Battling the climate threat

Climate change represents one of the most critical global challenges of the 21st century. The ramifications of climate change are particularly pronounced for developing countries such as Pakistan, which exhibit a high degree of vulnerability to environmental alterations.

With an economy that is substantially dependent on agriculture, a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, and a geographic location that is prone to extreme weather events, Pakistan encounters a myriad of challenges in its efforts to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change threats was exposed when the country experienced floods of biblical proportions in 2022, which left one-third of the country under water and caused an economic loss of over $30 billion.

One of the most significant impacts of climate change on Pakistan is the increasing water scarcity, primarily attributable to alterations in rainfall patterns and the accelerated melting of glaciers in the Himalayas. The nation is heavily reliant on the Indus River System, which is predominantly sustained by glacial snowmelt and seasonal monsoon rains.

As global temperatures rise because of climate change, these glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, leading to immediate increases in river flow while markedly diminishing long-term water availability.

The patterns of the monsoon season have also become increasingly erratic, resulting in unpredictable rainfall that can cause both severe droughts and devastating floods. This dual phenomenon presents a significant threat to agriculture, which is essential for the livelihoods of a substantial segment of the population while exacerbating the ongoing challenges associated with water scarcity.

Pakistan is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves. In recent years, the nation has endured catastrophic flooding, notably in 2010 and again in 2022. These events have resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure and agricultural sectors, as well as the displacement of a large number of people.

The ramifications of these evolving weather patterns not only strain water resources but also jeopardise food security, heightening the vulnerability of communities across the country. There is an urgent need for effective management and adaptive strategies to confront these interconnected challenges posed by climate change.

Water scarcity poses significant risks not only to agricultural productivity but also to the overall welfare of Pakistan's population. As the demand for water continues to rise due to the burgeoning population while supplies diminish, the strain on water resources is expected to escalate. This situation may lead to potential conflicts among regions and sectors that rely on water for essential purposes such as consumption, agriculture, and industrial activities.

The construction and expansion activities in major urban centres such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi have significantly transformed these regions into concrete environments. On a global scale, the construction industry is responsible for contributing between 25 and 40 per cent of carbon emissions through its various components and execution methods. In Pakistan, the surge in construction activity within these large cities is leading to a decline in green spaces and disrupting natural systems that are vital for stormwater drainage and groundwater recharge.

Encroachment upon active floodplains for agricultural or residential purposes poses significant challenges to the country's disaster management systems. Urban expansion frequently occurs without obtaining the requisite consensus from essential bodies such as the Federal Flood Commission, the Pakistan Meteorological Department, and Disaster Management Authorities. These observations indicate that the challenges associated with climate in Pakistan are exacerbated by inadequate integrated resource management and are predominantly man-made.

Given the serious threats climate change poses to Pakistan's environment, agriculture and economy, it is crucial to adopt a multi-faceted approach that mitigates its impacts and builds resilience.

One of the most critical areas requiring attention is water management. The nation needs to invest in efficient water utilisation and conservation practices. This includes the modernisation of irrigation systems to mitigate water wastage, particularly within the agricultural sector. The implementation of drip irrigation techniques and water-efficient farming methods has the potential to significantly decrease water wastage while simultaneously enhancing crop yields. Furthermore, the construction and maintenance of water reservoirs, serving both storage and flood control purposes, are imperative for managing water supply during periods of drought and flooding, thus ensuring water security.

Efforts also need to be directed towards strengthening water governance at both local and national levels to ensure the equitable distribution of water resources. International collaboration with neighbouring countries, notably India, is also vital for the effective management of shared water resources and to prevent conflicts arising from water scarcity. The framework agreed in the form of the Indus Waters Treaty has proven its utility in managing water-related disputes between the archrivals.

To ensure food security, Pakistan must prioritise the implementation of climate-resilient agricultural practices. This objective can be realised through the development and adoption of crop varieties that are both drought-tolerant and heat-resistant, enabling them to endure extreme weather conditions.

The incorporation of climate-smart agricultural techniques – such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic farming – can significantly enhance soil fertility, minimize water dependency, and improve agricultural productivity in the context of shifting climatic patterns. Equally important is the awareness of the farming community, incentivising them to learn these modern agricultural techniques coupled with up-gradation and capacity building of the agricultural departments across the country.

Finally, Pakistan must undertake a transition towards renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combat climate change. The country possesses considerable potential for harnessing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which can adequately address its energy requirements while diminishing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the promotion of green technologies and enhancements in energy efficiency will enable Pakistan to mitigate its impact on climate change while simultaneously addressing local energy demands.

Access to concessional finance remains a key factor in enabling the developing world to deal with the challenges of mitigation and adaptation. Geopolitical tensions, ongoing wars and the post-Covid environment have massively disrupted global supply chains, thus deepening the triple crisis of fuel, commodities and finance. The commitments made by the developed world, which is actually responsible for creating the climate hazards, are paltry at best.

The international community needs to deploy greater political will to deal with the challenge as menacing as climate change. There are valid fears that the inaction will impose greater costs not only on the health of our planet but also on the idea of our civilisation. International cooperation offers the only way forward.

The writer is a trade facilitation expert working with the federal government of Pakistan.