THE consequences of Pakistan’s lackadaisical approach to climate change have become painfully evident. This year, high temperatures and humidity have devastated not only human health but also livestock, with up to 15,000 cattle succumbing to extreme heat. These losses highlight the broader failure of successive governments to prepare for and mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. Livestock contributes significantly to farm output and GDP. Yet, farmers find themselves largely abandoned by the state. A recent report carried in Dawn highlighted how the communication gap between the food security ministry and provincial livestock departments leaves farmers ill-equipped to protect their animals. Such negligence reflects the government’s broader failure to coordinate and implement effective climate policies.

Pakistan is no stranger to climate disasters, ranging from deadly heatwaves to catastrophic floods. However, the response remains reactive, driven by short-term measures rather than a long-term, proactive strategy. The 2022 floods, which should have spurred the state into action, have, instead, elicited continued apathy. Our environmental performance is slipping, as seen in the country’s dismal rankings on global indices like the Climate Change Performance Index and the Environmental Performance Index. These rankings underscore a critical lack of coordination and a disturbing indifference to air pollution, climate mitigation and infrastructure resilience. Moreover, appeals from our leaders to the world for climate finance ring hollow without domestic reforms. Pakistan’s credibility on the global stage would be greatly enhanced if it displayed a serious commitment to tackling climate issues through improved governance, better coordination and building resilient infrastructure. By moving away from the beggar’s bowl and focusing on capacity-building and legal reforms, Pakistan could position itself as a responsible actor in the fight against climate change. What is needed is a well-thought-out climate policy that prioritises resilience, coordination and sustainable development, and ensures that the state can protect its people, economy and environment from the mounting threats of an unpredictable climate.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2024