Pakistan Battles Escalating Climate Disasters, Adaptation Becomes Crucial

In the past month, Pakistan's northern regions have been reeling from devastating climate-induced flash floods that have claimed hundreds of lives. The scenes of destruction, with homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods swept away, have been compared to the catastrophic 2022 deluges that hit the country.

Pakistan is among the world's 10 most climate-vulnerable nations, despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Experts now warn that such floods and other calamities are no longer "rare disasters" but are becoming routine shocks that the country is ill-prepared to withstand.

The focus, according to these experts, must shift from emissions cuts to adaptation and building resilience. Karachi-based ecologist Rafi-ul-Haq states that "Floods are no longer rare disasters in Pakistan. They are becoming routine shocks that people brace for every monsoon." He emphasizes that the intensity of these events is accelerating due to climate change, global warming, and melting glaciers, but human actions like unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and weak governance account for up to 60% of the destruction.

Experts argue that Pakistan must prioritize adaptation strategies, such as restoring natural flood buffers, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing early warning systems. Addressing land-use planning and corruption are also crucial to mitigating the impacts of these climate-driven disasters. As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledges the "criminal negligence" of past governments, the country faces the daunting challenge of building resilience to withstand the escalating climate threats.