Climate Change Support in Pakistan Surges Dramatically: World Bank Survey Reveals Shocking Growth
Climate change support in Pakistan has surged to 34%, according to the World Bank’s 2025 Country Opinion Survey. Discover how this shift is transforming Pakistan’s environmental priorities and future development agenda.
ISLAMABAD: Climate change support in Pakistan has witnessed an unprecedented surge, rising from just 5% in 2021 to a remarkable 34% in 2025, according to the World Bank Group’s (WBG) latest Country Opinion Survey for Pakistan. The findings signal a transformative shift in national priorities, with growing awareness of environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
The World Bank’s 2025 Country Opinion Survey highlights a powerful trend: Pakistan’s climate awareness and demand for environmental action are accelerating. From flood recovery to water security, climate change support in Pakistan has now become a defining issue for citizens, policymakers, and development partners alike.
The survey revealed that support for climate initiatives soared by 29 percentage points over four years — a surge described by analysts as “extraordinary and deeply encouraging” for a nation ranked among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.
Pakistan’s Environmental Awakening
Support for water and sanitation also rose sharply, from 9% to 35%, suggesting a broader recognition of interconnected environmental and health challenges.
This surge coincides with Pakistan’s increased exposure to climate disasters, such as the 2022 super floods and recurring heatwaves in Sindh and Punjab.
“Climate change has moved from being a policy issue to a public priority,” notes a World Bank analyst.
This growing public consciousness signals a turning point in national dialogue — from reactive responses to proactive climate resilience.
World Bank’s Role in Development
The World Bank Group remains one of Pakistan’s top development partners. While its work in pandemic preparedness, gender equity, and disaster risk management received high effectiveness ratings, perceptions of support in areas like governance, education, and sanitation saw a decline.
Still, over half of respondents (52%) felt that the World Bank had strengthened its impact in improving lives. Another 51% agreed it had become easier to collaborate with, showing that engagement and accessibility remain key strengths.
Key values identified by respondents:
| WBG Contribution Type | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Financial Resources | 48% |
| Knowledge Products | 33% |
| Technical Assistance | 32% |
| Capacity Development | 24% |
Public Perceptions and Local Engagement
One of the report’s strongest messages was a call for deeper local engagement. Respondents emphasized that the WBG should move beyond federal-level collaboration and strengthen partnerships at grassroots, provincial, and community levels.
“Meaningful partnerships with local stakeholders can transform how projects deliver results,” said one government official.
This aligns with Pakistan’s shift towards decentralized climate action, where local governments and communities play a vital role in adaptation and resilience-building.
Sectoral Shifts and Key Insights
Although the World Bank’s governance and education programs received lower ratings than in 2021, its climate and disaster management efforts have gained strong public trust.
Notably:
- Collaboration with national government received the highest rating, though slightly lower than in 2021.
- Engagement with civil society showed major improvement.
- Local government collaboration remains an area needing attention.
The Bank’s effectiveness in achieving development results was the only rating that improved significantly since 2021 — a sign that despite criticism, the Bank’s interventions are increasingly outcome-driven.
Stakeholder Recommendations
Survey participants offered actionable advice for improving development effectiveness.
A government respondent stressed that capacity building and impact assessment must be mandatory in project design.
A parliamentarian added that the World Bank should:
“Engage civil society and local representatives in every phase — from decision-making to implementation.”
This feedback reflects Pakistan’s democratic push for inclusive governance, ensuring that international funding reaches communities that need it most.
Trust, Collaboration, and Future Direction
Despite mixed ratings in specific sectors, the World Bank Group remains one of the most trusted institutions in Pakistan, alongside the United Nations and Asian Development Bank.
However, differences emerged across sectors:
- Government and bilateral agencies viewed the WBG more positively.
- Civil society, academia, and parliament offices were more critical, emphasizing transparency and local relevance.
- Local government respondents expressed the most skepticism about the WBG’s ground-level impact.
This indicates the need for stronger multi-stakeholder communication to align national and local development priorities with community expectations.
Conclusion: Towards a Resilient Pakistan
The surge in climate change support in Pakistan — from 5% to 34% — is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of changing national values.
Pakistan’s people, institutions, and partners are now united by a shared recognition: climate resilience is no longer optional — it’s essential.
For the World Bank Group, this transformation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By expanding partnerships beyond the capital and empowering local governments, it can strengthen its credibility and impact.
For Pakistan, the road ahead demands resilient governance, inclusive planning, and evidence-based climate policy — ensuring that environmental priorities translate into real-world change.
