Maryam Ashraf
Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Pakistan—it is an unfolding crisis that is already affecting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems across the country. From unprecedented heatwaves and erratic monsoons to glacial melt and urban flooding, the country is facing a multifaceted environmental emergency. Yet, despite the growing severity of the challenge, Pakistan’s response remains fragmented, under-resourced, and—critically—detached from long-term solutions such as large-scale, sustained reforestation and ecological restoration.
Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. The frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters have increased markedly over the past two decades. Flash floods in Balochistan and Sindh, droughts in Tharparkar, smog in Punjab, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan are just some manifestations of the crisis. The 2022 floods, which displaced millions and caused billions in damages, were a stark reminder of the scale of destruction that climate-induced extreme weather events can bring.
Despite this, the national climate narrative remains reactive rather than preventive. Most policy responses are emergency-driven—focused on relief and recovery—rather than proactive investments in resilience and risk reduction. One of the most cost-effective and proven methods for climate adaptation and mitigation—tree plantation and forest conservation—has not received the sustained attention it deserves.
While slogans like “Ten Billion Tree Tsunami” garnered media headlines and short-term political capital, there is little evidence of deep-rooted, institutional commitment to environmental regeneration. Most plantation drives in Pakistan are either poorly planned, sporadic, or lack ecological sensitivity. Trees are planted without considering local biodiversity, survival rates are not monitored, and community engagement is often minimal. In some cases, exotic or non-native species are introduced, which end up damaging rather than healing local ecosystems.
Pakistan’s forest cover is alarmingly low—estimated at around 4 to 5 percent of total land area, far below the global average and well under the minimum recommended for ecological balance. Deforestation, urban encroachment, illegal logging, and the clearing of land for agriculture and infrastructure have all contributed to this decline. In major urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, green spaces are rapidly disappearing in the name of development, leaving cities hotter, more polluted, and less livable.
The absence of meaningful plantation efforts is not merely an environmental issue—it is a developmental and social justice concern. Rural communities dependent on forest resources for food, fuel, and livelihoods are being pushed further into poverty. Women, who are often primary gatherers of firewood and water, are disproportionately burdened by environmental degradation. Children suffer from air pollution, and vulnerable populations have limited capacity to adapt to rising temperatures and food insecurity.
What Pakistan needs is not just plantation drives, but a national reforestation strategy grounded in science, community ownership, and long-term commitment. Indigenous tree species, local climate conditions, and ecological zones must guide afforestation efforts. Provincial governments, local bodies, and civil society organizations should be empowered and resourced to implement sustained green initiatives. Schools, universities, and media platforms must help cultivate environmental consciousness from a young age.
Moreover, reforestation must be integrated into Pakistan’s broader climate and development planning. Climate finance, including international funding under mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), should prioritize nature-based solutions. Urban planning should mandate green belts and tree coverage. Laws protecting forests and regulating land use must be enforced without exception. Above all, political leadership must treat environmental protection not as a ceremonial gesture but as a national imperative.
The climate clock is ticking, and Pakistan cannot afford to lose more time. Without forests, there is no water security, no clean air, no biodiversity, and ultimately, no sustainable future. Plantation is not a seasonal campaign—it is a foundational pillar of climate resilience. Ignoring it is not just poor governance—it is a betrayal of future generations.
