Written by :Imran Ali
Pakistan is no stranger to natural calamities, but in recent years, climate change has intensified their frequency and severity. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks among the top countries most vulnerable to the impacts of a warming planet. From deadly floods to prolonged droughts, the effects are already disrupting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems across the country.
Cities in Sindh and southern Punjab are experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Jacobabad and Nawabshah have seen temperatures soar above 50°C, pushing human endurance to its limits. Heatwaves have become more frequent and deadly, impacting labor productivity, health, and electricity demand.
Pakistan’s river systems are largely fed by glaciers in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. These glaciers are retreating rapidly due to rising temperatures. While glacial melt initially increases river flow raising flood risks over time it threatens long-term water availability for millions who depend on the Indus Basin for agriculture, drinking water, and energy.
Erratic weather is becoming the new normal. The 2022 floods were among the worst in Pakistan’s history, affecting over 33 million people, killing more than 1,700, and submerging one-third of the country. Meanwhile, drought conditions persist in arid regions like Balochistan and Tharparkar, devastating crops and livestock, and leading to food and water scarcity.
Agriculture accounts for nearly 20% of Pakistan’s GDP and employs around 40% of the workforce. Yet climate change is disrupting crop cycles, reducing yields, and increasing pest outbreaks. Staples like wheat, rice, and cotton are under threat, endangering both economic stability and food security.
Climate change is also a public health issue. Rising temperatures and stagnant floodwaters have contributed to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Vulnerable populations, especially in rural areas with limited access to healthcare, are most at risk.
The economic toll of climate-related disasters is massive—costing billions in damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. Displacement due to floods and droughts has triggered rural-to-urban migration, straining city resources and increasing poverty and unemployment.
Pakistan has launched several initiatives, including the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami and updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. However, lack of funding, institutional challenges, and limited public awareness hinder effective implementation. International support, along with national commitment, is crucial for building resilience.
Climate change is not a distant concern it is a present reality for Pakistan. The country stands at a critical juncture where urgent action is needed to adapt to climate risks and reduce emissions. For Pakistan, tackling climate change is not merely an environmental necessity it is an existential imperative.
