Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Pakistan; it is a harsh reality that impacts millions each year. From floods and droughts to heatwaves and melting glaciers, the country faces the devastating effects of a warming planet. Despite contributing very little to global emissions, Pakistan has become one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
In recent years, Pakistan has taken its fight for climate justice to the global stage. The country has been actively advocating for what is called “loss and damage” funding money from wealthy, polluting nations to assist poorer ones like Pakistan in recovering from climate disasters. Pakistan scored a significant victory at COP27, where it took a lead in establishing a Loss and Damage Fund. However, progress since then has been sluggish, and many hurdles still remain.
A Country on the Frontlines of Climate Change
Pakistan is facing the brunt of climate change in multiple ways:
- Extreme weather is becoming increasingly common—heatwaves, heavy rainfall, droughts, and floods are becoming more frequent and intense.
- The 2022 floods were among the worst in the country’s history, affecting over 30 million people, displacing millions, damaging infrastructure, and costing the country billions of dollars.
- Melting glaciers in the Himalayas and Hindu Kush—the “Third Pole”—have caused flooding and water disruptions. These glaciers are a significant source of fresh water for the country’s rivers, and their rapid melting is a warning sign for the future.
- In 2024, another series of floods hit the country. More than 1.5 million people were affected, many losing their homes and livelihoods, with serious health problems arising due to a lack of emergency support and medical care.
All of this puts a significant burden on Pakistan’s economy, health systems, food security, and infrastructure. The impacts of climate change are already costing Pakistan more than $100 billion, according to official estimates.
What Is “Loss and Damage”?
“Loss and damage” refers to the destruction caused by climate change that countries can no longer cope with. This includes everything from destroyed homes and crops to health emergencies and forced migration. Many developing countries, such as Pakistan, argue that wealthy nations—who have polluted the most over time—should compensate for the damage their emissions have caused.
At COP27, Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the G77+China group, helped lead the effort to establish a dedicated Loss and Damage Fund. This was a major diplomatic success. The world finally recognised that developing nations need direct support for the irreversible losses caused by climate disasters.
Pakistan’s leadership at COP27 gained worldwide recognition. The 2022 floods served as a warning to the international community, underscoring the seriousness and urgency of the situation for vulnerable nations.
Pakistan also introduced a National Adaptation Plan (NAP). This plan aims to enhance the country’s climate resilience by promoting sustainable development and helping communities better prepare for future disasters.
At the provincial level, Punjab—Pakistan’s largest province—has taken steps through its Climate Change Activity Plan and Strategy to better understand and respond to climate threats.
Challenges Pakistan Faces
Despite these crucial steps, Pakistan still faces many hurdles:
- The Loss and Damage Fund is not yet active. Key questions—such as how much money countries will contribute, who will get it, and how it will be distributed—are still being discussed.
- Pakistan’s negotiation capacity is limited. The country lacks the technical expertise and financial resources needed to fully engage in matter discussed.
- Fossil fuel dependence weakens Pakistan’s position. The country still relies heavily on oil, coal, and gas, making it more challenging to demand substantial emission cuts from others without making significant domestic changes.
- Proving who is responsible for specific damage is another issue. Linking Pakistan’s floods directly to emissions from certain countries is difficult under current international laws, which makes legal compensation claims challenging.
- Political and economic instability further weakens the government’s ability to focus on climate policies. In many cases, disaster survivors do not receive the help they need, even after months of waiting.
What Needs to Happen Next?
The upcoming COP28 summit in Dubai will be a critical moment. Countries will meet again to determine how the Loss and Damage Fund will function. For Pakistan, it presents an opportunity to ensure the fund is fair, efficient, and accessible.
At the same time, strong global cooperation is needed. Wealthy nations must step up—not only with financial support, but also with technical assistance to help vulnerable countries build resilience. Pakistan will need assistance in improving its early warning systems, investing in green energy, and developing better infrastructure to mitigate climate shocks.
Locally, Pakistan must also focus on raising public awareness, improving education, and closing data gaps so policymakers can make informed decisions. Environmental education and community involvement are key to making climate adaptation work in practice.
Pakistan’s efforts to secure climate reparations are not just about money, they are about fairness and survival. The country has done little to cause the climate crisis, but is suffering some of its worst impacts. Climate justice means ensuring that those who are most responsible for climate change support those who are most affected by it.
To achieve real progress, Pakistan must continue to make strides on the international stage while also investing in local solutions. The path forward will not be easy, but the stakes could not be higher. Climate change is already here, and the time to act, both globally and locally, is now.
