Pakistan has long faced challenges from climate change, ranking among the most vulnerable countries despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. A report from the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) highlights that climate change has caused injuries and destruction amounting to $4 billion, impacting thousands of lives.
More than 255 million people live in Pakistan, making up about 2.8% of the world’s population, yet the country holds only 0.5% of fresh water resources. By 2025, Pakistan is projected to be extremely water-scarce. Rapid global warming is melting glaciers and intensifying flooding, as seen in disasters from 2010 to 2025.
Coastal regions, with a coastline stretching 1,001 kilometers, host over 10% of the population, many relying on fishing. Unfortunately, the fishing industry is deteriorating due to overexploitation, where 60-90% of fish stocks are depleted, leading to extinction risks for 40-70% of fish species.
Recent data indicates that sea levels are climbing at an alarming rate. Globally, the average rise is about 3.6 mm per year, while Karachi’s coastal waters have risen by 1.1 mm just last year. This rise threatens aquaculture and farmland due to saltwater intrusion, endangering an estimated 17 million residents. Karachi’s past floods, such as those in 2010 which caused $10 billion in damage, showcase the looming risks of severe water shortages and food insecurity.
The rise in ocean temperatures disrupts marine life by creating algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels. Pollution and waste from urban areas exacerbate this problem, creating hazardous conditions for the 1.8 million people whose livelihoods depend on fishing.
Education and poverty in coastal areas are significant concerns. In Balochistan, literacy rates hover around 20%, with nearly 50% of the population living in poverty. In Sindh, those figures reach 37% literacy and 24.5% poverty overall.
While legal protections exist, such as the Environmental Protection Act and the Climate Change Act, many people still lack access to justice after climate-related disasters. An estimated 14 million were displaced from the 2010 floods without adequate compensation or legal recourse. Recent bills proposed for climate justice hinge on enhancing the government’s capacity to implement them.
Despite some innovative legislative suggestions, Pakistan struggles with disaster preparedness, as highlighted by Cyclone Biparjoy in 2023, which displaced tens of thousands and damaged thousands of homes and crops. Improved early warning systems and real-time data integration are essential for future readiness.
Notably, the National Climate Change Policy has not seen updates since 2021. Pakistan is falling short of fulfilling commitments under international agreements like the Paris Accord. Immediate action is needed to address pollution through legislative reform while also bolstering community and institutional capabilities.
The coastal economy is at risk due to the high concentration of industry, but there is potential for growth in climate-smart maritime sectors. Collaborative efforts among governments, NGOs, and scientific organizations are crucial. Effective regional cooperation has slowed due to funding shortages, putting community rights at risk.
Addressing climate justice is vital for protecting Pakistan’s coastal communities and economy. Legislative changes, strengthened institutions, and global partnerships are necessary to confront this urgent issue before it evolves into an existential threat.
For more information on climate impact, you can explore the World Resources Institute and their resources on global environmental challenges.
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climate, justice, coastal
