Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability in 2025
Pakistan faces severe challenges due to climate change. Recent flash floods have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people. The National Disaster Management Authority has issued alerts for potential glacial lake outburst floods, urban flooding, and further flash floods. Recently, Pakistan was ranked as the most climate-vulnerable country globally, suffering immense social and economic costs.
Geographic Factors
Pakistan’s geography contributes to its vulnerability. The country is home to over 13,000 glaciers. Global warming leads to the melting of these glaciers, increasing the risk of floods. Additionally, Pakistan experiences frequent heatwaves and erratic rainfall, resulting in both floods and droughts. These climatic challenges are shared with much of north India.
Natural Disasters
Apart from climate change, Pakistan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes. The combination of geological instability and climate-induced hazards exacerbates the risks faced by the population.
Human Factors
Chronic mismanagement and poor policy decisions worsen the situation. Recent incidents show that many deaths from rain-related events were due to inadequate infrastructure. For example, roof collapses in Punjab were a major cause of fatalities. Moreover, rescue efforts in areas like Swat were delayed, leading to public protests.
Urbanisation Challenges
Rapid urban migration has led to the growth of slums, where over 50% of the urban population lives in informal settlements known as katchi abadis. Poor urban planning results in water-logging and increased flood vulnerability. The heat island effect is intensified by high population density in cities, where concrete structures absorb heat.
Air Quality Issues
Air pollution is rising in urban areas due to various factors. Inefficient energy use, increased vehicle numbers, industrial activities, and open burning of waste contribute to deteriorating air quality. This pollution impacts the health and well-being of the population.
Government Response
Leaders in Pakistan have criticized the government’s slow response to climate issues. The former Climate Change Minister brought into light the urgent need for action. The government has sought international aid, specifically green funds, to address climate challenges.
Financial Needs
Pakistan demands more financial assistance to combat climate change. The International Monetary Fund approved a Resilience and Sustainability Facility of around USD 1.4 billion. However, the country estimates needing approximately USD 200 billion for mitigation actions by 2030.
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