincial levels.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing Pakistan’s dependence on fossil fuels. Expanding solar and wind energy projects, encouraging public and private investments in green energy, and enhancing energy efficiency in industries and households are key steps toward a cleaner energy future. The World Bank has pledged $20 billion over 10 years to invest in renewable energy, education, and social sectors in Pakistan, indicating confidence in the country’s economic resilience and potential.

Deforestation has significantly contributed to climate change in Pakistan. Large-scale tree-planting initiatives, such as the ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami,’ must be continued and expanded. Laws should be enforced to prevent illegal logging and encroachments, and urban forestry should be promoted to enhance green cover in cities. The Protected Areas Initiative aims to improve the management of 23 protected sites throughout the country, enhancing conservation and ecotourism efforts.

To combat the water crisis, Pakistan must adopt sustainable water management strategies.Implementing rainwater harvesting systems, building additional reservoirs, upgrading existing water storage infrastructure, encouraging efficient irrigation techniques, and reducing industrial and agricultural water pollution through strict regulations are essential measures. The government is promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, focusing on small-scale community farming and kitchen gardening, particularly in regions such as Pothohar and Hazara.

Infrastructure to withstand floods, Pakistan must enhance its disaster preparedness to mitigate losses caused by climate-related Calamities. Establishing early warning systems, strengthening heatwaves, and droughts, and allocating funds for climate resilience projects in vulnerable regions will help protect communities. The Ministry of Climate Change and UNDP Pakistan are collaborating to install early warning systems in the most climate-vulnerable valleys of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, providing timely warnings for safe evacuations during climate-induced disasters.

Educating the masses about climate change and sustainability can drive behavioral change. Climate change education should be integrated into school and university curricula, media campaigns should promote eco-friendly practices, and community participation in environmental conservation efforts should be encouraged. Public awareness initiatives can inform citizens about sustainable practices, such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable transportation methods.

Agriculture must adapt to changing climate patterns to ensure food security. Introducing climate-resilient crop varieties, encouraging organic farming, reducing excessive pesticide and fertilizer use, and providing farmers with climate-smart techniques and financial support are necessary steps. Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, can enhance water use efficiency in agriculture.

Tackling air pollution is essential for public health and environmental sustainability. Phasing out low-quality fuel, promoting cleaner alternatives, expanding urban green spaces, and strengthening air quality monitoring and regulation enforcement will help improve air quality and public health.

Implementing green building codes that encourage energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials in construction can also contribute to reducing urban air pollution.

Pakistan needs international support to tackle climate change effectively. Seeking financial aid from global organizations for climate adaptation projects, collaborating with neighboring countries on shared environmental challenges, and actively participating in international climate agreements will provide technical assistance and funding opportunities. Pakistan and the Bahamas have joined efforts to establish a global agreement to phase out fossil fuels through a fair and equitable process, emphasizing the need for financial and technical assistance to ensure that communities dependent on fossil fuels are not left behind.

Climate change poses an existential threat to Pakistan, affecting its economy, public health, and natural resources. However, with proactive policies, sustainable practices, and collective action, Pakistan can mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change. The time for action is now-delaying will only make the challenges more severe. By embracing renewable energy, sustainable water management, afforestation, and disaster resilience strategies, Pakistan can secure a livable future for its people and generations to come.