Climate Action in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. As a developing
nation, it faces a complex and multifaceted challenge as it works to adapt to and mitigate the effects of
rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. With a large
population, a growing economy, and a dependence on agriculture, Pakistan is highly susceptible to the
consequences of climate change, including floods, droughts, and extreme heatwaves. This essay explores
the climate action initiatives taken by Pakistan, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities available to
address the climate crisis effectively.

The State of Climate Change in Pakistan

Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change is driven by several factors. Geographically, the country is
situated in a region that is highly exposed to climate variability, including the unpredictable monsoon
seasons and extreme temperatures. Additionally, Pakistan’s heavy reliance on agriculture, which employs
a significant portion of the population, makes it especially sensitive to shifts in weather patterns,
including droughts and floods. The Indus River, which serves as the primary water source for irrigation, is
increasingly under threat due to changing precipitation patterns, the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas,
and erratic river flows.

The impacts of climate change in Pakistan are already evident. In recent years, Pakistan has experienced
devastating floods, including those in 2010, 2015, and more recently in 2022, where millions of people
were displaced, and vast areas of agricultural land were submerged. Moreover, Pakistan's cities are
experiencing rising temperatures, with the urban heat island effect exacerbating the heat stress faced by
citizens. The agricultural sector is under strain, with crop failures due to erratic rainfall and drought,
leading to food insecurity. In addition to these environmental impacts, Pakistan faces rising health risks
due to climate change, with an increase in vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

Pakistan's Climate Action: Policy and International Commitments

Pakistan has recognized the need for climate action and has taken various steps to address the
challenges posed by climate change. The country’s national policies have increasingly integrated climate
change considerations. One of the most significant milestones in this regard was the adoption of the
National Climate Change Policy in 2012, which provides a framework for addressing climate change
impacts and enhancing climate resilience. This policy outlines strategies for climate mitigation,
adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. The government also established the
Climate Change Division to implement policies and coordinate climate-related initiatives.

Pakistan is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015. Under this international
accord, Pakistan committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and improving its climate
resilience. Specifically, Pakistan's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include a pledge to reduce
emissions by 20% by 2030, conditional on international support. However, given Pakistan's limited
contribution to global emissions (it is responsible for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions),
the country emphasizes the importance of financial and technical assistance from developed nations in
achieving its climate goals.

The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect
a focus on both adaptation and mitigation measures. The NAP outlines the country's priorities in building
resilience in agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and human health, while the NDCs include
commitments to renewable energy development, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon
sequestration initiatives.

Challenges in Implementing Climate Action

Despite these policy frameworks and international commitments, Pakistan faces several challenges in
implementing effective climate action. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of financial resources. As
a developing country with limited fiscal capacity, Pakistan struggles to fund large-scale climate
adaptation and mitigation projects. Although international climate finance exists, it is often insufficient
and slow-moving, making it difficult for Pakistan to carry out its ambitious climate goals.

Political instability and governance issues also pose significant challenges to effective climate action.
Frequent changes in government and political fragmentation have led to inconsistent climate policies
and a lack of long-term planning. Furthermore, the implementation of climate policies at the provincial
and local levels has been slow and uneven. Pakistan has four provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan—and each has different priorities and capacities for climate action, which
complicates coordinated nationwide efforts.

Another challenge is the dependence on fossil fuels in Pakistan's energy sector. Despite efforts to
promote renewable energy sources, fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas, still dominate the
country’s energy mix. The slow pace of transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a key barrier to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure for renewable energy and
the high upfront costs of renewable projects are significant obstacles.

Pakistan also faces water scarcity, which is exacerbated by climate change. The country is already facing
the impacts of water shortages, and this issue is expected to worsen in the coming decades due to
changing precipitation patterns, melting glaciers, and inefficient water management. The decline of the
Indus River’s flow further threatens agriculture, energy generation (through hydropower), and the
overall water supply.

Opportunities for Climate Action

Despite these challenges, there are several opportunities for Pakistan to address climate change and
build resilience. One of the most promising areas is the renewable energy sector. Pakistan has
significant potential for solar, wind, and hydropower energy. The government has already made strides in
this area with projects such as the Gharo Wind Corridor in Sindh, which has the potential to generate
thousands of megawatts of wind power. Pakistan also receives high levels of solar radiation, which makes
it ideal for expanding solar energy infrastructure.

Another opportunity lies in water management. Pakistan’s irrigation system, which is one of the largest
in the world, is highly inefficient. The country has significant potential for improving water-use efficiency
through modern irrigation techniques, better water storage, and enhanced management of water
resources. Additionally, the development of desalination plants and the promotion of water
conservation practices in agriculture can help alleviate water scarcity.

Climate-smart agriculture is also an important area for action. Pakistan's agricultural sector is highly
vulnerable to climate change, but there are opportunities to improve resilience by promoting climate-
resilient crops, improving soil management, and adopting efficient water-use practices. The government,
in collaboration with international organizations, can invest in research and development to introduce
climate-smart technologies to farmers.

Furthermore, Pakistan can explore regional cooperation on climate change, especially with neighboring
countries like India and Afghanistan. Shared resources such as the Indus River require collaborative
management to ensure that water availability is sustained despite climate variability. By working
together, countries in the region can address transboundary water issues and improve resilience.

Lastly, community-based adaptation has proven to be an effective strategy in Pakistan. Local

Conclusion

Climate change is an existential threat to Pakistan, but it also presents an opportunity for transformative
change. The country’s vulnerability to climate impacts necessitates urgent and sustained action. While
Pakistan faces significant challenges in terms of financial resources, political instability, and dependence
on fossil fuels, there are also opportunities to leverage renewable energy, improve water management,
and develop climate-smart agriculture. The international community must also play a critical role by
providing financial and technical assistance to enable Pakistan to achieve its climate goals. By adopting a
holistic approach to climate action, integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies, and empowering
local communities, Pakistan can build resilience against the climate crisis and pave the way for a
sustainable future.