Climate change is a significant driver of migration in Pakistan. Disasters like floods, droughts, and landslides force people to leave their homes in search of safety, and livelihood opportunities

• Day by day, Indus River Delta is shrinking: Due to rising sea levels and reduced water flow, and the coastal communities in districts like Thatta and Badin are losing their agricultural land, leading to migration toward inland cities

Climate change is one of the most existing challenges of the 21st century, and everyone is concerned about how to tackle it effectively. As one of the world’s red zone countries, Pakistan acutely feels its diverse impacts. Characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from arid regions and deserts to irrigated areas and lush green valleys, Pakistan is highly at risk from the adverse effects of climate change. These effects—including rising temperatures, heat waves, frequent floods, droughts, other environmental impacts, erratic weather patterns, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters—are not only environmental concerns but also contribute to socioeconomic and political issues such as migration and conflicts.

We have more local strategies and methods through which we can easily deal with such impacts through our folk wisdom dealing. Pakistan comes among the top ten countries most affected by climate change, despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The country faces rising temperatures, glacial melt in the northern regions, erratic monsoon patterns, and prolonged droughts in its southern parts. These phenomena are having dire consequences for agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity, thereby impacting millions of livelihoods.

The 2022 floods, which submerged one-third of the country and displaced over 33 million people, serve as a stark reminder of the catastrophic impact of climate change. In the long term, such climate-induced events exacerbate poverty, reduce access to essential resources, and create new vulnerabilities for already marginalized communities.

Climate change is a significant driver of migration in Pakistan. Disasters like floods, droughts, and landslides force people to leave their homes in search of safety, livelihood opportunities, and better living conditions. Rural communities, dependent on agriculture and livestock, are particularly at risk. When crops fail or water resources dwindle, these populations are compelled to migrate to urban areas, leading to unplanned urbanization.

Urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are struggling to accommodate the influx of climate migrants. The lack of adequate infrastructure, housing, and basic services in these cities results in the proliferation of informal settlements or slums, where residents face poor living conditions and limited access to education and healthcare.

The mass movement of people due to climate change has created social, economic, and political tensions in Pakistan. Competition for limited resources, such as water, food, and jobs, often leads to conflicts between migrants and host communities. The strain on urban infrastructure exacerbates inequalities, fostering resentment among local populations.

The 2022 Sindh and Balochistan Floods caused many damages. The catastrophic floods displaced millions, particularly in Dadu, Larkana, and Jacobabad, leading to mass internal migration and exacerbating urban housing crises.

As Glacial Melt in Gilgit-Baltistan, this accelerated glacial melting has resulted in unpredictable floods and landslides, displacing mountain communities and pushing them towards the plains.

Indus River – File Photo

Day by day, Indus River Delta is shrinking: Due to rising sea levels and reduced water flow, and the coastal communities in districts like Thatta and Badin are losing their agricultural land, leading to migration toward inland cities.

In rural areas, disputes over diminishing water resources have led to tribal and inter-community clashes. These conflicts are particularly pronounced in regions like Sindh and Balochistan, where water scarcity is a persistent issue. The lack of comprehensive policies to address climate-induced migration often leaves affected populations vulnerable and further fuels tensions.

Addressing the nexus of climate change, migration, and conflicts in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, the government must prioritize climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Investing in resilient infrastructure, sustainable water management, and early warning systems for disasters can significantly reduce the vulnerability of communities.

Second, policies focusing on equitable resource distribution and urban planning must be implemented to accommodate climate migrants without exacerbating social tensions. Inclusive governance, which involves the participation of migrants and host communities, is crucial for designing effective interventions.

Third, international support and collaboration are essential to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to combat climate change. Developed nations must fulfill their commitments to provide financial and technical assistance to countries like Pakistan, which bear the brunt of a crisis they did not create.

Lastly, raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility can empower communities to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for policy reforms.

Indus River Delta area

The intersection of climate change, migration, and conflict poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s stability and development. While the challenges are immense, proactive measures, both at the national and international levels, can help mitigate these risks. By prioritizing climate resilience, addressing the root causes of migration, and promoting social cohesion, Pakistan can navigate these complex challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Addressing climate-induced migration in Pakistan requires a proactive and multi-dimensional approach. Beyond immediate relief efforts, long-term sustainable development policies must be implemented to enhance resilience among vulnerable communities. Strengthening climate governance, investing in green infrastructure, and promoting climate-smart agriculture can help mitigate migration pressures. Additionally, managing regional and international cooperation is crucial in securing resources and expertise to combat climate change’s effects effectively. Public awareness campaigns and grassroots-level engagement can also play a pivotal role in equipping communities with adaptive strategies. Pakistan must take bold steps to turn this crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development and resilience-building, ensuring a future where climate change does not dictate the fate of its people.

______________________

Published under International Cooperation with "Sindh Courier"