Assessing the Economic Consequences of Climate Change in Pakistan: Regional Dynamics and Adaptive Capacities in Buner and Punjab

Abstract

Pakistan is being hit very hard by climate disasters even though it contributes almost nothing to global greenhouse gas pollution (0.1) %, showing how unfair the climate crisis is. Recent floods, heat waves, and landslides especially in Punjab and Buner have destroyed crops, homes, and infrastructure, killed hundreds of people, and pushed food prices up, while millions who depend on farming for their income struggles to recover. According to government of Pakistan their country has lost 9% of the whole GDP in recent floods in the meanwhile their whole growth is just two to three percent yearly in GDP. Experts warn that if Pakistan does not quickly adapt and reduce emissions, climate impacts could cut up to one-fifth of its economy by 2050. Poverty, weak planning, and lack of resources make recovery even harder, and global support is far too small compared to what is needed. Without strong international funding, better national policies, and community preparedness, Pakistan risks falling into a long cycle of food shortages, displacement, rising poverty, and stalled development.