Pakistan faces urgent challenges in mitigating climate risks and must launch robust environmental protection initiatives. Currently, approximately 64% of the country’s electricity is generated from fossil fuels, a major contributor to environmental pollution. Recognizing this, Pakistan aims to transition its energy mix towards renewable sources such as solar, hydro, and wind by 2030. This shift seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating green job opportunities.
In an exclusive discussion with Wealth Pak, Muhammad Saleem, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, emphasized the gravity of the situation. Pakistan, ranked eighth on the Global Climate Risk Index, faces increasing threats from glacial melting, floods, and droughts. “In 2022, floods affected over 33 million people and caused economic losses exceeding $30 billion,” Saleem noted, highlighting the critical importance of preserving the nation’s natural resources, including the Indus River Delta and the towering Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, which act as natural shields against climatic impacts.
However, changing environmental conditions have adversely affected these resources. Rising temperatures are causing glacial melt and water evaporation, which contaminate or deplete the Indus River. This, in turn, threatens biodiversity and increases the frequency and severity of desertification, droughts, and floods.
Saleem stressed that environmental protection is key to improving air and water quality, enhancing climate resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving biodiversity. He called for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and community-based conservation projects to address these challenges effectively.
Dr. Muhammad Akbar, an environmentalist from Gilgit-Baltistan, underscored the importance of expanding forestry and biodiversity conservation programs to combat soil erosion and accelerate carbon sequestration. He lauded government initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami, which aims to plant 10 billion trees by 2025, but emphasized the need for additional measures such as expanding wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and protected area networks.
Dr. Akbar also recommended reducing waste, promoting water conservation, and establishing robust waste management and recycling systems. He highlighted the importance of managing water resources, glaciers, and adopting sustainable irrigation techniques. Flexible farming methods, designed to cope with erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, could also conserve significant water resources.
To minimize the socioeconomic damages caused by extreme weather events, Dr. Akbar urged the government to invest in early warning systems. He also advocated for global partnerships and technical assistance to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to combat climate impacts.
The road ahead requires immediate and coordinated efforts. With comprehensive environmental strategies and global support, Pakistan can mitigate its vulnerabilities and chart a path toward sustainable development.