Climate Crisis in Pakistan: What the Numbers Reveal

Climate change has become a harsh reality for Pakistan. The country is witnessing extreme weather events more frequently. Floods and heatwaves are no longer rare. These are not just environmental problems; they also badly affect the daily lives of people, putting millions at risk. Pakistan is now considered one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, adding to the vulnerabilities of its citizens. Pakistanis are on the frontline of a global crisis. 

The rising sea level is one of the biggest problems the country is facing because of climate change. It is being stated that sea levels could rise by 2 to 3 feet by the year 2100. This development can have devastating effects, leaving cities like Karachi at risk of flooding or even being submerged completely. If sea levels keep rising, millions of people could lose their homes, jobs and even access to clean water. Given these circumstances, poverty and the displacement of people will only increase.

The impact of climate change is no longer a future concern, as we are observing its catastrophic impacts now. The country experienced one of the devastating floods in 2022, which affected around 33 million people. Thousands of people lost their jobs, belongings and even the means to survive. Sadly, we lost 1753 lives and approximately 13,000 people were injured during that grim event.

Furthermore, this deadly episode of floods also caused severe damage to essential services. Around 30,000 schools were destroyed, disrupting educational activities for countless children. The already fragile healthcare system was hit hard too, as 10% of medical facilities were completely wiped out. 

Water scarcity is another major environmental crisis in Pakistan. The country is ranked as the 31st most water-stressed nation in the world. Clean and safe drinking water has become a luxury for many people in the country. Only 33% of the population has access to clean drinking water and in a nation of over 240 million people, it is definitely a serious problem.

We are also observing dangerously high temperatures. A clear sign of severe climate threats in Pakistan. Extreme temperatures in the country also put people’s health and lives at risk. Poor people and those who lack proper shelter or cooling are the most affected ones. The heat also affects the daily lives of millions of people and also puts pressure on electricity, water supply and farming. And as the climate becomes harsher, more people are being forced to leave their homes. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of climate migrants in Pakistan will rise from 0.7 million to 2 million.

Also, the threat of glacier lake outbursts looms large in the northern areas of the country. Glacier lake outbursts lead to deadly floods. These outbursts could affect the lives of over 7 million people who live in those areas. Floods caused by these outbursts can come with warning, destroying homes, infrastructure and even communities.

In short, Pakistan is facing the harsh realities of the climate crisis. Though Pakistan contributes even less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is suffering some of the worst impacts. From deadly heatwaves to flood issues to water shortages to mass displacement, challenges related to climate crisis in Pakistan are growing every year. Urgent actions are required to solve these problems. Besides developing and implementing strong policies, global support is also essential to protect precious lives and build resilience.