Climate Change Impacts on Sectors in Pakistan

• Climate Change and Its Impacts on Different Sectors in Pakistan

Introduction

• Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns.
• These changes are occurring worldwide, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions and an increased frequency of extreme weather events.
• Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to these impacts due to its geographical and socio-economic factors.

Key Climate Change Indicators in Pakistan

• There has been an average temperature increase of 0.5°C over the last century.
• Rainfall patterns are also changing.
• The increase in intensity and frequency of extreme weather events is evident across the country.
• Glaciers are melting rapidly in the HKH Region.

Sector 1: Agriculture

• Climate change impacts agriculture through reduced crop yields, increased pest attacks, and declining water availability.
• Heatwaves and water scarcity negatively affect cotton and wheat production, for example.
• Adaptation measures include using drought-resistant crops, adopting efficient irrigation techniques, and adjusting cropping calendars.

Sector 2: Water Resources

• Decreased river flows, a higher risk of floods and droughts, and contamination of freshwater sources are major concerns for water resources.
• The 2010 Super Floods caused widespread devastation, and flood events have recurred in: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2022.
• Improved water storage infrastructure and integrated water resource management strategies are vital adaptation measures.

Sector 3: Health

• Increased diseases like dengue and malaria, heat-related illnesses, and malnutrition are significant health impacts.
• A heatwave in Karachi in 2015 resulted in over 1,200 deaths.
• Public health campaigns, strengthened healthcare infrastructure, and integration of climate change protocols are essential for adaptation.

Sector 4: Energy

• Increased energy demand for cooling and disruption of hydropower generation are key impacts on the energy sector.
• Load shedding occurs due to lower hydropower output during droughts.
• Transitioning to renewable energy and implementing energy efficiency initiatives are important adaptation measures.

Sector 5: Biodiversity & Ecosystems

• Loss of habitats, increased desertification, and disruption of ecosystems are major impacts.
• Degradation of the Indus Delta and a decline in snow leopard populations are examples of biodiversity loss.
• Conservation programs and ecosystem restoration efforts can help mitigate these effects.

Sector 6: Urban Development

• Increased urban flooding, poor air quality, and urban heat islands are climate change impacts on urban development.
• Urban flooding has occurred in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar due to heavy rainfall.
• Adaptation measures include improved urban planning, development of green spaces, and considering climate change in urban planning.

Examples of National Policies

• National Climate Change Policy (NCCP).
• Pakistan's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program

Recommendations

• Strengthen climate governance and promote climate-resilient infrastructure at the policy level.
• Build adaptive capacity and enhance awareness campaigns at the community level.
• Access global finance and strengthen regional cooperation through international collaboration.

Conclusion

• Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, requiring immediate and long-term measures for resilience.
• Addressing climate change effectively requires collaborative efforts across all sectors.