Mubashir Nadeem

The year 2024 will be remembered as a milestone in climate history, with temperatures soaring to record highs, making it the hottest year ever documented. This global heatwave has had far-reaching consequences, and Pakistan, already vulnerable to climate change, has experienced some of the most severe impacts. From devastating heatwaves and floods to widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture, the nation has borne the brunt of the climate crisis.

Climate Change Impact in Pakistan: A Wake-Up Call

In 2024, Pakistan faced extreme heatwaves with temperatures surpassing 50°C, a phenomenon that forced millions of children to miss school and left millions of citizens vulnerable to the deadly effects of the blistering sun. Additionally, the country experienced its recurring nemesis: flooding. The August floods were another devastating blow, further highlighting the urgency for climate resilience. As Pakistan faced these climate challenges, wealthier nations were also impacted. Greece recorded its earliest-ever heatwave, leading to catastrophic wildfires and the closure of the Acropolis, while Spain was struck by flash floods that caused over 200 fatalities.

The World Weather Attribution network reported that almost every major climate disaster of 2024 had clear links to climate change, underscoring the urgency of addressing this global issue. Pakistan, in particular, faced a relentless cycle of heatwaves, flooding, and disruptions to key sectors, including agriculture. These events have strained both the country’s rural agricultural backbone and its urban infrastructure, posing a significant threat to Pakistan’s economy and social stability.

The Path Forward: Key Initiatives for Climate Resilience

As the impacts of climate change continue to worsen, Pakistan has shown commendable initiative by joining a groundbreaking international program aimed at reducing the environmental impact of two of the most polluting industries: fashion and construction. This $45 million, nine-nation initiative focuses on transforming the supply chains of these sectors and encouraging sustainable practices. Fashion and construction are among the top three contributors to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions globally, making this program a significant step in addressing climate change. By supporting these sustainable practices, Pakistan could set a valuable example for other industries and nations, especially in regions with similar challenges.

However, while international cooperation is a vital part of the solution, Pakistan must take domestic climate action to secure its future. The country’s ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change depends on the successful implementation of climate-smart practices and policies. To this end, Pakistan must focus on several key areas to ensure long-term climate resilience.

Key Priorities for Climate Action in Pakistan

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Pakistan’s agricultural sector is already facing the brunt of climate change, with extreme weather events damaging crops and reducing yields. The country must prioritize the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices to help farmers adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. This includes introducing drought-resistant crops, improving irrigation systems, and supporting sustainable farming techniques that reduce environmental damage while maintaining productivity.
2. Urban Infrastructure and Flood Management: As cities in Pakistan grow rapidly, the risk of urban flooding has become an increasing concern. Sustainable urban drainage systems, along with better planning and infrastructure, can help cities manage floodwaters and prevent damage to urban areas. By integrating nature-based solutions and promoting flood resilience, Pakistan can significantly reduce the risks posed by increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
3. Community-Led Renewable Energy Projects: Renewable energy is essential to reducing Pakistan’s greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable future. By exploring wide-scale community-led renewable energy initiatives, Pakistan can empower local communities, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and provide clean energy to underserved regions. Solar, wind, and hydropower projects should be prioritized, with a focus on scaling up these technologies to meet growing energy demands.
4. Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning Systems: Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, Pakistan must invest in improved early warning systems and disaster preparedness programs. These systems can provide timely alerts and enable citizens and authorities to take the necessary precautions to minimize loss of life and property. This will be crucial in mitigating the devastating impacts of future floods, heatwaves, and storms.
5. Securing Climate Finance: Despite global promises, climate finance remains woefully insufficient to meet the needs of vulnerable countries like Pakistan. COP29’s $300 billion annual pledge for climate action falls short of the $1.3 trillion needed to fulfill the Paris Agreement’s climate goals. Pakistan must continue to advocate for international climate finance, but it must also demonstrate efficiency and transparency in utilizing these funds to drive impactful climate action on the ground.

The Urgency of Domestic Action

As global commitments to climate action continue to fall short, Pakistan cannot afford to wait for others to act. While international cooperation remains vital, it is clear that the country must focus on homegrown solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change. By strengthening domestic policies, driving sustainable development, and engaging local communities in climate resilience efforts, Pakistan can secure a more sustainable future.

2025 must be the year Pakistan intensifies its efforts and accelerates the implementation of climate action plans. It is essential that both the government and citizens take shared responsibility for tackling climate change. In the face of mounting environmental pressures, the actions taken in 2024 provide a foundation, but the true test will come in the years ahead.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

Pakistan is at a crossroads. The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality that demands immediate action. While the impacts of climate change are already being felt across the country, the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies has never been clearer. The government, businesses, and citizens all have roles to play in ensuring the country’s resilience in the face of these growing challenges.

The year 2025 offers an opportunity for Pakistan to build on the lessons learned in 2024 and push forward with bold, transformative actions to secure its future. By prioritizing climate-smart agriculture, sustainable urban infrastructure, renewable energy, and disaster preparedness, the country can navigate the dangerous new era of climate change and emerge stronger in the face of adversity. Now is the time for Pakistan to act, as the clock is ticking on its climate future.