7 Alarming Climate Risks for Pakistan Exposed After COP30 – A Stark Wake-Up Call

Climate risks for Pakistan took center stage as the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) convened its first post-COP30 seminar in Islamabad. The session reviewed outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Belém, Brazil, and examined their implications for climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan.

Despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan remains among the top ten most climate-vulnerable nations. Experts warned that without urgent global cooperation and domestic reforms, climate shocks could push the country toward irreversible socio-economic damage.

COP30 and Its Global Climate Implications

The COP30 summit in Belém marked another critical checkpoint in global climate diplomacy. While commitments on paper appeared ambitious, experts emphasized that political will and financing gaps continue to undermine meaningful climate action.

Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, opening the seminar, emphasized that climate negotiations are no longer merely environmental discussions—they are about survival, justice, and economic stability for developing nations.

Pakistan’s Disproportionate Climate Vulnerability

One of the most alarming takeaways from the discussion was Pakistan’s extreme exposure to climate risks despite minimal emissions.

Key vulnerabilities include:

• Accelerated glacier melt in the north
• Increasing heatwaves and urban flooding
• Severe water scarcity
• Rising food insecurity
• Poor air quality in major cities

According to Ambassador Saleem, cities like Lahore now rank among the most polluted globally, posing severe health threats and economic losses.

Shrinking Glaciers and the Water Crisis

Pakistan is home to over 7,000 glaciers, the largest concentration outside the polar regions. However, rising temperatures are accelerating glacial melt at dangerous rates.

This creates a paradox:

• Short-term flooding risks
• Long-term water shortages

Climate experts warn that without adaptation strategies, Pakistan could face chronic water stress by 2030.

Air Pollution and Urban Environmental Collapse

Air pollution has emerged as one of the most visible climate risks for Pakistan. Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad frequently record hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Health impacts include:

• Respiratory diseases
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Reduced life expectancy

Experts at the seminar emphasized that environmental degradation is now a public health emergency, not merely an environmental issue.

Energy Transition: Progress and Pitfalls

Ambassador Saleem acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in renewable energy, particularly micro-solar initiatives in rural and peri-urban areas. However, fossil fuels still dominate the energy mix.

Key challenges:

• Limited climate financing
• Weak policy implementation
• Dependence on imported fuels

Without structural reforms, renewable expansion alone cannot offset climate risks.

Climate Finance: The Missing Link

One of the strongest messages from the seminar was the urgent need for climate finance.

Zainab Naeem, Associate Research Fellow at SDPI, highlighted that COP platforms are shaped as much by politics as by science. Developing nations often struggle to access promised funds due to complex mechanisms and geopolitical interests.

She stressed that:

• Loss and Damage funds must be operationalized
• Adaptation finance should prioritize vulnerable countries
• Transparency and accountability are essential

Diplomacy, Equity, and the Global Climate Divide

Pakistan’s case reflects a broader injustice in global climate governance. Nations contributing least to emissions suffer the most severe consequences.

Experts urged stronger South–South cooperation, regional adaptation frameworks, and climate diplomacy that centers equity rather than economics alone.

What COP30 Means for Pakistan’s Climate Future

The COP30 outcomes offer both warnings and opportunities. While global commitments remain insufficient, platforms like COP still provide space for vulnerable nations to amplify their voices.

For Pakistan, the path forward requires:

• Stronger climate diplomacy
• Investment in resilience and adaptation
• Transparent governance
• Community-level climate solutions

Failure to act could deepen economic instability, social inequality, and environmental collapse.

Conclusion: From Warnings to Action

The message from Islamabad’s post-COP30 seminar was clear: climate risks for Pakistan are no longer future threats—they are present realities.

Without urgent financing, policy coherence, and international accountability, Pakistan’s climate challenges will intensify. However, with strategic action and global solidarity, the country can still build resilience and safeguard its future.