KARACHI:
Despite having one of the lowest carbon footprints globally, Pakistan ranks among the top ten nations most at risk from extreme weather events. UNESCAP estimates that climate change could cost Pakistan over 9 per cent of its GDP annually. Harsh heatwaves and erratic rainfall have devastated agricultural output, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warning of heightened risks to food security. The Asian Development Bank predicts significant declines in staple crops due to rising costs and climate impact.
Furthermore, Pakistan sits at 92nd out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index, a situation worsened by climate change and supply chain disruptions following the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Failure to act promptly on food insecurity and climate adaptation could pose an existential threat, given the direct impact of climate change on food production. Melting Himalayan glaciers, which feed the vital Indus Basin, are losing mass rapidly, raising concerns for the country's agricultural-dependent economy.
Beyond water scarcity risks, extreme weather events increasingly endanger livelihoods and farming. Annual monsoon rains trigger flash floods, damaging property and claiming lives, particularly in Punjab and Sindh. Tragically, Pakistan's economic woes, marked by poverty, inflation and limited services, are compounded by political instability, climate change and food insecurity. Climate-driven migration and displacement could spark resource conflicts, as seen after the 2010 floods which forced many farmers to urban areas in search of work.
Climate-related health risks, such as malaria and gastroenteritis outbreaks due to severe heatwaves, strain Pakistan's already stretched healthcare system. While Pakistan has formulated comprehensive climate and food security policies, implementation gaps persist due to provincial funding shortages. Under the circumstances, Pakistan requires a paradigm shift in its climate adaptation strategies and food systems.
Aqsa Manzoor
Lahore
