Is Pakistan Missing the Mark on Climate Change?

Climate change, an increasingly pressing global issue, poses significant challenges worldwide. Pakistan is among the countries acutely affected by climate change, with severe repercussions on agriculture, health, water resources, and economic stability. Despite facing tangible effects of climate-related disasters, Pakistan’s response has been inconsistent and limited, especially compared to the urgency with which developed nations and regions like the European Union (EU) have addressed climate threats.

Climate Change Effects on Pakistan: A Closer Look

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is rooted in its geography, economy, and socio-political structure. The country experiences various climate-induced problems, including extreme weather events, unpredictable monsoon rains, and intense heatwaves that have devastating effects on agricultural production, human health, and economic growth.

1. Rising Temperatures and Health Impacts
   Pakistan is witnessing record-high temperatures that exacerbate health issues such as heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory illnesses. With summer temperatures in cities like Jacobabad reaching as high as 52°C, human survival becomes challenging, especially for vulnerable communities lacking access to air conditioning and proper healthcare. These temperatures also pose a direct threat to the workforce, reducing productivity and increasing health-related expenses for both the government and individuals.
2. Floods and Monsoon Intensity
   One of the most severe impacts of climate change in Pakistan is unpredictable and heavy monsoon rains leading to disastrous floods. The 2010 floods displaced millions and destroyed vast areas of agricultural land, while the 2022 floods, described by the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar at COP 29, caused damage worth over $30 billion, reducing GDP growth by 4%. Pakistan’s current climate policies and disaster management systems fall short in handling such large-scale destruction.
3. Water Scarcity and Droughts
   Climate change aggravates water scarcity in Pakistan, especially in arid regions like Sindh and Balochistan. Droughts limit water availability for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use, creating significant obstacles for farmers reliant on consistent water supplies. The lack of water resources directly affects crop yields, impacting food security and further straining Pakistan’s agricultural economy, which accounts for over 19% of its GDP.

Why Pakistan Fails to Realize Climate Change Threats

1. Lack of Political Priority and Institutional Capacity
   Although Pakistan has initiated some policies, such as the National Climate Change Policy and various reforestation and water conservation projects, these efforts are fragmented and underfunded. Political instability, frequent leadership changes, and limited awareness among politicians have hindered long-term planning and sustainable climate initiatives. This lack of priority is evident as Pakistan continues to invest minimally in climate action compared to developed countries.
2. Financial Constraints
   Pakistan’s economic challenges, including high inflation, debt, and a limited tax base, restrict its ability to fund large-scale climate action. At COP 29, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the need for affordable climate finance, noting that most funds remain in developed countries, leaving Pakistan and similar developing nations with few options other than high-interest loans. This financing gap discourages sustainable projects and hinders the development of resilient infrastructure.
3. Public Awareness and Education
   Public understanding of climate change remains limited in Pakistan. With a large segment of the population focused on basic survival, climate change is often perceived as a secondary issue. The government’s lack of investment in climate education and public awareness campaigns results in minimal grassroots demand for climate action, reducing political pressure on leadership to act.
4. Dependency on International Aid and External Assistance
   Pakistan heavily relies on international aid to address climate-related crises. While funds from international bodies have provided critical relief in emergencies, such dependency has deterred the nation from developing robust internal systems to mitigate future climate threats. The absence of long-term domestic funding and over-reliance on international aid weaken the country’s resilience to climate change.

The Broader Impact:

1. Migration and Security Concerns
   Climate-induced migration is a growing concern, as extreme weather events and resource shortages force rural populations to migrate to urban centers or even cross borders. As Pakistan continues to experience floods and water scarcity, more people are expected to move in search of better conditions, potentially increasing migration to countries like Europe. European nations, already dealing with refugee crises, may face additional pressures as climate refugees seek stability in more resilient regions.
2. Economic Interdependence and Global Supply Chains
   Pakistan is an essential player in the global textile industry, supplying garments and fabrics to markets in Europe and North America. Climate-induced disruptions, such as floods that damage cotton fields or droughts that impact agriculture, threaten these supply chains, leading to increased production costs and potential price hikes globally. For Europe, heavily reliant on Pakistani textiles, this creates a ripple effect, affecting clothing prices and contributing to inflationary pressures.
3. International Climate Funding Dynamics
   Pakistan’s financial struggles highlight broader inequalities in climate finance distribution. At COP 29, Pakistani leaders, alongside representatives from other developing nations, emphasized the need for fair climate funding. For the EU, Pakistan’s demand for climate finance reform signals an increasing push for developed nations to shoulder more financial responsibility in the climate crisis. As Pakistan and other vulnerable countries rally for reforms, the EU may need to reassess its climate funding commitments to support global climate equity.
4. Geopolitical Tensions and Cooperation
   Pakistan’s inability to effectively manage climate challenges can create geopolitical strains, especially in South Asia. Regional water conflicts may intensify as rivers and water resources dwindle, leading to heightened tensions with neighboring countries like India. These tensions may spill over into broader international relations, prompting the EU and other powers to mediate and engage in diplomatic interventions to ensure regional stability.

Calls for Global Collaboration at COP 29:

At COP 29, Pakistan presented its National Climate Finance Strategy, emphasizing the need for accessible climate finance to foster mitigation and adaptation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of global collaboration, urging developed nations to fulfill their financial commitments. As highlighted, Pakistan and other developing nations require substantial funds to achieve their climate goals by 2030, estimated at $6 trillion, a target necessitating contributions from developed nations.

Solutions and Recommendations for Pakistan

To enhance its climate resilience and realize the seriousness of climate threats, Pakistan must adopt an integrated approach. Key recommendations include:

1. Prioritize Climate Action in National Policy
   Political leadership must treat climate change as a primary concern, allocating more resources to climate resilience projects, such as sustainable agriculture, water management, and disaster response infrastructure.
2. Strengthen International Partnerships
   Pakistan can increase collaboration with the EU and other global stakeholders by advocating for shared climate action goals and leveraging support through international climate funds.
3. Invest in Public Awareness and Education
   Raising public awareness through campaigns and integrating climate education into school curriculums can mobilize local support for climate initiatives, creating grassroots demand for policy action.
4. Develop Financial Mechanisms for Climate Adaptation
   Pakistan should reduce dependency on international aid by establishing domestic funding mechanisms, including green bonds and public-private partnerships, to finance climate resilience projects.
5. Adopt Sustainable Agricultural Practices
   To combat food insecurity and sustain agricultural production, Pakistan should invest in drought-resistant crop varieties, efficient irrigation techniques, and climate-resilient farming methods.

Climate change threats

Pakistan’s slow realization of climate change threats and insufficient response could have far-reaching consequences, not only for its population but also for regions like the EU that may be impacted through migration, economic interdependence, and geopolitical tensions. Urgent steps toward sustainable policies, robust international partnerships, and enhanced public awareness are essential for Pakistan to navigate the climate crisis. As global conferences like COP 29 continue to emphasize climate finance and equitable solutions, both Pakistan and the international community must commit to actionable strategies to mitigate the climate crisis for a sustainable future.

References

1. Ministry of Climate Change, Government of Pakistan. (2024). Pakistan’s National Climate Change Policy.
2. NBC News. (2024). “Pakistan’s Push for Climate Funding at COP 29.”
3. Reuters. (2024). “Global Impact of Climate-Induced Migration.”
4. European Commission. (2024). EU Climate Funding Strategy and Global Partnerships.
5. World Bank. (2024). “Climate Resilience and Economic Growth in Pakistan.”