Pakistan’s engagement with the climate crisis is emblematic of the struggles faced by developing nations grappling with environmental catastrophes, economic constraints, and social vulnerability.
Despite being responsible for less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries. From devastating floods to debilitating heat waves and choking smog, the climate crisis has pushed the country into a perpetual state of environmental and economic emergency.
In the legislative realm, Pakistan established the Climate Change Act in 2017, which laid the groundwork for structured climate governance. However, structural inefficiencies and delays in implementation have often rendered these mechanisms less effective. Recognising these gaps, the government has gradually overhauled its approach.
In 2024, Pakistan introduced the National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku. This framework mobilises resources from global climate funds and bilateral donors to support domestic mitigation and adaptation projects. For instance, the strategy prioritises renewable energy investments and climate-resilient infrastructure to combat the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
On the domestic front, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has transitioned from reactive to proactive planning.
A key advancement is the adoption of sophisticated early warning systems capable of predicting extreme weather events up to ten months in advance. Coupled with regional collaborations, such as partnerships with academic institutions, these systems are tailored to Pakistan’s diverse geographical vulnerabilities. From mountainous regions prone to glacial lake outbursts to coastal areas threatened by rising sea levels, the NDMA’s approach represents a shift towards science-led, context-specific resilience planning.
Nonetheless, some of Pakistan’s most persistent environmental challenges remain entrenched. Smog, particularly in urban hubs like Lahore, epitomises the country’s struggles with unchecked industrialisation and inadequate regulation. While efforts such as banning substandard fuels and enforcing stricter vehicular emission standards have been introduced, enforcement remains inconsistent.
The Lahore High Court has issued several directives on combating smog, including the temporary closure of polluting industries and the implementation of vehicular fitness regimes. However, systemic issues like corruption and lack of accountability undermine the efficacy of these measures.
In the international arena, Pakistan has emerged as a vocal proponent of climate justice, particularly advocating for the operationalisation of the Loss and Damages Fund. Introduced at COP27, the fund is designed to compensate countries bearing the brunt of climate-induced disasters.
At COP29, Pakistan highlighted its disproportionate exposure to climate risks, urging wealthy nations to fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement. Pakistani representatives have also pushed for innovative financing solutions, such as debt-for-climate swaps, to relieve fiscal pressures while simultaneously advancing climate projects.
Despite these initiatives, the pace of progress remains insufficient, given the scale of the crisis. To accelerate its efforts, Pakistan can draw on global best practices. Norway, for example, has achieved nearly 100% renewable energy generation by exploiting its hydropower resources.
A similar emphasis on renewable energy in Pakistan, particularly solar and wind, could transform the energy landscape, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create green jobs. Solar farms in Sindh and Balochistan, regions with abundant sunlight, could be a cornerstone of this transformation.
Costa Rica offers another compelling model through its Payment for Environmental Services (PES) programme, which compensates landowners for conserving forests. This initiative has helped Costa Rica achieve a remarkable reversal in deforestation.
Pakistan could adapt this approach by scaling up its Green Stimulus Initiative, which has already planted billions of trees under the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme. By coupling this with financial incentives for rural communities, Pakistan could address deforestation more comprehensively.
Urban planning offers yet another avenue for improvement. Singapore’s integrated approach to tackling air pollution and urban heat through vertical greenery and green building standards has significantly improved air quality and urban resilience.
Adapting these strategies, Pakistan could modernise its urban centres by promoting green infrastructure and revamping public transportation. The introduction of electric buses and investment in mass transit systems would not only reduce smog but also enhance urban livability.
China’s pioneering development of massive solar farms and its push towards electric vehicles illustrate the benefits of long-term planning and industrial alignment with climate goals. Pakistan’s energy policies could be recalibrated to support decentralised solar grids, particularly in energy-deficient rural areas. Incentivising the adoption of rooftop solar panels and microgrids through subsidies and tax breaks could decentralise energy access while reducing strain on the national grid.
A deeper issue underlines Pakistan’s climate vulnerability: the lack of cross-sectorial coordination. Effective climate governance requires integrating environmental concerns into agriculture, transport, urban planning, and health policies. Lessons from Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition) show the importance of cohesive policy frameworks that synchronise renewable energy, industrial emissions reduction, and energy efficiency measures. By adopting a similar approach, Pakistan could streamline its efforts and achieve more impactful results.
While international support remains crucial, Pakistan must strengthen its institutional capacity to fully leverage available resources. A robust mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of climate projects is essential to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
At the same time, fostering public awareness and participation is critical for sustainable change. Engaging local communities in climate adaptation projects, from mangrove restoration in coastal areas to water conservation in arid zones, could yield long-term benefits.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s response to the climate crisis is a mosaic of progress and persistent challenges. Initiatives like the NCFS, advanced disaster management systems, and international advocacy demonstrate the country’s commitment to tackling climate risks. However, systemic inefficiencies and resource constraints often hinder meaningful progress.
By learning from global success stories and integrating them with domestic priorities, Pakistan can enhance its resilience and contribute more effectively to global climate action. As the planet edges closer to tipping points, Pakistan’s ability to act decisively will not only shape its future but also set a precedent for other climate-vulnerable nations. At the same time, we must remember that no one country can combat climate change and we must engage with the issue as a global community.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024