The Role and Scope of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Pakistan for Preventing Environmental Degradation with Special Reference to Climate Change

Abstract

The study examined the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate environmental responsibility (CER) on reducing environmental degradation and climate change in Pakistan from 2010 to 2025. The research analyzed key factors, including CSR spending, environmental initiatives, regulatory compliance, and corporate environmental performance, with a focus on the investments of large corporations in renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, and climate adaptation. A qualitative doctrinal and analytical approach was used, combining legal analysis of environmental and corporate governance frameworks with secondary data from corporate reports, regulatory guidelines, and policy documents. The spending of major companies like Pakistan State Oil, Engro Corporation, Lucky Cement, and Unilever Pakistan demonstrated how substantial and eco-friendly these efforts can be. The results showed that CSR in Pakistan has shifted from charitable acts to more organized projects aimed at protecting the environment. However, companies often still opt to participate and report on their contributions, meaning that the actual effort may not always be equitable. People's responsibility has increased due to regulatory compliance, judicial enforcement, and SECP guidelines, but there is no mandatory spending requirement. Some policy suggestions to promote consistent environmental protection include standardized ESG reporting, incentives for green investments, and a hybrid CSR model. The study indicates that CSR and CER can significantly benefit Pakistan's long-term social and economic development, climate resilience, and sustainable growth.