Climate change represents one of the most critical global challenges of the 21st century. The ramifications of climate change are particularly pronounced for developing countries such as Pakistan, which exhibit a high degree of vulnerability to environmental alterations.

With an economy that is substantially dependent on agriculture, a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, and a geographic location that is prone to extreme weather events, Pakistan encounters a myriad of challenges in its efforts to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change threats was exposed when the country experienced floods of biblical proportions in 2022, which left one-third of the country under water and caused an economic loss of over $30 billion.

One of the most significant impacts of climate change on Pakistan is the increasing water scarcity, primarily attributable to alterations in rainfall patterns and the accelerated melting of glaciers in the Himalayas. The nation is heavily reliant on the Indus River System, which is predominantly sustained by glacial snowmelt and seasonal monsoon rains.

As global temperatures rise because of climate change, these glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, leading to immediate increases in river flow while markedly diminishing long-term water availability.

The patterns of the monsoon season have also become increasingly erratic, resulting in unpredictable rainfall that can cause both severe droughts and devastating floods. This dual phenomenon presents a significant threat to agriculture, which is essential for the livelihoods of a substantial segment of the population while exacerbating the ongoing challenges associated with water scarcity.

Pakistan is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves. In recent years,........

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