Dr Shabana Safdar Khan
Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, faces one of the most severe climate challenges in the world. Ranked as the fifth most climate-vulnerable nation according to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is disproportionately high given its minimal contribution to the causes of global warming. This paradox underlines a critical reality: while Pakistan’s carbon footprint is minimal, its exposure to the devastating effects of climate change is profound and growing.
The catastrophic floods of 2022 serve as a stark reminder of the existential threat climate change poses to Pakistan’s economy and population. The floods, which killed hundreds of people, displaced millions, and caused economic losses amounting to billions of dollars, revealed the deep structural vulnerabilities that threaten the country’s survival. These extreme weather events, including heatwaves, irregular rainfall patterns, and destructive floods, have become increasingly frequent and intense. Moreover, Pakistan faces the looming threat of shrinking glaciers in the north, which will significantly reduce the country’s water supply in the near future. This, in turn, jeopardizes Pakistan’s agriculture, a sector that remains a cornerstone of the economy and food security.
While Pakistan’s policymakers are aware of the risks posed by climate change, the country continues to face significant barriers in translating these concerns into meaningful policy actions. The gap between awareness and effective action remains a major challenge, compounded by the lack of concrete measures to address the systemic nature of the problem. As a result, Pakistan is stuck in a cycle of reactive responses rather than proactive, long-term planning for climate resilience and sustainability.
One of the most pressing issues in Pakistan’s climate fight is the lack of adequate financial support from the international community. Despite global promises of climate financing, Pakistan has received only a fraction of the funds pledged after the 2022 floods. Over $10 billion was promised by various nations and global agencies to help rebuild the infrastructure and support the rehabilitation of those displaced by the catastrophe. However, less than a few hundred million dollars have been disbursed to date. Nearly three years after the floods, many of the displaced remain in temporary shelters, and the economic impact of the disaster continues to hinder the country’s recovery.
The slow pace of international aid has exacerbated Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities. The situation is further compounded by the fact that the world is grappling with its own set of crises—be it the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, or the global cost-of-living crisis. As the world’s focus shifts inward, Pakistan’s climate crisis, despite its devastating impact, struggles to maintain the international attention it desperately needs.
In addition to the paltry international financial aid, the World Bank has promised some support for climate-resilient infrastructure through its 10-year Country Partnership Framework initiative. However, the funds allocated are insufficient to make a meaningful difference in addressing the massive scale of the country’s climate challenges. Without substantial investment in long-term infrastructure and climate-adaptation strategies, Pakistan’s resilience against future climate shocks will remain woefully inadequate.
The reality is that waiting for international help to materialize will only exacerbate Pakistan’s climate crisis. The global funding promised after the floods has been slow to arrive, and it is unlikely that this trend will change anytime soon. This leaves Pakistan with little choice but to take matters into its own hands. While foreign funding remains essential, it is not a panacea. Instead, Pakistan must focus on utilizing its limited resources more effectively to develop climate-resilient infrastructure and implement measures for climate adaptation.
Finance Minister Mohammed Aurangzeb recently acknowledged the vast financing gap and the lack of technical capacity in Pakistan’s fight against climate change. While these are genuine concerns, there are critical policy actions that do not require external funding. For example, investing in sustainable infrastructure, improving water management systems, and promoting renewable energy solutions are all steps that can be undertaken with the resources at Pakistan’s disposal. These measures may require political will, technical expertise, and long-term commitment, but they do not rely on the uncertain arrival of international aid.
Pakistan’s government must prioritize investments that address climate risks directly. This includes creating climate-resilient urban infrastructure, implementing water conservation strategies, and promoting climate-smart agriculture that can withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Additionally, strengthening disaster response and recovery systems, improving early warning systems for extreme weather, and fostering public awareness about climate change are steps that can be taken even with limited resources.
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Another crucial step in this regard is the need for political commitment. Pakistan’s policymakers must move beyond making verbal commitments to climate action and take decisive steps towards implementing policies that promote sustainable development. The current approach to climate change in Pakistan is often fragmented and reactive, with climate policies limited to short-term responses rather than integrated long-term strategies. It is imperative that the government adopts a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to climate change that includes climate considerations in every aspect of policy development—from agriculture to energy, infrastructure, and disaster management.
The government’s green action bonds initiative, aimed at financing sustainable green projects, is a step in the right direction. However, without a clear plan for how these funds will be allocated and a commitment to transparency in their usage, there is a risk that these efforts may fall short of their potential. Pakistan needs a more coherent, comprehensive climate policy framework that ensures that green investments are directed towards projects with long-term environmental and economic benefits.
As Finance Minister Aurangzeb aptly pointed out, sustainable economic and environmental growth go hand in hand. Pakistan must recognize that climate change is not a standalone issue but is intricately linked to the country’s broader economic development. The fight against climate change is not just an environmental imperative; it is an economic necessity.
To address the climate crisis effectively, Pakistan needs to shift its development trajectory towards a more sustainable model. This means prioritizing investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient agriculture. Furthermore, the country must explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as carbon credits, to attract private sector investment in climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s climate crisis requires urgent and comprehensive action. While the international community’s support is essential, Pakistan cannot afford to wait for outside help. It must act now by leveraging its limited resources, implementing climate-resilient policies, and fostering political will to tackle this existential challenge. Only through proactive and integrated climate policies can Pakistan hope to build a sustainable future for its people and its economy.
