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Breathless Skies, Thirsty Lands: Pakistan’s Looming Environmental Catastrophe.
"Often overshadowed by sensationalism, political news, and mundane gossip surrounding entertainment figures by the country’s media, the pressing matter regarding climate change has yet to be prioritized."
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. — Robert Swan
Blessed with diverse ecosystems and a rich cultural heritage, Pakistan struggles with one of the most formidable challenges of the 21st century, a silent killer: climate change. Ranked among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, Pakistan faces environmental threats that jeopardize its public health, economy, and overall stability. Despite all the warning signs looming insidiously in front of our faces, climate change remains a neglected and underreported issue in the nation’s collective conscience. Often overshadowed by sensationalism, political news, and mundane gossip surrounding entertainment figures by the country’s media, the pressing matter regarding climate change has yet to be prioritized. Unfortunately, unlike the Western world, which highlights the urgency and awareness of climate change to its public, a great chunk of our nation remains in the dark about such escalating crises.
The devastating implications of climate change begin with the manifestations in Pakistan, evident through erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events. The catastrophic floods in 2010 and 2022 remain a haunting and stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability, which resulted in extensive loss of not only human capital but the displacement of millions of people and significant damage to agriculture and infrastructure. Just alone in 2023, Pakistan faced severe climate induced challenges. Monsoon rains from March to July claimed the lives of at least 159 people, with 264 others injured, among which were many children.
The agriculture sector, with nearly 40% of the workforce constituting a significant share of the GDP, has been put at a drastic risk.
Prolonged droughts and irregular precipitation patterns threaten crop yields, heighten food insecurity, and exacerbate rural poverty and misery. The transition from being classified as a water-stressed to water-scarce country is rapid in Pakistan, with the annual water availability falling below 1,000 cubic meters per person. The twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, already face water shortage crises, which will soon spread nationwide if immediate action is not taken.
“The rich keep becoming richer, while the middle class keep slipping into poverty. Lack of adequate nutritio keeps depriving the younger generation of good health, resulting in a nation with poor health and high mortality rates. The yield declines in key crops make common foods a luxury for the middle and poor class.”
Among the critical threats posed by climate change, the escalating natural disasters, such as floods, cyclones, and droughts, grow in intensity and frequency. Exacerbated by rising global temperatures, submerged vast regions, and unpredictable earthquakes, natural disasters in Pakistan continue to displace millions of people and inflict billions in economic losses. Pakistan already faces increased water scarcity and diminishing resources by the year. It is no new information that our country has been facing an acute water crisis for decades. Still, this alarming trend threatens not only agricultural productivity, drinking water supplies, and hydropower generation but also the quality and mortality rate of human life, further exacerbating the socio- economic disparities.
“The economic repercussions of climate change are profound. Soaring healthcare costs, declining agriculture productivity, and damaged critical infrastructure impose severe financial burdens, exacerbating poverty and hindering national economic growth.”
Our country’s food security is also under siege due to climate-induced disruptions in agricultural productivity. The ongoing trend of reduced crop yields and lower nutritional value in staple foods necessitates increased reliance on food imports, which elevates economic vulnerabilities. The rich keep becoming richer, while the middle class keeps slipping into poverty. Lack of adequate nutrition keeps depriving the younger generation of good health, resulting in a nation with poor health and high mortality rates. The yield declines in key crops such as cotton, wheat, sugarcane, rice, and maize, which are vital to Pakistan’s economy and food supply and make common foods a luxury for the middle and poor classes.
Heightened health risks, economic instability, and diminished growth are all unwanted gifts given to the nation by climate change. Altered weather patterns and rising temperatures contribute to a surge in health issues, including vector-borne diseases, health-related illnesses, and respiratory conditions fueled by worsening air pollution. In 2023 alone, Pakistan experienced intense heatwaves from March to June, which led to at least 22 fatalities. Prolonged lack of proper sanitation and safe drinking water has also resulted in outbreaks of cholera and diarrhea. Additionally, the economic repercussions of climate change are profound. Soaring healthcare costs, declining agriculture productivity, and damaged critical infrastructure impose severe financial burdens, exacerbating poverty and hindering national economic growth.
“Despite the increasing impact of climate change, lack of public awareness and education on sustainable practices remain insufficient. Fostering a culture of environmental responsibility is imperative in mitigating climate risks.”
The challenges in addressing climate change are treacherous. Factors such as limited financial resources limit Pakistan’s ability to invest in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Substantial funding is required for technological advancements, sustainable infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives to counteract climate threats. Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aims to mitigate projected emissions by 50% by 2023, dependent upon receiving approximately $101 billion in international financial support.
While the National Climate Change Policy provides a framework, effective execution remains a significant challenge. Political instability, governance barriers, and fragmented policymaking impede cohesive climate action. Insufficient institutional coordination and the absence of long-term planning hinder the implementation of robust climate adaptation strategies. Despite the increasing impact of climate change, the lack of public awareness and education on sustainable practices remains insufficient. Fostering a culture of environmental responsibility is imperative in mitigating climate risks. Gaps in research and data regarding climate change continue to exist. Pakistan must prioritize climate monitoring and research investments to better understand regional vulnerabilities and implement targeted interventions.
No longer is an issue in the distant future, climate change here. Its effect presents itself as Pakistan’s Achilles heel, with the rural communities and vulnerable ecosystems being the most affected. Opportunities for climate sustainability and resilience can help tackle this menace. Pakistan possesses immense potential in the renewable energy expansion sector, particularly wind and solar power. Similarly, advancing sustainable agriculture by embracing climate-resilient farming techniques, such as drought-resistant crop varieties and effective irrigation systems, can minimize environmental degradation and enhance food security.
“The urgency to take action is undeniable. Climate change has already exposed the grey areas of Pakistan, and delaying action will only deepen the nation’s wounds and vulnerabilities. Now is the time to transform crisis into opportunity and ensure a prosperous and sustainable Pakistan for millenniums.”
Investing in green urban infrastructure, strengthening international collaboration, and community-led climate action can also significantly reduce the perils of climate change. Engagement with global stakeholders for financial assistance, technology transfer, and policy guidance will fortify the nation’s capacity to address climate challenges. Furthermore, empowering local communities through climate education, grassroots adaptation initiatives, and sustainable livelihood programs will promote sustainable development and foster resilience against climate risks.
Climate change does not discriminate between geological borders nor spare anyone from its lethal consequences. The plethora of minacious effects manifesting as an existential threat to the social fabric of the country has compelled Pakistan to deliberate palpable remedies before the untimely destruction wreak havoc. To path a chart toward a more sustainable and resilient future, the government, private sector, and civil society must join hands in the formulation and execution of comprehensive climate strategies.
Despite all efforts made by the government to shed light on climate change, this silently growing cancer in the country can only be curbed by the government and civil society’s collective efforts. The urgency to take action is undeniable. Climate change has already exposed the grey areas of Pakistan, and delaying action will only deepen the nation’s wounds and vulnerabilities. Will we realize the devastating consequences of climate change when it is too late, or will we finally decide to make a change for the betterment of future generations and reduce their hardships? Now is the time to transform crisis into opportunity and ensure a prosperous and sustainable Pakistan for millenniums.
Her expertise spans public policy, climate change advocacy, and human rights, focusing on fostering inclusive and democratic communities. Urooj has also worked as a consultant and trainer for various international bodies, including the United Nations and Friedrich Naumann Foundation, delivering impactful programs to empower citizens and promote social justice.
