Climate change, driven by deforestation, fossil-fuel use and rapid industrialisation, has emerged as an existential threat. The issue of climate change and rising global temperatures has been a subject of discussion for quite some time. But have global platforms been effective in limiting fossil-fuel use, and has humanity been protected from the harmful impacts of global warming? Given the ground realities, rising emissions suggest that global warming could exceed 2.5 degrees Celsius. Such a high increase in temperature would have severe consequences for life on Earth.
The COP30 summit, held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, highlighted the hazardous impacts of climate change, but no firm targets or enforcement mechanisms were established to limit fossil-fuel emissions. The next COP31 summit is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026. The target of slowing global warming can be pursued by phasing out fossil-fuel emissions, reversing forest loss, and shifting towards solar, wind and hydropower. However, achieving these objectives will require cooperation at the global level.
All countries are being affected by changing climatic patterns. The impacts, in terms of agricultural losses, migration crises and damage to infrastructure caused by heavy rainfall and floods, may vary from country to country. The global impact of climate change strengthens the case for a collective approach to addressing the problem. On the other hand, several factors weaken the prospects for effective global climate governance.
First, greenhouse gases mix globally in the atmosphere, meaning that the damage caused by emissions cannot be confined to the country responsible for producing them. Second, developed countries have reaped the benefits of carbon dioxide emissions since the Industrial Revolution and should therefore take a leading role in financing climate action aimed at reducing emissions. Third, oil companies have an important role to play in decarbonising the economy and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy.
Addressing Pakistan’s climate vulnerability requires more than reducing emissions: modern agriculture, drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation, water storage, farmer training and stronger infrastructure will be essential to protect food security and rural livelihoods.
Pakistan, as a developing country, contributes around one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains highly vulnerable to global warming and climate change. During the 2025 monsoon season, from June to September, more than 1.3 million hectares of farmland were flooded, damaging rice, cotton and sugarcane crops. Overall, agricultural losses of US$1.23 billion were reported across the country. In Sindh, the rapid swelling of the Guddu and Sukkur barrages led to the evacuation of 150,000 people from riverine areas.
Extreme heat in some parts of the country, attributed to climate change, has also contributed to increased hydrological volatility. As a result, crops are being affected while water levels continue to decline. All these factors are contributing to food insecurity. Pakistan's population of 240 million, growing at a rate of 2.4 per cent, further aggravates the challenge of food insecurity. By 2050, the population is projected to reach 300 million. To counter the threat of food insecurity, Pakistan needs to modernise its agricultural sector. During fiscal year 2025, Pakistan's food import bill stood at US$8 billion. These imports place additional pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves.
The introduction of modern farming techniques, including the use of genetically modified (GM) seeds, could help enhance crop production. GM seeds can be drought-resistant and may require less water. The use of GM seeds, coupled with farmer training, improved irrigation, infrastructure support and better market access, could improve agricultural yields and contribute significantly to food security in Pakistan.
Pakistan also suffers from water scarcity and needs to focus on constructing new dams. The construction of more small dams could allow rainwater to be stored and subsequently utilised during dry months. The loss of livestock during floods and other extreme weather events is another economic challenge for rural households. In Pakistan, nearly eight million rural households earn their livelihoods from livestock. Losing livestock to extreme weather can therefore deprive families of an important source of income. During the 2025 floods, 22,800 farm animals were also lost.
Extreme weather events not only disrupt livelihoods but also displace communities. People who are unable to earn a livelihood through crop cultivation and livestock farming may move to cities in search of better economic opportunities. Such mass migration could contribute to the overpopulation of urban centres. A potentially serious consequence of rapid urbanisation is increased waste generation. The accumulation of waste in public areas and rivers contributes to environmental and air pollution. The uncontrolled burning of waste releases toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, which are harmful to human health.