Pakistan is confronting a critical environmental challenge that demands immediate and decisive action.
Pakistan is among the countries most at risk from climate change, despite contributing minimally to global emissions. It is increasingly affected by extreme weather events—including floods, droughts, and heatwaves—that threaten the food and water security of millions. These challenges are further intensified by growing strain on the country’s critical ecosystems.
Agriculture is central to Pakistan’s economy, supporting over 40% of the workforce. Yet productivity remains relatively low and is increasingly vulnerable to climate pressures such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events like floods and droughts.
Any further decline in productivity poses serious risks for rural communities that depend on staple crops for both food and income. Key crops such as wheat—cultivated by the majority of farmers—could see significant yield reductions, with even a 1°C rise in temperature potentially leading to a 6–9% drop in output.
Pakistan ranks among the countries most affected by air pollution, driven by emissions from transport, industry, coal-based energy, and crop burning.
This declining air quality is taking a serious toll on public health and overall well-being. It is a major contributor to illness and premature death, while also placing a heavy economic burden on the country—costing tens of billions of dollars each year.
Pakistan is home to a diverse range of ecosystems that support unique and iconic wildlife—from the mountains of the north to the river systems in the south.
However, these natural habitats and the species that depend on them are increasingly at risk. Rapid urban expansion, agricultural pressures, climate change, and unsustainable use of natural resources are driving habitat loss and threatening biodiversity, putting many native species under significant strain or at risk of decline.
Forests play a critical role in Pakistan’s response to climate change, providing essential benefits such as carbon storage, water regulation, soil protection, and the preservation of biodiversity.
While efforts to restore forest cover have shown progress, Pakistan remains relatively forest-poor and its existing forests face significant pressure. Illegal logging, land conversion for agriculture, expanding rural infrastructure, and heavy reliance on fuelwood continue to threaten these vital ecosystems.
Rapid industrial growth in Pakistan has led to a sharp increase in waste generation, while urban systems have struggled to keep pace with effective management.
In the absence of adequate collection and disposal infrastructure, much of the country’s solid waste is either burned or discarded in open areas. Industrial waste is often handled similarly, exposing communities to harmful pollutants and putting fragile ecosystems at risk. Poor waste management is an escalating threat to public health and overall quality of life.
Pakistan is confronting a severe water crisis, with millions lacking access to safe drinking water. Per capita water availability is among the lowest globally, largely due to inefficient use of the country’s water resources.
Agriculture consumes the majority of this supply, while declining water quality and inadequate sanitation—driven by rapid urban and industrial growth—are worsening the crisis. Contaminated water sources are a major cause of disease and remain a significant threat to public health across the country.