Climate refers to the long-term patterns and averages of meteorological conditions in a particular region. It includes temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and seasons over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. In Pakistan, over the past 2 decades we have witnessed an increasing number of natural disasters repeating themselves. These disasters include earthquakes, floods, heat waves, landslides and droughts. Each province is affected differently by the these natural disasters, impacting the livelihoods of the population inhibiting the regions. Not only are human lives at risk, but the economic stagnation in these areas persists for years after the disaster.

The question that arises here is, does Pakistan face a Climate emergency?

Yes as defined by this definition, “A climate emergency refers to the urgent and severe threat posed by climate change, requiring immediate and significant action to mitigate its impacts and adapt to its effects. It requires the critical need for rapid changes in policies, behaviors, and technologies to prevent catastrophic consequences for the environment, human societies, and economies”.

To support the above definition, if we define it in Pakistan’s context, Pakistan does face a climate emergency. The climate emergency appeal can be supported by the following justification;
Extreme Weather Events

Pakistan has experienced a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts. For example, the devastating floods of 2010 and 2022 displaced millions and caused extensive damage. One-third of the population has been displaced from their homes, and the efforts to safely evacuate water from villages have been inadequate. These internally displaced people (IDPs) have found homes and shelters in other cities, as their own lands remain flooded. These areas have become uninhabitable due to the proliferation of waterborne diseases, algae, stagnant water, and contamination, along with the destruction of infrastructure and the depletion of essential resources.

Glacial Melt

The Himalayas and the Karakoram range in Pakistan are home to some of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions. These glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate due to rising temperatures, leading to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and impacting water availability. Not only can this causes floods, but In the northern regions of Pakistan, glacial melt is severely endangering various wildlife species, including the iconic snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and Marco Polo sheep. These species rely on the unique high-altitude ecosystems sustained by glaciers for their habitat and food sources. The melting glaciers lead to habitat loss, reduced prey availability, and disrupted water sources, increasing the already sensitive existence of these animals.

Water Scarcity

Climate change is severely affecting water scarcity in Pakistan. Changes in rainfall patterns and the melting of glaciers are affecting the flow of the Indus River, which is crucial for the country’s agriculture and water supply. The aftermath of this can be seen in the water scarcity issues faced by metropolitan cities such as Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, where citizens are now relying on the purchase of water tankers worth Rs. 4000. If you do not have ground water supply, you have to wait for the government’s water supply for up to 3-4 days. Many incidents have been reported where government supply was halted for upto 10 days in some sectors on the Capital, causing citizens to relocate.

Agricultural Impact

Agriculture, which employs a large portion of Pakistan’s population, is highly vulnerable to climate change. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, along with increased pest outbreaks and soil degradation, are affecting crop yields and food security. Wheat, a staple crop in Pakistan, has experienced yield reductions of up to 15-20% in some regions due to increasing temperatures and unconventional rainfall patterns. Rice, another critical crop, is similarly affected by these climatic changes. The agricultural sector, contributing around 19% to Pakistan’s GDP and employing about 42% of the labor force, faces significant economic losses due to climate change. Annual losses are estimated to be around $3.8 billion, primarily due to reduced crop yields and extreme weather events.

Urban Vulnerability

Rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure further complicate these challenges. When major private housing schemes cut down the forests in order to build urban housing societies, not only are they disturbing the quality of land but they release toxic waste which is harmful to the ecosystem and the water supply of the territory. These housing societies, under the umbrella of business are creating a problem for Pakistan’s government, because if a natural disasters strikes or if a disease spreads, the government will have to compensate for the loss of life, not these housing societies.

Health Issues

Climate change is contributing to a rise in health problems, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from poor air quality, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Lahore has one of the worst air qualities in the world, causing respiratory diseases among the inhabitants. According to a study, One day spent in Lahore is equal to smoking 30 cigarettes in a day. Increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns contribute to the proliferation of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, which disproportionately affect children due to their weaker immune systems. Additionally, extreme weather events, such as floods, lead to the displacement of families, resulting in overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions that further spread infectious diseases like respiratory infections and skin diseases. Malnutrition is another critical issue, as climate change impacts agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages that primarily affect pregnant women and children, increasing the risk of stunted growth and maternal health complications.

