Pakistan Faces Escalating Climate Crisis: A Nation at the Brink of Environmental Collapse
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is grappling with a severe climate crisis, with rising temperatures, increasing floods, and devastating droughts becoming regular occurrences, posing a serious threat to the nation’s economy, agriculture, and public health.
The effects of climate change have hit Pakistan with growing intensity in recent years, leading to widespread environmental and humanitarian challenges. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the country has experienced record-breaking heatwaves in recent summers, with temperatures reaching upwards of 50°C in some regions. These extreme heat conditions have not only endangered human life but have also strained water resources, affecting millions of people across the country.
Unprecedented Flooding and Droughts
One of the most visible impacts of climate change in Pakistan has been the increased frequency of extreme flooding and droughts. In 2022, devastating monsoon floods submerged a third of the country, displacing millions of people and causing massive destruction to homes, infrastructure, and crops. This year, experts fear similar flooding patterns could re-emerge, exacerbating the already fragile situation.
At the same time, certain parts of Pakistan are suffering from severe droughts, particularly in rural regions dependent on agriculture. Water scarcity in these areas has led to crop failures, livestock deaths, and an alarming decline in agricultural productivity. As Pakistan is heavily reliant on its agriculture sector for both domestic food production and exports, this presents a severe economic setback.
The Melting Glaciers of the Himalayas
Another grave concern is the rapid melting of glaciers in the Himalayan region, which are a vital source of water for rivers like the Indus, which sustains much of Pakistan’s agriculture. Scientists warn that the accelerated melting due to rising global temperatures will reduce the flow of water into the rivers, threatening Pakistan’s already limited water resources and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them.
The melting of glaciers also increases the risk of catastrophic glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which have the potential to cause widespread damage in mountainous regions, displacing communities and destroying infrastructure.
Impact on Agriculture and Food Security
Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population, is facing the brunt of climate change. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, coupled with extreme temperatures, are creating conditions where farmers can no longer rely on traditional farming schedules. Crop cycles are disrupted, and staple crops like wheat, rice, and cotton are increasingly vulnerable to pests, diseases, and erratic weather events.
In rural areas, where many rely on subsistence farming, these changes have led to food insecurity and economic hardship. With limited resources and access to technology, farmers find it difficult to adapt to these extreme conditions, worsening the socioeconomic divide between rural and urban populations.
Air Pollution and Health Risks
The climate crisis in Pakistan is also worsening air quality, with major cities like Lahore and Karachi experiencing hazardous levels of pollution. The combination of industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and crop-burning in neighboring regions creates toxic air that exacerbates respiratory diseases, particularly among children and the elderly. The lack of adequate public health infrastructure to address these issues further compounds the risks to public health.
Government Response and International Support
The Pakistani government has acknowledged the severity of the climate situation, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials repeatedly calling for international support to combat climate change. Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change despite having a minimal contribution to global carbon emissions. The country has pushed for financial and technical assistance from developed nations to adapt to the impacts of climate change and mitigate further damage.
Pakistan’s efforts include the establishment of climate-resilient infrastructure, the promotion of sustainable farming practices, and the adoption of green energy solutions. However, experts argue that these measures are not enough without substantial international support and a collective effort to curb global emissions.
A Call for Global Action
As the situation continues to worsen, Pakistan’s climate crisis underscores the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing climate change. The country’s experience is a stark reminder that the effects of climate change are not just a future concern but a present reality that is already displacing people, destroying livelihoods, and endangering the survival of entire ecosystems.
With the global climate conference (COP28) just around the corner, Pakistan and other developing nations are calling for a fair distribution of climate financing to help them cope with the mounting costs of adaptation and mitigation. The future of Pakistan’s environment, economy, and its people hinges on whether global leaders can come together and take meaningful action to address the climate crisis.