Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik has drawn attention to the urgent climate threat facing Pakistan, highlighting how carbon emissions are directly contributing to the accelerated melting of glaciers, rising temperatures, and more frequent floods.
Speaking at a climate event titled “Living with Floods in Climate Change”, Dr. Malik outlined the severe human, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change that Pakistan continues to face.
Dr. Malik emphasised that global carbon emissions are a key driver of glacier melting, noting that Pakistan itself emits less than 1% of global carbon, yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. In contrast, two neighbouring countries contribute 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, illustrating a stark global imbalance in responsibility.
Pakistan is home to thousands of glaciers in the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges, the largest concentration outside the polar regions. These glaciers are critical freshwater sources that feed the Indus River basin and support agriculture, hydropower, and everyday water needs for millions of people. However, climate change has significantly accelerated glacial retreat, threatening water security and increasing disaster risks.
Dr. Malik underlined the human toll of climate change, referencing devastating floods that have displaced millions. He stated that 40 million people have been forced from their homes due to four major floods, half of whom were school-aged children, disrupting education and livelihoods.
The minister pointed out that Pakistan’s economic growth, averaging a 3-4% GDP increase, is consistently undermined by climate disasters. For example, a single severe flood event once wiped out an estimated 9.8% of GDP, erasing years of economic progress.
Dr. Malik also criticised disparities in global climate finance, noting that 10 countries responsible for around 75% of global carbon emissions receive roughly 85% of climate funding, a dynamic that leaves vulnerable countries like Pakistan under-supported despite bearing the brunt of climate impacts.
He stressed that loan-based solutions are not sufficient to address climate challenges and urged for equitable climate financing that supports adaptation and resilience in vulnerable regions.
Looking ahead, Dr. Malik outlined both short- and long-term strategies to cope with climate impacts:
- Short-term rehabilitation — damaged infrastructure restored within 300 days.
- Structural investments — expanding infrastructure and potentially constructing dams to enhance water management.
- Empowering youth — through the Green Field Programme, which encourages young entrepreneurs to pitch climate-focused innovations and business models.
The minister expressed confidence in Pakistan’s youth, noting their growing expertise in climate science, technology, and creative solutions that can help expedite the country’s transition to a green economy.
Scientific assessments suggest that if current trends continue, a significant portion of glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, including Pakistan’s key ice reserves, could disappear by the end of this century, affecting water supply, agriculture, and energy production.
The rapid glacial melt also increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can cause sudden and devastating downstream flooding.
As Pakistan confronts these climate challenges, Dr. Malik’s remarks underscore both the inequity in climate responsibility and the urgent need for national and global cooperation to safeguard communities, natural resources, and the future of the environment.