Economic Losses

The economic impact of climate change is substantial, affecting various sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. Natural disasters and changing climate conditions lead to significant financial losses and hinder economic development.

Pakistan has developed a National Climate Change Policy aimed at addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change, focusing on adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) coordinates disaster response and implements disaster risk reduction strategies, playing a crucial role in managing climate-related disasters. Initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami, launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expanded nationwide, aim to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems, and enhance carbon sequestration. Additionally, Pakistan is investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. At the community level, local adaptation strategies involve changing agricultural practices, improving water management, and building resilient infrastructure. Numerous NGOs and civil society groups are actively working on climate change awareness, education, and community-based adaptation projects. However, these efforts are not enough. If not now, when will we take the comprehensive, immediate action necessary to protect our future and mitigate the severe impacts of climate change?

Introduction

Water Security refers to the sustainable usage of water and securing water systems in a country. It also means that to ensure sustainable development of water resources and accessibility of water for all the individuals as a basic human right. Water crisis is a serious issue and surprisingly very little attention is being paid to the particular problem. Once a water abundant country is now water-stressed which is leading towards a major crisis as the water profile of Pakistan does not show a satisfactory situation, it is an emergency state in terms of water resources. According to a report of Pakistan Council of Water Research (PCWR), Pakistan is at the risk of an absolute water crisis by 2025. Not only that, it will also impact the agriculture sector for food production, energy sector for generation of electricity and healthy environment that is necessary for growth of socio-economic measures and sustainable development. The demand for water is rising in the country because of various factors such as urbanization, rapid population growth. This has completely changed the consumption patterns of water, but the available supply of water is very limited and is at risk because of climate change.

Background

Pakistan and India share rivers on the basis of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) which is traced back to 1960, when both the countries signed the treaty under the supervision of World Bank. This treaty defined the principle of water sharing. Now, the water demand has increased in two countries, due to which on and off disagreements appeared on water sharing issues. Water nationalism has risen in recent years as the supply-demand mismatch for water has widened in India and Pakistan, which has been exacerbated by rising tensions between the two nations. But, somehow IWT has always managed to avoid any serious water conflicts despite of the political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Pakistan, it is on the verge of a water crisis by 2025 that is forecasted by experts. Water security is an emerging paradigm which requires recognition at all levels. South Asia has immediate and long-term difficulties from climate change, including glacier melt, sea-level rise, groundwater depletion, extreme weather events and an increase in the frequency of natural disasters, all of which are expected to worsen in the next decades. The analysis cautions that pre-existing vulnerabilities i.e. high poverty, poor governance, and restricted access to basic services and resources enhance the region’s climate risks, with potentially catastrophic consequences if warming continues at the same rate. Crop yields have declined and production losses have occurred in the region as a result of the extraordinary events of climate change. For the past few months, the warning bells are ringing about the water shortage in Pakistan. It is being said that Pakistan’s water crisis will deepen with the climate change. One of the direct results of climate change is rising temperatures and recently, the country is experiencing highest temperature in March and April. It is not only the case of Pakistan; a severe heat wave is also sweeping through India. Moreover, forecasts predictions have suggested further temperature increase in coming weeks. This will trigger already pressurized food as well as water security in Pakistan and India. Both the countries already fall in the category of top ten countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, at this time the revival of suspended Indus water talks is a good step. On 30th May 2022, a five member delegation of Pakistan went to New Delhi for 118 bilateral meeting on IWT. The two day talks ended on a positive note, but there is a need that the present crisis should be considered as a wake-up call for authorities in two countries.

It is important that India and Pakistan should make efforts for development and to promote cooperation between the two sides for the smooth functioning of water systems. Also, they must reiterate their commitment towards the treaty and its implementation in literal meanings for the benefit of both countries and to avoid serious consequences due to their own negligence in future. India threatens Pakistan with diversion of rivers flowing in Pakistan, this attitude in condemnable and needed to be stopped. On the other hand, it is necessary for Pakistan to adopt a holistic approach and efficient governance system for water sector. It can be done with improvement in technology, using innovative strategies, implementing SDGs, upgrading existing and developing new infrastructure which will help to mitigate the issue. If this catastrophe will not be addressed quickly and timely, the country may suffer complete water scarcity before even realizing the seriousness of the ongoing crisis.