By Mr. Obaid Ayub
Director, House of Elaan & Member, Board of Experts, PRCCSF, Islamabad
Climate Change: A Growing Threat to Pakistan and the World
TN Media News Pakistan: Climate change is a growing global crisis, disrupting ecosystems and endangering lives. Pakistan is among the countries most severely affected, frequently facing extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, storms, and landslides. These events threaten public health, food security, and economic stability.
In the last two decades, rising greenhouse gas emissions have altered global weather patterns. Intense rainfall and flash floods, dust storms from droughts, and declining agricultural productivity are just some of the consequences.
To address these impacts, collective efforts are urgently needed to limit global temperature rise below 2°C, with a target of 1.5°C.
Climate Change: Causes and Consequences
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, driven largely by human activity. The key contributors include:
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Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas)
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Deforestation and land degradation
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Emissions from agriculture and livestock
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Industrial and transportation sectors
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) are the main greenhouse gases fueling the climate crisis.
Between 2011 and 2020, the world saw the hottest decade on record. By 2019, global temperatures had already risen by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels and are now increasing at 0.2°C per decade.
Social Impact: Climate Injustice
Climate change disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities—those least responsible for global emissions. Vulnerable groups include:
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Women-headed households
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Children and the elderly
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Ethnic minorities
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Disabled and displaced persons
Lack of access to resources, health care, decision-making power, and justice further increases their vulnerability.
Inequitable climate policies, such as carbon taxes on public transport, can unintentionally harm the poor. Therefore, inclusive, participatory policy-making is crucial for fair and effective climate action.
Climate Change in Pakistan: A Humanitarian and Economic Emergency
Pakistan ranks 18th among 191 countries most at risk from climate disasters (INFORM Risk Index 2020). In recent years, the country has faced:
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Historic floods (2010, 2012, and 2022)
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Heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 50°C
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Rapid glacier melting and extreme monsoons
In 2022 alone:
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33 million people were affected by floods
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Over 1,700 lives were lost
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Damages exceeded PKR 24 billion
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Nearly 13,000 people were injured
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Infrastructure and farmland were devastated
Pakistan’s average temperatures are rising faster than the global average, with projections showing an increase of 1.3°C to 4.9°C by the 2090s.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan: Leading Together for Climate Resilience
Despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, Pakistan faces one of the highest climate burdens. This reality underlines the importance of international cooperation.
In November 2024, Azerbaijan will host the COP29 summit in Baku. This event is a critical opportunity for Pakistan to:
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Advocate for climate compensation
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Promote global emission accountability
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Expand green energy partnerships
Earlier this year, Azerbaijan’s Minister Mukhtar Babayev visited Pakistan and delivered a formal invitation to attend COP29. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed strong support and congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting the summit.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have a shared vision for:
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Advancing climate mitigation and adaptation
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Strengthening renewable energy cooperation
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Supporting multilateralism and international law
Conclusion: From Crisis to Opportunity
While Pakistan faces immense climate challenges, it also has an opportunity to become a leader in sustainability and innovation. By embracing international partnerships, investing in green technology, and designing inclusive climate policies, Pakistan can chart a path toward a resilient, equitable future.
As global leaders gather at COP29, the world must recognize that climate justice is not just about emissions—it’s about people, equity, and survival.
