Climate Crisis in Pakistan and India – Challenges & Way forward
India and Pakistan have been at odds since 1947, when both states emerged as independent countries after decades of British rule. Climate Change i.e., “long term shift in temperatures and weather patterns” could undermine peace and security in Indo-Pak region, a region which has been already politically unstable and particularly vulnerable to further impacts. Climate Change is a threat that knows no borders, and its impacts are felt across the world. But the severity of its effects can vary greatly.
As the 8th most vulnerable country in the world, Pakistan is acutely aware of the dangers posed by climate change. The country is located in a region that is highly susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The effects of these events are felt across the country, from the bustling cities to the rural countryside. For the poorest and most marginalized communities, the effects of climate change are more devastating. They are the ones who bear the brunt of environmental degradation and extreme weather events, with their livelihoods, homes, and health all put at risk.
Similarly, India as the 7th most vulnerable country to climate change, is facing its own set of challenges. The country is home to a rapidly growing population and a rapidly expanding economy, and these factors, combined with the impacts of climate change, put immense pressure on the country’s natural resources. The effects of climate change are felt across the country, from the coastal regions that are vulnerable to sea-level rise to the interior regions that are at risk of droughts and heatwaves.
In the year 2020, during the peak of Covid-19 pandemic, Pakistan faced the consequences of extreme monsoon rains driven by climate change. The city of Karachi was inundated by 19 inches of rainfall , which wreaked havoc in an area with non-functioning draining system. The result was catastrophic, with the destruction of thousands of homes belonging to low-income families and the loss of over 100 lives. Karachi’s severe monsoon rain of 2020 caused a damage of $150 million. It is likely that climate change has helped driven the deadly floods in Pakistan in August 2022. The floods nearly killed around 1500 people and displaced more than 30 million, after record breaking rains in August. Pakistan experienced its wettest August since the country began keeping detailed national weather records in 1961. Such climate whiplash also affected India in 2022 with the Silchar Floods in Assam, beginning in June 2022 affecting over 5.4 million people across 32 districts and killing around 200 people. The State Water Resources Department of Assam has stated that the Brahmaputra River due to climate change, continues to expand and causes the loss of approximately 8000 hectares of land each year.
Climate change is a real game changer when it comes to heatwaves. Climate Change has intensified the frequency and duration of heatwaves, as evidenced by the scorching temperatures of India and Pakistan. High temperatures are common in India and Pakistan, but what made this unusual was that it started so early and lasted so long. In March 2022, India experienced its hottest month in recorded history, while Pakistan saw the highest temperature anomaly for the same month. This prolonged heat was exacerbated by an unusual lack of rainfall, with India receiving 71% less than normal and Pakistan experiencing a 62% reduction. The heat and dry weather persisted into April, affecting 70% of India, and showed no signs of abating in May. The unusual aspect of this heat wave was not just its intensity, but also its early onset and longevity, making it a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet.
The outcome of Sharm-al-Sheikh Climate Moot in Egypt in November 2022, was the creation of a fund for “loss and damage” to assist the vulnerable states impacted by climate change. Pakistan was able to secure significant donations to recover from the devastating floods. It is crucial for Pakistan to use the funds efficiently and transparently to provide disaster relief and enhance its resilience against the effects of climate change. However, being a neighbor of India, a hostile country, and sharing vital natural resources, it is imperative for Pakistan to be aware of multiplying impacts of climate change. The Indus and Brahmaputra Rivers are under stressed leading to severe water scarcity in the region. Pakistan relies on the Himalayan glacial melt to feed the Indus River. India on the other hand is entitled to 20% of the water generated by the Indus basin. But climate change is causing the Himalayan glacial to melt, leading to increased flooding and depleting water resources for future generations.
The Indus Water Treaty has been successful in avoiding conflicts between India and Pakistan, but this treaty is currently facing significant strain. India has threatened to cut off water supply to Pakistan during tense moments. Pakistan believes that Indian dams are impacting the water flow in Pakistan. This lack of trust adds further stress to an already difficult bilateral relationship. Another pressing issue faced by both states annually is of air pollution especially during winters. India and Pakistan need to work together to tackle air pollution, one of the major causes of climate change. There is also potential of cooperation to contend with other shared threats like seawater intrusion, droughts and desertification.
For Pakistan and India, the effects of climate change are particularly devastating, with the poorest and most marginalized communities being brunt of the impacts. The international community must work together to support the two countries as they adapt to the impacts of climate change, and to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region. Putting in place cooperative mechanisms to deal with the threat of climate change will not be easy, but such out of the box thinking can turn climate-induced threats into an opportunity for climate diplomacy which would provide much needed respite to an otherwise acrimonious relationship. This is not just a matter of political stability, but also a question of human rights and survival of millions of people who are already living on the edge. It is a stark reminder that the fight against climate change must be inclusive and equitable, and all nations must work together to mitigate its impacts and build a more sustainable future for all.
The writer is currently studying at Fatima Jinnah Women University.