ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Pakistan is facing severe threats from the impacts of climate change, with cities across the country struggling to adapt.
According to World Bank, Pakistan Urgently Needs Significant Investments in Climate Resilience to Secure its Economy and Reduce Poverty as the country recently suffered huge economic loss after floods struck many cities and regions.
Dr Farhan Anwar, a climate change expert at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, said: “Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with severe threats from sea level rise, flooding, drought and heatwaves.”
Karachi, the country’s largest city with a population of over 21 million, is particularly at risk from sea level rise, which could cause widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.
Lahore, the capital of the Punjab province, is experiencing more intense and frequent heatwaves, leading to a range of health problems for its residents. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is vulnerable to flash floods and landslides due to its location in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The government of Pakistan is taking action to address the challenges, with investment in renewable energy sources and the construction of new dams and flood protection measures. The Ministry of Climate Change said in a statement: “The government is committed to addressing the challenges of climate change in Pakistan, and we are taking a range of measures to mitigate the impacts of this global issue.”
Pakistan is facing serious threats from climate change, and cities across the country are struggling to adapt to the changing environment. The government is taking steps to address these challenges, but more needs to be done to protect the country and its residents from the impacts of climate change. “The time to act is now,” says Dr. Anwar. “We need to work together, as a country and as a global community, to tackle this pressing issue, and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The impacts of climate change can result in significant economic losses, including damage to infrastructure and crops, as well as increased healthcare costs due to health problems caused by heatwaves, air pollution and other environmental factors. These impacts can be significant, and it is important for countries to take action to reduce their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
