Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its vast geography that spans across various eco-climatic zones from the snow-capped mountains to the coastal plains. Climate change will not only adversely affect economic development but can also jeopardize the provincial efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pakistan potentially faces a major climate change challenge. In the last 50 years, the annual mean temperature in Pakistan has increased by roughly 0.5°C. The number of heat wave days per year has increased nearly fivefold in the last 30 years. Annual precipitation has historically shown high variability but has slightly increased in the last 50 years. Sea level along the Karachi coast has risen approximately 10 centimeters in the last century. Catastrophic floods, droughts, and cyclones have plagued Pakistan in recent years. The 2010 flood killed 1,600 people and caused around $10 billion in damage. The 2015 Karachi heat wave led to the death of more than 1,200 people.
Climate change-related natural hazards may increase in frequency and severity in the coming decades. Under future climate change scenarios, Pakistan is expected to experience increased variability of river flows due to increased variability of precipitation and the melting of glaciers. Demand for irrigation water may increase due to higher evaporation rates. Yields of wheat and basmati rice are expected to decline and may drive production northward, subject to water availability. Water availability for hydropower generation may decline. Hotter temperatures are likely to increase energy demand due to increased air conditioning requirements. Warmer air and water temperatures may decrease the efficiency of nuclear and thermal power plant generation. Mortality due to extreme heat waves may increase. Urban drainage systems may be further stressed by high rainfall and flash floods. Sea level rise and storm surges may adversely affect coastal infrastructure and livelihoods. (Source: ADB)
As per Germanwatch, GLOBAL CLIMATE RISK INDEX 2020, Pakistan ranks 5th in climate risk index for the period of 1989-2018.
