THE increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and heatwaves, result in loss of livelihood, human lives, and economic output. Furthermore, extreme weather events seriously undermine efforts to eliminate poverty and improve living standards, offsetting gains from economic development and resulting in the wastage of scarce resources. Thus, enabling adaptation to climate change and developing the resilience of key social and economic systems has become a top priority of governments worldwide.
Resource-scarce countries like Pakistan have no option, but to invest in climate change adaptation, developing climate resilience of vulnerable communities, and cushioning social and economic systems from climate-related stresses. Investment in climate resilience in the Pakistani context can protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities and shield social and economic systems, safeguarding the country’s economic progress. For example, saving jobs and household incomes and avoiding and mitigating displacements can help maintain economic activity, facilitating local economies to rebound faster. Furthermore, investments in climate adaptation and resilience can increase the resource base,........