Pakistan’s Growing Commitment to Combat Climate Change amid Rising Risks
Pakistan, ranked as the fifth most climate-vulnerable country in the world, has increasingly recognized the urgent need to address environmental challenges threatening its economy, society, and natural resources. Over the past decade, the government, civil society, and international partners have taken significant steps to develop and implement strategies aimed at mitigating climate risks and promoting sustainable development.
Pakistan’s unique geographic and socio-economic conditions expose it to severe climate impacts, including floods, droughts, heat waves, and glacial melt—phenomena that have intensified over the last twenty years.
These climate-related disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
The country has endured devastating floods, notably in 2010 and more recently in 2022, which caused massive loss of life, displaced millions, and inflicted heavy damage on livestock and the economy. These calamities have underscored the critical need to integrate climate resilience into development planning. Experts suggest adopting adaptive infrastructure, such as Bangladesh’s innovative floating houses designed to withstand hurricanes, alongside developing drought-resistant crops to safeguard agriculture.
On the global stage, Pakistan ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, pledging to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards renewable energy. Despite being a low emitter worldwide, Pakistan has set ambitious targets to increase clean energy production, focusing on solar, wind, and hydropower projects. Efforts such as the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) and the inclusion of green energy components in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) exemplify this commitment.
Additionally, the government’s “Billion Tree Tsunami” initiative marks a large-scale afforestation drive aimed at restoring forests and absorbing greenhouse gases—a project lauded by the international community for its potential to combat deforestation and desertification.
Adaptation remains critical to Pakistan’s climate strategy. Learning from neighboring Bangladesh’s adaptive infrastructure, Pakistan aims to modernize its agricultural technologies and strengthen disaster risk reduction frameworks. Institutional reforms are underway to enhance coordination between federal and provincial bodies, ensuring effective multi-tiered governance and community involvement.
International cooperation plays a vital role, with Pakistan receiving technical and financial support from organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). These partnerships help implement projects that build resilience and promote sustainable development.
Public awareness campaigns and education initiatives are also prioritized to boost climate literacy, particularly among youth and rural populations. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, NGOs, and schools aim to foster environmental stewardship through media outreach, curriculum updates, and community workshops.
Despite these positive developments, Pakistan faces challenges, including limited financial resources, political instability, and infrastructure gaps, which hinder the full achievement of its climate goals. Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a complex task, especially in sectors reliant on fossil fuels and traditional agricultural practices.
Pakistan’s evolving approach to climate change reflects a growing recognition of the issue’s urgency and a commitment to embedding climate action in national development. With climate risks mounting, sustained local and international collaboration will be crucial for building a resilient and sustainable future for the country.
