Financial cost of climate inaction in Pakistan |
Pakistan has surged to the top of the global climate risk index, climbing from its previous rank of fifth, raising alarm about the nation's lack of progress in addressing climate risks. While some argue that the increasing intensity and frequency of climate-related events, such as floods and heatwaves, have driven this ranking, others point to Pakistan's failure to bolster its fragile infrastructure and implement effective risk reduction measures as the primary cause.
Critics highlight that the nation's inadequate efforts in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience have left it ill-equipped to handle climate impacts, cementing its position as the most vulnerable country. This perspective challenges the narrative that external climate forces alone are to blame, suggesting instead that systemic inaction has exacerbated Pakistan's exposure.
Addressing climate change requires collective action from government, businesses and communities, but this approach faces significant hurdles in Pakistan. The government, despite claims of competence and transparency, grapples with competing priorities, limiting its capacity to drive meaningful climate policies. Businesses, meanwhile, often evade regulatory measures, citing a mix of legitimate and questionable excuses. A recent example is the plastic bag ban in Sindh, where manufacturers delayed enforcement by seeking legal recourse, underscoring their resistance to environmental regulations.
Civil society, the third pillar of potential change, remains fragmented. While some community groups exist on paper or social media, many lack........