Pakistan is one of the most sensitive countries to climatic changes, experiences growing environmental problems in the region. However, the efficiency of Pakistan’s climate action policies is still in question even though there is an increasing understanding of the issue and some governmental measures are being taken.
The National Climate Change Policy 2012 and the subsequent Framework for Implementation (2014–2030) forms Pakistan’s climate action plan. While the goal and objectives for mitigation and adaptation are high, the implementation gaps are pretty large. The Global Climate Risk Index 2021 proves that Pakistan is the 8th country in the world most affected by extreme weather events, which necessitates the adoption of efficient climate policies.
Although Pakistan has made significant improvements in the attainment of renewable energy, they are insufficient. Currently, the share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s total installed capacity is around 6%, though this is still a long way from the given availability of solar and wind energy. The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy 2019 aims to achieve a 30% renewable energy share by 2030, however, bureaucratic hurdles, and poor investment have hampered the sector. Pakistan's forest cover is only 5.7% compared to the global average of 31%.
Climate vulnerability is worsened by deforestation, particularly due to unauthorized logging and conversion of forests to croplands and developed areas. The Billion Tree Tsunami afforestation project is a good effort; reforestation in some regions have shown positive results, but the maintenance and long term impact needs to be assessed. A survey by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) revealed that over 30% of the population remains unaware of climate change and its cruciality.
The Pakistani institutions of social control and government need to adopt a holistic approach.
Invest more significantly in the climate projects.
Promote the expansion of renewable energy sector.
Support tougher legislations for reduction of deforestation, and city planning should focus on afforestation.
Develop and apply extensive educational programs that will increase society’s awareness of the problem.
Global expertise and funding should be sought through forging international partnerships.
Between 2010 and 2019, Pakistan faced over $18 billion in economic losses due to climate-related disasters, like floods, droughts, heatwaves and so on. Only about 8% of the national budget is directed towards initiatives related to climate, whereas the required funding is estimated to be between $7-$14 billion annually [as per Pakistan Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review (CPEIR)]. The policies themselves are well-made but there is poor implementation and mismanagement.
Another question arises, what can people like us do on an individual level? The answer lies in adopting some ways to go by, such as writing to local representatives, joining campaigns, and supporting organizations pushing for increased government funding for climate initiatives, like Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), Indus Earth Trust, Pakistan Youth Climate Network, and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), etc. Choose energy providers that offer renewable energy options, patronize companies that use renewable energy, if possible. Educate yourself about climate change, its impacts, and solutions. Share this knowledge with others. Make lifestyle changes such as reducing energy consumption, and reducing waste. Work & advocate for more parks, green roofs, and urban forests in your areas. Use social media platforms to share information, resources, and personal actions related to climate change. Lastly, support political candidates and policies that prioritize climate action and sustainability.
Pakistan’s climate action remains more of a promise than a reality. The devastating floods, relentless heatwaves, these are not just abstract threats—they are here, now, and they are deadly. The time for half-measures has long passed. There should be a seismic shift in the government's approach, and our next steps will determine whether our country succumbs to environmental degradation, or if there is at least one aspect that we may succeed in.