Transforming Childhood: The Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan’s Future Generations

ISLAMABAD – Protecting children goes beyond just food, shelter, and education. Their mental and emotional well-being is crucial too.

A mother from Sanghar, Sindh, shared her worry: “My son used to be so cheerful. Now, he’s afraid to even step outside. He thinks the floods will come back.” Her son’s fear reflects a deeper issue that often goes unnoticed—the psychological impact of disasters on children. While Pakistan is improving its way to cope with climate changes, this critical gap remains unaddressed.

For many children in Sindh, Balochistan, Southern Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the aftermath of floods lingers long after the waters recede. In a recent study, about 70% of parents interviewed indicated their children showed signs of depression linked to fears of flooding. However, research focusing on mental health issues related to climate disasters in Pakistan is still very limited, even though it’s a growing concern nationwide.

These problems aren’t just confined to Sindh. Children across various provinces face similar challenges. Research has shown that kids in developing countries like Pakistan are particularly prone to the psychological effects of climate change, primarily due to various social and economic factors.

Despite the rising awareness about disaster preparedness, Pakistan’s policies often overlook the emotional aftermath. In Sanghar, the mother observes her son’s struggle daily. When pushed to go to school, he often complains of headaches, but doctors find nothing physically wrong. These physical complaints can hide deeper emotional issues.

Mental health services in Pakistan are almost non-existent. Many clinics don’t have trained psychologists or psychiatrists available to assist. Without these resources, children and families remain trapped in their trauma, hindering recovery.

The country’s social protection measures, like the Benazir Income Support Programme, mainly focus on monetary aid and food security. Unfortunately, they often miss the critical aspect of mental health support, which is vital for overall recovery. A child struggling with anxiety can’t fully benefit from educational support, and parents grappling with trauma face hurdles in rebuilding their lives.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government is launching a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program, training community volunteers and healthcare professionals to identify mental health issues. Although this initiative is a step in the right direction, it’s still scattered and heavily dependent on outside funding, failing to integrate fully into broader health policies.

According to a 2022 report by the National Commission for Human Rights, untreated mental illness in Pakistan could cost the economy around $6.2 billion due to lost productivity and job opportunities. The poor regulation of mental health services only adds to the crisis, exposing vulnerable individuals to further risk.

Unchecked trauma can disrupt a child’s development, affecting school attendance and future success. If Pakistan genuinely wants to build resilience in the face of climate challenges, mental health needs to be part of the conversation. This includes integrating mental health support into disaster recovery, training professionals, and establishing trauma care networks in vulnerable areas.

Children exposed to disasters face a higher risk for mental health issues, leading to long-lasting consequences. If not addressed, these problems can escalate and impact future generations.

It’s critical to talk about this often invisible crisis. Protecting children requires addressing their emotional well-being just as much as their physical needs.

The story of that boy in Sanghar illustrates not just a personal struggle but a broader issue needing urgent attention. For true resilience, Pakistan must weave mental health interventions into its disaster response and recovery plans.

The author is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the Institute of Business Administration.

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