Integrated efforts stressed to combat poverty, climate change nexus

Islamabad : Speaking as guest speaker at the Islamabad Crescent Lions Club monthly meeting here on Saturday, Executive Director Devcom-Pakistan Munir Ahmed said that as climate change intensifies, it poses a significant threat to natural resources, disproportionately affecting poor populations contributing to a cycle of increasing poverty.

“The depletion of vital natural resources such as water, soil, and biodiversity, droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns disrupt agricultural production, which is often the primary livelihood for impoverished communities. This resource depletion means less food, reduced income, and greater insecurity for those who rely on these resources for survival,” he added.

Munir Ahmed said that poor communities typically have limited economic diversification. When climate change negatively impacts sectors like agriculture, fishing, or forestry, these populations face immediate economic challenges. Loss of income can lead to heightened poverty levels, as families struggle to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. “Pakistan’s poverty index has climbed up in recent years mainly because of two factors, political instability and climate change. There is no repair to the losses of the devastating floods despite international commitments,” he added.

“With agricultural productivity declining due to erratic weather and resource scarcity, food prices can skyrocket, making it harder for low-income families to access nutritious food. Food insecurity can lead to malnutrition and related health problems, further trapping families in poverty. Meanwhile, climate change has exacerbated health issues, particularly in poor communities lacking adequate healthcare access. Rising temperatures and changing ecosystems can lead to the spread of diseases, respiratory issues from pollution, and increased mental health challenges. Poor health can diminish work capacity and economic stability, perpetuating the cycle of poverty,” he said.

Ahmed said that thousands have been displaced from the flood-hotspots, losing their properties and means of livelihood. They have no economic resources where they have migrated to, so their living has become more awful. As natural disasters become a frequent phenomenon, poor people may be forced to leave their homes in search of safety and better living conditions. This displacement can lead to overcrowding in urban areas, where resources are already strained, creating further economic and social challenges for both newcomers and existing residents. He said Pakistan’s philanthropy amounting to billions of rupees is mostly spent on religious seminaries and on free-meals. This shall be used in uplifting the economic conditions of the vulnerable groups through interest-free micro-enterprises, shops and other skill-based earning outlets.

The ICLC founder Sibtain Raza said poor communities often lack the resources, technology, and infrastructure needed to adapt to changing climate conditions. Without financial support or access to innovative practices, these populations are left vulnerable, unable to implement measures that could help them cope with environmental changes. ICLC is trying to develop a group of social philanthropists to use their resources in empowering the poor and marginalized. Free-meals shall only go to the doorsteps of the most deserving, not to everyone.

Dr. Imran Iqbal, the host of the meeting, said, “As climate change exacerbates poverty and resource scarcity, it can lead to social unrest and conflict over dwindling resources. This instability further hinders development efforts and can perpetuate cycles of violence and displacement. We need combined efforts to combat the effects of climate change and poverty that create a complex and worsening scenario for vulnerable populations.