Climate Change and its Impact on Pakistan
(Rao Hassan Raza)
Climate change is the most important issue of our age. We are the first to see its early warning signals and the last to have a chance to prevent it from occurring. Climate change is perhaps one of the most important global environmental challenges facing humanity with implications for food production, natural ecosystems, fresh water supply, health etc. The harmful impacts of climate change are already establishing themselves across the world in the form of extreme weather events like global warming, unprecedented rains, storms, cyclones, floods and droughts etc., which are mounting in frequency and intensity.
According to the latest scientific assessment, our earth’s climate has evidently changed on both global and regional scales since last 50 years or so. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that global temperatures will continue to rise with the worst-case scenario being a 4.4°C increase by 2100. This unprecedented increase is expected to have severe impacts on global ecosystems, sea level, crop production and related processes.
Pakistan is geologically located in a region where the effects of climate change are being felt fairly strongly. Statistics from the 2010 floods demonstrate the devastating effects on the 20 million individuals who lost their homes, were injured or went missing. Similarly, floods in 2022 and 2025 wreaked havoc.
Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it ranks as one of the top 5 most vulnerable countries to climate change, with temperatures projected to rise by 1.5°C to 2.5°C by 2050. According to the Global Carbon Project, Pakistan’s greenhouse gas emissions were approximately 0.8–0.9% of the global total, around 400–500 million tons of CO₂ equivalent annually. The country’s emissions profile is dominated by methane from agriculture (43%) and livestock, and carbon dioxide from the energy sector (46%).
The impacts are widespread, with agriculture being heavily affected due to changing precipitation patterns and increased frequency of disasters. For instance, the 2022 floods affected over 33 million people and caused $10 billion in losses. Moreover, climate change is exacerbating water scarcity, with the Indus Basin Irrigation System facing significant challenges due to glacier melt and changing rainfall patterns.
Pakistan faces significantly higher average temperatures than the global average, with a potential rise of 1.3°C–4.9°C by the 2090s. The country has some of the highest disaster risk levels in the world. With an average monthly maximum of roughly 27°C and June temperatures exceeding 40°C, heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Data shows that over 65,000 individuals were hospitalized with heatstroke during Pakistan’s 2025 heatwave. Between 1997–2015, Pakistan witnessed 195 heatwaves, an average of seven each year with an increasing trend.
Pakistan has experienced a significant rise in heatwaves. Some of the most severe occurred in:
- 2002 (48.91% population affected)
- 2006 (60.62%)
- 2009 (41.82%)
- 2010 (82.95%)
- 2015 (around 1,200 deaths in Karachi)
- 2022 (temperatures reached 51°C)
- 2024 (Sindh temperatures exceeded 49–52°C)
The frequency and severity of heatwaves are expected to continue increasing due to climate change.
Pakistan can counter climate change by adopting climate-smart agriculture, promoting climate-resilient crop varieties, improving irrigation efficiency and enhancing soil health through sustainable practices. Sustainable farming practices like conservation tillage, drip irrigation and integrated pest management can reduce water waste, boost soil carbon and increase yields. These practices have shown significant benefits, including yield increases and improved water efficiency.
Diversifying crops with drought-tolerant and heat-resistant varieties can reduce dependency on single crops and promote ecosystem health. Pakistan should invest in research and development and establish climate information systems for better decision-making.
Pakistan’s food and nutrition security relies heavily on climate-sensitive resources. Agriculture employs 42% of the population, with 90% farmland dependent on irrigation from the Indus River. Climate change is disrupting water flow, threatening agriculture, livelihoods and food production.
Climate change is also impacting public health. Rising heat fatigue, starvation, dengue and waterborne diseases are increasing. Smog in Punjab further worsens health conditions. Millions of people face risks related to health, economy and water security.
Precision agriculture is emerging as a key solution. Satellite imagery and drone monitoring help track crop health and optimize inputs like water and fertilizers. This reduces waste, lowers costs and improves productivity while minimizing environmental damage.
Balanced fertilizer use also strengthens crop resilience against extreme weather. During heatwaves or droughts, targeted nutrition helps sustain growth and reduce losses.
In this context, Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) is playing a leading role by promoting precision agriculture and advanced nutrient management. Its collaboration with international partners is helping farmers adopt modern techniques and improve productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality for Pakistan. Addressing it requires coordinated efforts from government, private sector and farmers. By adopting modern technologies, improving policies and strengthening collaboration, Pakistan can build resilience against climate change. The time to act is now.
