A sustainable environment

Climate change has had severe economic repercussions on rural Sindh, where subsistence farming and small businesses are the backbone of daily life. Floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns have devastated crops, disrupted market access, and increased poverty levels.

Climate change is reshaping landscapes in Sindh, with consequences that hit women and children the hardest. Rising sea levels and increased flooding are displacing families, disrupting food and water supplies, and intensifying poverty in already vulnerable communities. Over recent decades, scientists have warned that human-induced factors like greenhouse gas emissions are accelerating these changes. The global mean sea level (the average height of the entire ocean surface) has risen by 8 inches since 1880, and in places like Sindh, coastal erosion and seawater intrusion are forcing families to relocate further inland. Global mean sea level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting land-based ice sheets and glaciers, and the expansion of seawater as it warms.

Amid the looming threat of climate change in Pakistan’s rural areas, women have emerged as formidable leaders in tackling this global crisis at a local level. Their resilience, knowledge, and community-driven efforts are crucial in regions like Sindh, where rising sea levels, extreme weather, and droughts have disrupted lives and livelihoods.

Spearheaded by dedicated activists, including master trainers like Samina Kalwar and Samreen Kaleri, rural communities are now mobilising under the ‘People’s Actions for Climate Resilience (PACR)’ project - an initiative by Village Development Organization (VDO) and South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAPP) aimed at preparing vulnerable populations, especially women and youth, for a sustainable future.

In the heart of Sindh’s rural landscape, especially in Ghotki district, communities are witnessing women lead the charge against climate change. These women, including voices like Samina Kalwar and Samreen Kaleri, who serve as master trainers in the PACR project, designed to empower local populations to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change. “We have seen how droughts and floods have destroyed our homes and fields. We cannot wait for others to save us, we have to do it ourselves,” says Samina Kalwar, who has worked extensively to build local women’s technical skills for managing homes and small businesses.

“Climate change has forced us to learn new skills to survive. We are learning how to make the most of the resources we have and how to protect our families. Our work here isn’t just about us; it’s about the future of our communities,” elucidates Samreen Kaleri, another master trainer, while highlighting the importance of self-reliance.

These women are joined by local farmers, artisans, and small business owners who recognise that climate resilience can only be achieved through unity and knowledge-sharing. Under the PACR project, villagers receive training on a range of topics, from disaster preparedness to sustainable agricultural practices, enabling them to adapt to an environment increasingly threatened by climate variability.

For women like Hakim Zadi, a villager whose family has lived in a kacha area for generations, and her community members, adapting to these changes is not an easy task. The VDO and SAPP initiatives recognise that women bear a disproportionate burden of these impacts. The PACR project thus aims to provide them with essential skills and knowledge to navigate this new reality. Through workshops and community-based training sessions, the PACR project equips women with the knowledge to better understand the natural phenomena affecting their lives. By fostering awareness of climate science and environmental stewardship, these programmes create a foundation for sustainable adaptation. Trainers teach participants how to conserve water, adapt traditional farming techniques, and anticipate extreme weather patterns.

“By knowing how to conserve resources and protect our crops, we are protecting our children’s future,” tells Sehja Bai, a local farmer who has participated in multiple PACR workshops. “The training has given us a new way of thinking, a hope that we can live here, even with the challenges climate change brings,” she adds.

For Mai Hajul, another participant, the knowledge shared through PACR has been transformative. “We were unaware of how much our daily lives were contributing to the problem. Through these sessions, we understand that small changes in our routines, like conserving water and reducing waste, can make a difference. And more importantly, we can teach our children these habits,” shares Mai Hajul.

The PACR project recognises that economic stability is essential for climate resilience, especially among women, who often manage both their households and their family’s livelihoods.

In response, the initiative has introduced vocational training, promoting alternative income sources to help families diversify their means of earning. Women are learning skills such as organic farming, handicraft production, and small-scale entrepreneurship. By gaining control over their economic futures, they’re not only stabilising their households but also fortifying their communities against further climate-induced shocks.

“Climate change has made farming unpredictable,” expresses Mai Soobi, a farmer who has benefited from the vocational training. “With the new techniques that we have learned, we can grow crops that are more resilient to floods and droughts. And if the crops don’t do well, we have other ways to earn a living,” she elaborates.

In addition to tangible skills, the PACR project instils a sense of agency and resilience. For women like Samina Kalwar and Samreen Kaleri, the journey has been as much about empowerment as survival. The training sessions serve as a platform where women can share their fears, exchange solutions, and support each other in their shared struggle.

“We may not be able to control the climate, but we can control how we respond to it. Together, we are stronger, and we are learning how to fight back,” states Samina in a committed tone.

Samreen echoes this sentiment, highlighting the collective strength that has emerged after attending these workshops, “As we come together, our voices are louder. We are not just adapting to climate change, we are also learning how to live in a changing environment and to protect our children from hazards of climate impact,” utters Samreen.

Beyond local adaptation, the PACR project emphasises the importance of addressing the root causes of climate change. Although Sindh’s communities have a minimal carbon footprint compared to urban centres or industrialised regions, the women involved are aware of their interconnected role in the larger climate crisis. “We may not be causing the problem, but we are facing the consequences which is highly unfair. That is why our resilience is so important,” explains Samreen.

The project also educates participants on the environmental impact of activities like deforestation and fossil fuel use, while advocating for renewable energy solutions where possible. Women are encouraged to share their knowledge with other community members, spreading awareness and fostering collective responsibility.

For a better tomorrow

While the efforts of the PACR project are commendable, climate change remains a colossal challenge that requires global cooperation. The developed world, responsible for much of the carbon emissions leading to these climate disturbances, has an obligation to support vulnerable communities like those in Sindh. As the world grapples with emission control and sustainable policies, these rural communities are living examples of adaptation and resilience.

“The world needs to see what we are doing here,” says Hakim Zadi. “We have no choice but to fight for our future, but we need help. We need resources and technologies that can make our lives a little easier in this battle,” stresses Hakim Zadi.

Master trainers like Samina Kalwar and Samreen Kaleri hope that their efforts will inspire larger support networks and funding for initiatives like PACR. Their vision is clear: to create a sustainable environment where communities can thrive even amidst changing climates.

The women of Sindh are proving that resilience, knowledge, and community collaboration can make a powerful difference in the face of adversity. They are not just responding to the impacts of climate change; they are pioneering ways to adapt and thrive. With initiatives like the PACR project, these communities stand a chance not just to survive but to grow stronger, safeguarding their culture, homes, and future.

In the words of Mai Soobi, “We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but today we are stronger, more prepared, and united in our cause.” As the world looks to curb climate change, these women are a testament to the strength found in local solutions and the unbreakable will of community spirit.

The writer is a staff member. He can be reached at shahid.jillani@gmail.com