Environmental Awareness and Resilience
Pakistan’s Climate Change Vulnerability and Challenges: Pakistan has signed and ratified most important international conventions and treaties related to climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, commitment to addressing the issue on a global scale.
Although Pakistan contributes negatively in the world as far the green emissions are concerned but yet it is the 5th most vulnerable country in the world as far climate change is concerned
According to the climate change policy of 2021 there are various threats and challenges that Pakistan is facing due to climate change. Pakistan is witnessing increase extreme weather conditions, erratic monsoon rains causing frequent and intense floods and droughts, recession or melting of the Hindu Kush- Karakoram-Himalayan(HKH) glaciers due to global warming, due to scarcity of water agriculture is nonproductive. Air pollution from agriculture, transport and industry resulting into smog and severe health issues. Forests are being depleted effecting plant species and wildlife habitat. General health of public is being effected and migration has increased. So the basic survival of the people will increasingly become more vulnerable.
RDF aim is to educate the youth, minorities, women and marginalized communities firstly on the international climate policies and its global agreements where Pakistan is a signatory. Secondly It will also enhance the knowledge on Pakistan’s climate related policy and how climate change is effecting our biodiversity eco system and reflect upon its socio economic consequences on agriculture health (various diseases due to smog) migration. RDF will also share how one can mitigate and adapt in the present circumstances and prepare for disasters. Relief work and response during emergencies is also part of the RDF sustainable projects.
Pakistan’s Climate Change Vulnerability and Challenges: Pakistan is a signatory to key international agreements addressing climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. These commitments demonstrate the country’s intention to engage with global efforts to combat climate change.
Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is ranked as the 5th most vulnerable country in the world to the impacts of climate change. According to Pakistan’s Climate Change Policy of 2021, the country faces a range of serious climate-related threats and challenges.
Pakistan is increasingly experiencing extreme weather events, such as erratic monsoon patterns, frequent and severe floods, and prolonged droughts. The melting of glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalayan (HKH) region, driven by rising global temperatures, poses a critical threat to the country’s water resources. Water scarcity has already begun to affect agricultural productivity, endangering food security and rural livelihoods.
Air pollution from agriculture, transport, and industry has led to worsening smog conditions and significant public health issues. Deforestation is contributing to the degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and destruction of wildlife habitats. These environmental challenges are compounding social pressures, including increasing internal migration and deteriorating public health.
In this context, the Roshan Development Foundation (RDF) is working to raise awareness and build capacity among youth, women, minorities, and marginalized communities. RDF aims to educate these groups about international climate agreements to which Pakistan is a signatory, as well as national climate policies and the impacts of climate change on Pakistan’s biodiversity and ecosystems. The program also emphasizes the socio-economic consequences of climate change—particularly its effects on agriculture, public health (e.g., diseases related to smog), and displacement of communities.