Climate Change in Pakistan: Agriculture, Water Resources, Socio-Economic Vulnerability, and Policy Responses

Abstract

The issue of climate change has become one of the most urgent developments in Pakistan, which has a minimal contribution to the global emissions of greenhouse gases but at the same time is the one of the most climate-exposed countries in the world. The present paper analyzed the environmental, economical and socio-social effects of climate change in Pakistan based on qualitative research design through analysis of secondary data. Reported data of the Intergovernmental panel on climate change, the Pakistan meteorological department, the world bank, peer reviewed journal articles and government publications were used to gather data. The results have shown a steady increase in the trend of climatic changes, frequency of sporadic severe heat waves, amplified variability of monsoons, enhanced melting of glaciers in the northern mountain ranges, and repetitive widespread flooding. These climatic variability have had a fundamental effect on agricultural production, water security, human health and socio-economic stability, which disproportionately affects the vulnerable populations. The analysis also indicates that although Pakistan has formulated policy frameworks that are consistent with international commitments like the Paris agreement, effective adaptation and mitigation is hampered by gaps in implementation, financial constraint and institutional weaknesses. The research arrives at the conclusion that in Pakistan climate change is a threat multiplier that develops the poverty, inequality and development problems. To achieve sustainable development and long-term resilience, stronger climate governance, climate-resilient infrastructure, and water resource management policy changes, and better climate finance at the international level are needed.