Echoes of a Warming Earth
Climate change poses severe social, environmental, and economic threats to Pakistan. These impacts are more pronounced in the country due to its heavy reliance on natural resources, high population growth, widespread poverty, and limited adaptive capacity. The effects of global warming and environmental degradation are visibly affecting livelihoods, ecosystems, and economic development.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is further exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and institutional capacity. In response, the country has attempted to combat these challenges by formulating effective policies and developing mechanisms to address the growing climate crisis.
The increase in greenhouse gases—primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O)—since the pre-industrial era is largely attributed to human activities. These include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions. Trees, which naturally absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis, are being cut at alarming rates, thereby intensifying the greenhouse effect. Since 1750, concentrations of these gases have steadily increased. For example, CO₂ levels rose from approximately 280 parts per million (ppm) in pre-industrial times to 379 ppm by 2005, marking CO₂ as the most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas.
This rapid rise in greenhouse gas concentrations traps more heat within the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures. Pakistan, too, is experiencing this warming trend. Over the past century, the country’s average annual temperature increased by 0.6°C. Between 1960 and 2007, the rate of warming was about 0.24°C per decade—four times higher than the previous trend of 0.06°C per decade. Northern regions of the country are warming at a faster pace compared to southern areas.
To mitigate the threat of climate change, Pakistan has introduced various policies. A major milestone was the Climate Change Act of 2017, which aimed to institutionalize climate governance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under this act, a dedicated Climate Change Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, was established to guide and monitor policy implementation. It also led to the creation of climate change authorities responsible for formulating strategies and action plans. The act aligns Pakistan with international climate frameworks, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, and integrates climate change considerations into sectors like agriculture, water resources, and energy.
In addition to the 2017 Act, Pakistan has introduced measures such as restrictions on coal imports, promotion of electric vehicles, conservation of natural resources, and continuous monitoring of water, food, and energy security. These initiatives aim to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.
One of the most devastating climate-related disasters in Pakistan’s recent history was the 2022 floods. Triggered by unprecedented monsoon rains, the Sutlej River overflowed on Sunday, August 19, swelling up to 4 kilometers wide in certain areas. Around 100,000 people had to be evacuated. The floods affected all provinces and impacted nearly 15% of the population—about 33 million people. The destruction was catastrophic: more than 897,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and economic losses were estimated at over $30 billion. Cities like Shahdadkot were completely submerged, while regions such as Larkana, Sukkur, Thari Marwah, and Khairpur Nathan Shah were heavily inundated. The human toll was immense: 1,739 lives lost, including 647 children, and 12,867 people injured.
In light of such disasters, Pakistan must develop robust climate resilience and disaster management frameworks. Continuity in existing policy measures is crucial. Without sustained action, the country faces a future marked by severe water shortages, reduced agricultural productivity, labor inefficiencies, and irreversible biodiversity loss.
In conclusion, if timely and effective measures are not taken, climate change will cast an increasingly hazardous shadow over Pakistan’s future. Coordinated efforts by the government, civil society, and international community are essential to safeguard the nation’s ecological and economic well-being.
