Climate Change and Pakistan: Potential Threats and Remedies
- Severe Climate Impacts: Pakistan faces devastating effects from climate change, including floods, water shortages, and rising temperatures, despite contributing only 1% of global carbon emissions.
- Urgent Action Needed: Reforestation, renewable energy adoption, and proactive climate policies are crucial to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Economic Risks: Climate change is projected to reduce Pakistan’s GDP by 18-20% by 2050, hindering economic development and exacerbating poverty.
According to the World Health Organization, “Around 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause around 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone.” Climate change refers to long-term changes in Earth’s weather patterns, including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and other climate variables. As the demand for sustainable development and climate resilience becomes more pressing,
Pakistan is at a critical crossroads. However, adopting effective policies could help Pakistan not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also attract investment and expand trade in the country. In the current global ecological crisis and the sporadic effects culminating in unexpected climate changes, for which the major industrialized countries are primarily responsible, Pakistan—contributing only one percent of carbon emissions into the ozone layer—suffers disproportionately. It is crucial to address this issue seriously for the better future of Pakistan.
Pakistan has consistently ranked among the countries most affected by climate change over the past few decades. People in different parts of the country are already adversely affected by climate impacts, including massive flooding from melting glaciers, water shortages, increased heat, food shortages, displacement, and rising sea levels. In addition, climate change causes the premature melting of ice in glaciers in the northern mountains, resulting in excessive water flows. Pakistan has been experiencing a significant rise in temperature over the past few decades. The average annual temperature has increased by about 0.5°C since the 1960s. By 2050, the average temperature will rise by a further 1.3°C to 1.5°C.
Additionally, according to the World Bank report, the combined risks of extreme climate events, environmental degradation, and air pollution are projected to reduce Pakistan’s GDP by at least 18-20% by 2050. This will undermine progress in economic development and poverty reduction. Furthermore, sudden rains with hail, cloudbursts that seriously damage crops and property, and destruction of infrastructure are the consequences of climate change. Ecosystems are disrupted, causing plants and animals to struggle to survive as their natural habitats change or disappear. The sad reality is that these effects will only worsen.
To mitigate climate change, urgent and long-term reforestation and afforestation programs must be initiated across the country. Due to a lack of access to electricity and natural gas, the northern regions have suffered severe deforestation. The Billion-Tree Tsunami campaign was a good start, but it needs to be supported in the long term. In addition, communities and the public need to be involved in plantation drives across the country. Afforestation is not a stand-alone solution but an essential part of a broader strategy to combat climate change. It works best in combination with reducing emissions, using renewable energy sources, and adopting sustainable land-use practices.
Moving forward, it is critical to implement a proactive approach rather than a reactive one to limit climate change. Pakistan usually reacts to disasters once they occur, instead of addressing the issue beforehand. A proactive approach, based on preparedness and foresight, will save a lot of time, money, and lives.
Similarly, the transition to renewable energy sources is beneficial in combating the negative consequences of climate change. Pakistan has enormous potential for solar energy in its plains and hydropower in the northern areas, which can provide clean, cost-effective, and continuous energy. For all of this, a master plan is required, which should be organized under the administration of the Planning Division of the Government of Pakistan, along with estimates and sound strategies, by an informed, experienced, and reliable consultancy firm.
In conclusion, it is stated that melting glaciers, cyclonic storms, extreme tropical heat waves, massive floods, droughts, and unpredictable monsoons are all consequences of climate change that threaten the country’s food security, water, and energy security. Unfortunately, climate change has significantly affected various areas, including marine and coastal environments, terrestrial ecosystems, agricultural and livestock enterprises, forests, biodiversity, and human health. However, Pakistan should rethink its environmental policy and create innovative technological solutions to meet the demands of the current economic climate. A proactive approach must be adopted, rather than a reactive one. Without pragmatic action, the hope for a bright and prosperous future will remain just a wish.
The author is a student of BS Economics at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
