CLIMATE change refers to long-term changes in weather patterns on Earth.

The primary cause of recent climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere, resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. These gases trap heat from the sun, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise—a process commonly referred to as global warming. Although Pakistan contributes only about 0.88% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change. Pakistan has witnessed two devastating floods in 2022 and 2025. A World Bank report highlighted that the 2022 floods caused over 1,700 deaths and 12,000 injuries, besides economic losses exceeding USD 40 billion. The devastation of the 2025 floods, driven by unprecedented rainfall, cloudbursts, urban flooding and glacial lake downpours, has claimed more than 1,000 lives and affected nearly 7 million people since June 2025. Monsoon 2025 witnessed extraordinary havoc, with extreme rainfall, cloudbursts, urban flooding and glacial lake outbursts.

Cloudbursts were more frequent and destructive in northern parts of the country. These intense, localized rainstorms often lead to devastating flash floods, landslides and loss of lives and property. A cloudburst........

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