Climate change harms livelihoods and food security in Pakistan

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that climate change is already harming food production and the livelihoods of millions in the country. In 2022, Pakistan was ranked as the most vulnerable nation to climate change, according to a new report from Germanwatch. This ranking was largely due to the severe floods experienced last year, which were caused by intense monsoon rains and other factors. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad for the first ‘World Day of Glaciers’, Aurangzeb emphasized that changing weather patterns are affecting crop yields. He highlighted that Pakistan has over 3,000 glacial lakes, with 33 of them posing significant risks to nearby populations. He noted that more than seven million people are at risk from these unstable glaciers. The finance minister pointed out that although Pakistan has received pledges of $10 billion for recovery efforts after the 2022 floods, it has only accessed about one-third of that funding. The main issue is the ability to develop viable projects that can attract investment. On this important day, the Pakistani government is launching its first ‘Glacier Conservation Strategy’ to help protect these crucial ecosystems. Glaciers play a vital role in regulating climate and providing fresh water. However, ongoing climate change is causing them to melt rapidly. The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the significance of glaciers and the need to support those who depend on them for water and other resources. These actions are critical for safeguarding mountain ecosystems and the fresh water they provide to billions of people around the world.