Tragic Reality: Pakistan Hardest Hit by Climate Change Despite Less Than 1% Global Emissions
Pakistan hardest hit by climate change despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions, says Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, highlighting urgent need for climate justice.
Pakistan hardest hit by climate change — a grim reality reaffirmed by Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, during his speech at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC).
He expressed deep concern that Pakistan continues to rank among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Dar warned:
“Pakistan is once again facing the ravages of devastating floods that have displaced millions, inflicted colossal human and economic losses, and pose a serious challenge to our recent gains in sustainable development. But we refuse to remain passive.”
This statement reflects Pakistan’s dual challenge: being both a frontline victim of climate change and a proactive global advocate for climate justice.
Floods Devastating Pakistan Again
Recent monsoon seasons have brought deadly floods across Pakistan, submerging entire villages, washing away crops, and leaving millions displaced.
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According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan has suffered $30 billion in damages during the 2022 floods alone.
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The 2025 monsoon is already showing signs of record-breaking rainfall, further amplifying risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and public health.
Read more on Pakistan’s monsoon crisis here.
Pakistan’s Climate Diplomacy and Advocacy
Despite its vulnerabilities, Pakistan has emerged as a leader in climate diplomacy.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s active role in shaping the global climate agenda, including:
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Hosting the UN Climate Resilience Conference in Geneva (2023).
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Advocating for the Loss and Damage Fund under the UNFCCC framework.
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Calling for climate finance reform that prioritizes developing countries.
He stressed:
“Through our leadership in climate diplomacy and strong advocacy for climate justice, Pakistan is helping to shape the global conversation on this topic.”
This aligns with Pakistan’s foreign policy strategy, rooted in multilateralism, UN Charter principles, and collective global action.
UN Security Council Role and Global Reforms
Dar also pointed out that Pakistan’s recent election to the UN Security Council (2025–2026 term) gives it an important platform to push for climate justice and financial reforms.
He argued that the international financial system is structurally unjust, disproportionately burdening climate-vulnerable states with debt and poverty.
This mirrors global calls from institutions like the UNDP and World Bank, which also advocate for climate debt relief for developing nations.
Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) 2025
The ISC 2025, scheduled for November in Islamabad, will bring together parliamentary leaders from across the globe.
Dar emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing climate change, unresolved disputes, and global inequalities.
Key objectives of ISC include:
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Promoting dialogue and trust-building between nations.
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Enhancing executive-legislative cooperation.
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Strengthening collective climate action.
This reflects Pakistan’s vision for peace, security, and environmental diplomacy.
Linking Climate Change with Global Peace and Security
Dar linked climate change with international conflicts and humanitarian crises.
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He cited Kashmir and Palestine as unresolved disputes that threaten global stability.
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He warned against the rise of unilateralism, undermining multilateral cooperation.
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He called for climate action as a peacebuilding tool, preventing further resource-based conflicts.
This holistic view shows how Pakistan hardest hit by climate change is not just an environmental crisis but also a security and human rights issue.
Conclusion: A Call for Climate Justice
The tragic reality remains: Pakistan is among the hardest hit by climate change, yet one of the least contributors to emissions.
Dar’s speech serves as both a warning and a call for action:
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Reform global climate finance systems.
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Prioritize vulnerable nations in climate adaptation funding.
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Recognize climate change as a security threat equal to armed conflict.
Pakistan continues to stand as a voice for the vulnerable, using platforms like the UN Security Council and ISC 2025 to push for climate justice, equity, and peace.
