Sindh coastal belt vulnerable to climate change, warn experts

The coastal belt of Pakistan, particularly Sindh, is more vulnerable to climate change impacts, which lead to security issues and loss of livelihoods, mainly in fisheries and agriculture sectors, warned climate experts during a seminar on the engagement of youth to address coastal climate change vulnerability on Thursday.

The seminar, held at the University of Karachi, was jointly organised by Oxfam International, a confederation of 20 non-governmental organisations, and World Wildlife Fund Pakistan, (WWF-P) where speakers underscored that marginalised communities were at a greater risk of being affected by climate change.

They also stressed the need for the involvement of youth in climate activism and their role in amplifying the voices and struggles of people living in coastal areas.

The speakers were of the view that if empowered through social and environmental awareness, the youth could help in making society resilient to climate change.

The introductory speech was delivered by Oxfam's climate change lead, Shirin Abbasy, who said, "Climate change-associated destruction is a powerful story of inequality and injustice in both causes and impacts. It's a crisis that touches almost every aspect of life."

Her address was followed by that of WWF-P wildlife director Dr Tahir Rasheed's.

He highlighted the severity of climate change impact in the Indus Delta, which, he said, was rich in biodiversity and home to the seventh-largest mangrove forest in Asia. "The delta is now at greater risk due to the inadequate supply of fresh water from the Indus River, climate change, pollution, and other anthropogenic pressures.

The fallout of climate change impacts is also leading to biodiversity loss in the deltaic region," he said.

Sindh agriculture, supply, and prices department secretary Abdul Rahim Soomro emphasised the role of youth in climate action.

The role of youth, he said, is critical in addressing climate vulnerabilities in the future.

"This generation will also be witnessing some of the grim impacts of climate change and hence, enhancing their capabilities and knowledge on this issue will be instrumental for future adaptation plans and strategies," he said.