Pakistan’s engagement with the climate crisis is emblematic of the struggles faced by developing nations grappling with environmental catastrophes, economic constraints, and social vulnerability.

Despite being responsible for less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries. From devastating floods to debilitating heat waves and choking smog, the climate crisis has pushed the country into a perpetual state of environmental and economic emergency.

In the legislative realm, Pakistan established the Climate Change Act in 2017, which laid the groundwork for structured climate governance. However, structural inefficiencies and delays in implementation have often rendered these mechanisms less effective. Recognising these gaps, the government has gradually overhauled its approach.

In 2024, Pakistan introduced the National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku. This framework mobilises resources from global climate funds and bilateral donors to support domestic mitigation and adaptation projects. For instance, the strategy prioritises renewable energy investments and climate-resilient infrastructure to combat the increasing frequency of natural disasters.

On the domestic front, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has transitioned from reactive to proactive planning.

A key advancement is the adoption of sophisticated early warning systems capable of predicting extreme weather events up to ten months in advance. Coupled with regional collaborations, such as partnerships with academic institutions, these systems are tailored to Pakistan’s diverse geographical vulnerabilities. From mountainous regions prone to glacial lake outbursts to coastal areas threatened by rising sea levels, the........

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