Minister urges scientists to help tackle climate, economic challenges

ISLAMABAD: Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal has expressed concern that Pakistan’s scientific community is not contributing enough to national development and urged scientists, researchers, and engineers to address pressing issues in agriculture, climate, environment, health, and other critical sectors.

Speaking at the conclusion of a symposium on climate change here at the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) Islamabad, he called for urgent solutions to the country’s problems, particularly in light of the severe impact of climate change. “In addition to the economic crisis we are currently facing, we are also grappling with the devastating effects of climate change from droughts and heatwaves to super floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), smog, and other natural disasters that have paralyzed us as a nation. 

This is a crucial time for our scientific community, especially the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), to provide solutions to our issues on a daily basis.” The symposium, titled “Climate Change and Health & Development Consequences in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities”, was organized by the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) in collaboration with the PAS and the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP). The event brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the impacts of climate change on Pakistan’s health, agriculture, food security, development, and economic sectors, and explore indigenous and innovative strategies moving forward.

Ahsan emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that no politician, judge, or institution alone could solve the challenges posed by climate change. “The answer lies with the scientific and technological community,” he said, adding that the government prioritized a multidisciplinary approach to address these challenges. He stressed the need for political stability and consistent policies to ensure economic progress, noting that Pakistan was on the path to recovery.

“Inflation is going down, and food inflation is also very low now. All our economic indicators are improving, but we need the support of scientists and researchers. Science and technology can steer the country out of the economic crisis,” he added.

Scientist and symposium organizer Prof Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta highlighted the severe economic and health challenges Pakistan faced due to the escalating impacts of climate change, which were estimated to cost the country around 6-8% of its GDP annually. 

He said catastrophic events, such as the floods of 2010-11 and 2022 resulted in GDP losses of between 4.5% and 11%, respectively, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive action. “Water insecurity and air pollution contribute additional losses of 4.6% and 6.5%, respectively, while heatwaves and floods further exacerbate the situation, with potential future costs ranging from 6.5-9% of the GDP by 2050,” he noted and pointed out that agriculture, which contributed 23% to the GDP, was underperforming due to environmental degradation and inefficient practices, with post-harvest losses alarmingly high at 35-40%. 

The use of flood irrigation systems result in significant water wastage, further impacting agricultural output and economic stability. He warned that the degradation of the Indus Delta and the rapid retreat of glaciers in the region posed additional threats, with key glacier basins expected to reduce by 80% by 2050. He emphasized that these environmental challenges also adversely affected other critical sectors including education, gender equality, and nutrition.

The symposium underscored the need for a coordinated and evidence-based approach to tackle climate change, with significant investments in research and innovation. Prof Bhutta recommended the development of a common science, innovation, and research platform for climate change, environment, and health-related work. 

He also called for an evidence portal, in collaboration with the CERP, to gather data on effective strategies for Pakistan and other low- and middle-income countries. He emphasized enhancing the research and education capacity on climate and environmental issues, involving both public and private sector players. Key areas of focus should include strengthening data systems, promoting multi-sectoral approaches, advancing social science and behavioural research, developing health systems response and resilience models, and utilizing remote sensing and big data analysis, including artificial intelligence. 

He also stressed the need for increased research financing, advocating ring-fenced funding and substantial investments across science and technology sectors, involving entities like the Higher Education Commission and relevant ministries. 

The symposium concluded with a call for improved climate governance and reduced policy uncertainties to effectively tackle the escalating climate crisis. The speakers agreed on the importance of a united effort by government, scientific community, and civil society to safeguard Pakistan’s future against the ongoing and future impacts of climate change.