Climate Change & Energy: Pakistan’s Double Dilemma

Energy is the cornerstone of modern economies, driving industrial growth, technological advancement, and improved living standards. However, for Pakistan, the energy sector presents a paradox: despite having substantial energy resources, the nation grapples with energy poverty due to policy missteps and infrastructural challenges. This energy dilemma is further compounded by the escalating impacts of climate change, which threaten the country’s environmental and economic stability.

Pakistan’s Energy Landscape

As of 2023, Pakistan’s per capita annual energy consumption stood at 14 gigajoules, a mere 18% of the global average. Similarly, per capita electricity consumption was 670 kWh, only 18% of the world average. These figures underscore the nation’s struggle with energy insufficiency, which hampers economic development and limits improvements in living standards.

A significant portion of Pakistan’s energy supply is derived from oil and natural gas, with hydropower being the primary renewable source. However, the reliance on imported fuels and technologies has led to prohibitively expensive and unsustainable energy supplies. This over-dependence on external resources not only strains the national economy but also exposes it to global market volatilities.

Energy Poverty and Its Implications

Energy poverty in Pakistan manifests in limited access to affordable and reliable energy services. Approximately 40 million people lack access to electricity, and half the population is without clean cooking facilities. This scarcity adversely affects households, compelling them to resort to traditional fuels, which pose health risks and safety hazards. Moreover, inadequate energy supply undermines the competitiveness of agricultural, commercial, and industrial sectors, stifling economic growth.

Climate Change: A Looming Threat

Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The nation has witnessed a surge in extreme weather events, including severe heatwaves, intensified monsoons, and catastrophic floods. In 2022, unprecedented floods submerged a third of the country, affecting 33 million people and causing widespread devastation.

Coastal areas, particularly cities like Gwadar, face rising sea levels, leading to flooding, erosion, and damage to infrastructure. The fishing industry has suffered due to changes in marine life patterns, further impacting local economies. These climate-induced challenges exacerbate the existing energy crisis, as infrastructure damage disrupts energy production and distribution.

The Need for a Strategic Energy Vision

Addressing Pakistan’s energy and climate challenges requires a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy. The current approach, characterized by disjointed and issue-specific initiatives, is insufficient. A paradigm shift towards a decentralized energy supply and delivery system is imperative. This transition involves:

1. Deploying Sustainable Technologies: Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependence on imported fuels and mitigate environmental impacts.
2. Electrifying Transportation: Shifting the transportation sector to electricity derived from renewable sources to decrease fossil fuel consumption and emissions.
3. Implementing Energy Storage Solutions: Developing and deploying energy storage technologies to manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy and ensure a stable supply.
4. Producing Alternative Fuels: Exploring the production of alternative fuels from sustainable resources to diversify the energy mix.
5. Industrial Electrification: Encouraging industries to adopt electric processes where feasible, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
6. Regional Energy Cooperation: Interconnecting energy systems with neighboring countries to enhance energy security and share resources.
7. Promoting Energy Efficiency: Implementing measures across all sectors to conserve energy and improve efficiency, thereby reducing overall demand.
8. Building a Smart Power Grid: Developing a flexible and resilient smart grid to efficiently manage energy distribution and integrate various energy sources.

Critical juncture

Pakistan stands at a critical juncture where the convergence of energy insufficiency and climate vulnerability necessitates decisive action. By embracing a strategic vision that prioritizes sustainable and decentralized energy solutions, the nation can overcome its current challenges. This approach will not only alleviate energy poverty but also bolster economic development and enhance resilience against climate change. The path forward demands unwavering commitment from leadership, innovative policy frameworks, and active participation from all stakeholders to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Pakistan.

References

1. World Bank. (2023). Electric power consumption (kWh per capita) – Pakistan. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC?locations=PK
2. International Energy Agency. (2023). Pakistan – Countries & Regions. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/countries/pakistan
3. UNEP/GRID-Geneva. (2023). Climate change / Pakistan – Interactive Country Fiches. Retrieved from https://dicf.unepgrid.ch/pakistan/climate-change
4. Associated Press. (2025). The sea was once a blessing for the Pakistani city of Gwadar. But it’s become a curse. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/8fe9be881f2352241f6a5cadef7e594e
5. Le Monde. (2024). Extreme monsoon rains wreak havoc in India and Pakistan. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2024/08/02/extreme-monsoon-rains-wreak-havoc-in-india-and-pakistan_6707657_114.html
6. The Atlantic. (2024). Climate Diplomacy’s $300 Billion Failure. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2024/11/cop-climate-baku-outcome-finance/680789/
7. Wikipedia. (2023). Climate change in Pakistan. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_in_Pakistan