Climate Change in Pakistan

Climate change is inevitable, and developing countries such as Pakistan are more affected by it than any other state in the region. Floods, droughts, and harsh weather will put pressure on depleting resources. In a poverty-stricken country where health, education, and housing are the main issues, climate-responsive policies are of least concern. Mass migration for better living standards has triggered urbanization, causing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions on an unparalleled scale in cities, which is the major contributor to climate change. The five carbon-emitting sectors in Pakistan are Building Industry, transportation, land use and land cover change, energy, and municipal solid waste. The data is collected from primary and secondary sources. The theoretical lens of this study is based on rational comprehensive theory. Data analysis uses qualitative research methodology, focusing more on document analysis. The research concludes that a crippled economy coupled with grave social issues has made the government non-functional against the eradication of GHG emissions and weakened its stance against climate change. Limited data, lack of crisis management, poor or no legislative actions, bureaucratic loopholes, and resource insufficiency have made matters even worse. The study further suggests that cross-disciplinary research and development on carbon reduction technologies to suit indigenous climates is indispensable. Carbon pricing should be ensured at industrial and commercial levels to curb GHG emissions, making cities more resilient against climate change.