Pakistan faces cost of climate inaction

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik participated in a panel discussion organised by the Pakistan Business Council titled "Climate Resilience: Who Pays the Price for Delay?" The session brought together key stakeholders to discuss the escalating human, economic, and environmental costs of climate inaction.

Speaking on the occasion, Malik underscored the devastating impact of climate-induced disasters on Pakistan. He highlighted that approximately 4,700 lives have been lost in the last four major floods, more than any war the country has faced. In addition, nearly 18,000 people have been injured or permanently disabled, while over 3 million citizens have been displaced from their homes.

The minister emphasised that the price of climate change cannot be measured in economic terms alone; it encompasses disability, death, loss of education, and the erosion of livelihoods and social stability. He noted that Pakistan loses around 9.5% of its GDP annually to floods through direct damages and indirect economic disruptions.