Pakistan’s Climate Crisis: A Fight for Survival Amid Deadly Heatwaves and Floods
Abdul Samad Tariq
Islamabad: Pakistan stands at the frontlines of a climate emergency, battling deadly heatwaves, catastrophic floods, and rapidly vanishing glaciers that threaten millions of lives and livelihoods. Though the country contributes less than one percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it bears the brunt of climate change’s devastating impacts — paying a heavy price for the excesses of others.
“We are in a fight for survival,” said Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. “But we refuse to surrender to despair. Our initiatives aim to protect our people and set an example for the world.”
The scars of recent years tell a grim story. In 2022, unprecedented monsoon rains and melting glaciers submerged a third of the country, claiming 1,760 lives, displacing 33 million people, and destroying two million homes. Economic losses soared to an estimated $40 billion.
Just two years later, in June 2024, southern Pakistan sweltered under a scorching 49°C (120°F) heatwave. The extreme temperatures killed 568 people and sent 7,900 others to hospitals. Rolling power failures crippled cooling systems, deepening the crisis.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/global-south-rethinks-climate-strategy-as-us-exit-deepens-finance-crisis/
“Families saw their homes demolished, farmers watched their crops and livestock wither,” Saleem said. “These aren’t just statistics—they’re stories of human suffering. These are our realities.”
The country’s 7,000-plus glaciers, a crucial water source for 90% of the population dependent on the Indus River, are retreating at an alarming rate. Alongside rising temperatures, erratic heatwaves, cloudbursts, and hailstorms are becoming the new norm.
Yet, amidst the climate chaos, Pakistan’s climate managers are mobilizing urgently.
“We have launched aggressive climate initiatives,” said Saleem. “We have planted 3.5 billion trees, restored 1.36 million hectares of degraded land, and created 84,000 jobs. This is Pakistan’s green wall against climate chaos.”
In partnership with the United Nations, the $500 million Living Indus Initiative aims to revive the Indus Basin through wetland restoration, sustainable farming, and flood management. “The Indus is our lifeline, and we protect it as we do our motherland,” Saleem emphasized. The government is also restoring ancient irrigation systems and developing ‘sponge cities’ designed to absorb floodwaters and replenish groundwater.
Renewable energy projects are underway nationwide, aiming to provide cheaper, cleaner power. Pakistan targets increasing electric vehicle adoption by 2030 to reduce emissions further.
Under its updated climate commitments, Pakistan pledges to slash emissions by 50% by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement. Yet 35% of this goal depends on international funding.
“We’re doing our part with a 15% domestic cut,” Saleem said. “But climate justice demands wealthy nations step up. We need grants, not loans, to avoid debt traps.”
In December 2024, Pakistan launched a Carbon Market Policy to attract green investment, alongside the $77 million Recharge Pakistan project focused on water security through wetland restoration and flood management.
Grassroots efforts play a crucial role. The Clean Green School Program, active in 423 Islamabad schools, teaches climate literacy, waste management, and tree planting. “These students are becoming climate ambassadors and driving change in their families,” Saleem said.
Every August 18, National Tree Plantation Day honors Pakistan’s 2009 world record of planting over half a million mangroves in a single day — a symbol of the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Yet the challenges remain daunting. Pakistan needs $348 billion by 2030 to meet its climate goals, but less than 10% has been pledged so far.
“COP28 promises must translate into real cash. Delay is denial for vulnerable nations. Climate action demands consistency,” Saleem urged.
Environmental experts echo this call for urgent, holistic action.
Sardar Khan Zimri, Director General of Water Management at Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority, warns of worsening urban water scarcity. “Islamabad’s groundwater is depleting at 3.5 feet per year. Our ‘sponge city’ projects are critical, but rapid urbanization is outpacing efforts.”
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/ndma-alerts-governor-kp-on-climate-induced-flood-risks/
Dr. Syeda Maria Ali, Associate Professor of Urban Ecology at International Islamic University Islamabad, highlights the urban heat island effect. “Cities like Karachi and Lahore are 5-7°C hotter than rural areas due to concrete sprawl and deforestation. Climate-responsive urban planning—green roofs, permeable pavements, and strict tree cover laws—are essential.”
Dr. Sawaira Safeer, Environmental Health Specialist, points to a growing public health crisis linked to climate change. “Rising temperatures and floods are fueling diseases like dengue, heatstroke, and waterborne illnesses. Our healthcare system is already strained. Without stronger preventive measures, we risk a full-blown epidemic.”
Looking ahead, Pakistan plans to expand the Clean Green School Program to 30,000 institutions by 2025, complete the first phase of the Living Indus Initiative by 2026, and reach its renewable energy targets by 2030.
The road is long and fraught with challenges but every tree planted, every solar panel installed, represents a blow against climate injustice.
Pakistan’s struggle is a stark warning: if a low-emitter like Pakistan can take bold climate action, the world’s biggest polluters must act faster. Developed nations must fulfill their commitments to support vulnerable countries, as they are the ones responsible for past emissions.
In this battle for survival, Pakistan is not just fighting for itself it is fighting for the future of the planet.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
