Climate Change Poses Human Security Challenge: Experts
News Desk
Islamabad: Climate change poses a severe threat to Pakistan’s national, socio-economic, and macro-economic stability, with the country experiencing significant economic losses globally.
Abid Qaiyum Suleri, the Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), stressed the urgency of addressing the food security crisis amidst escalating climate challenges, which have escalated into a human security concern.
He made these remarks during a seminar titled ‘Climate Change and Impacts on the National Security of Pakistan,’ jointly organized by SDPI and the Ministry of Defence.
Ambassador Shafqat Kakakhel noted the effectiveness of the Indus Water Treaty in ensuring water security and averting water-related conflicts between India and Pakistan.
However, he highlighted India’s construction of power projects on the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, underscoring the need for both countries to utilize the permitted water capacity.
As climate change exacerbates water insecurity and diplomatic efforts falter, he warned of the looming threat of water-driven conflict and advocated for intervention by international organizations like the Asian Development Bank and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development to facilitate multi-crisis diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.
Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, emphasized the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and data sharing in addressing water-related challenges, particularly in the context of strained relations between India and Pakistan.
He emphasized that a permanent and effective solution to the crisis requires political will and diplomatic efforts.
Climate Change Specialist Ali Tauqeer Sheikh stressed the necessity of multilateral diplomacy in addressing the water crisis, highlighting the interconnected nature of climate and security issues between India and Pakistan.
He argued that delinking climate issues from security and border disputes is essential for effective solutions.
Aisha Khan, Executive Director of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), advocated for a comprehensive approach to national security focusing on aligning food, water, and population considerations, transitioning to regenerative agriculture, and implementing evidence-based agricultural practices to address emerging threats such as stunting and wasting.
Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, emphasized the need for innovative agricultural practices such as vertical hydroponic agriculture and farm mechanization to mitigate water waste and adapt to changing climate conditions.
He also advocated for government support in promoting genetically modified crops and facilitating market-driven changes in cropping patterns aligned with agroecological zones.
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