Pakistan has immense potential in the tourism industry, given its diverse natural scenery. The country has fortunately been gifted with lush green valleys, rocky heights, plateaus, plains, and sweeping dunes. Additionally, Pakistan is home to some of the most ancient cities, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Additionally, the country has mesmerizing infrastructure from the Mughal Empire and the colonial era.

Pakistan ranks 121/140 on the Tourism Index despite its immense potential due to climate and security risks.

Every region of the country has its own rich, appealing culture, presenting traditional tastes to its visitors.  According to the report of Assistant Director, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Waqas Elahi, tourism contributes around 2.9% to Pakistan’s GDP and supports 1.5 million jobs. Despite these upsides, Pakistan has been ranked 121/140 on the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index, which is extremely low. This ranking is due to the climate and security constraints.

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, suffering from disasters that occur annually.  Floods, earthquakes, smog, and landslides are persistent concerns and are the cause of thousands of casualties. For instance, in 2022, massive floods hit Pakistan, and according to the report of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, around 33 million people were affected by this catastrophe, with over 17000 deaths. On the other hand, the crisis impacted macroeconomic growth, deceleration of 2.2%, causing an increase in poverty from 3.7 to 4% points.

Another significant concern that emerges due to climate change in Pakistan is the occurrence of smog, which primarily affects the urban areas of the country. In light of research conducted at the University of Lahore, smog has caused a 96% increase in chest infections and cough, along with eye irritations and allergies, which are commonly reported by the affected citizens.

Additionally, another adverse consequence of climate change to Pakistan is water scarcity, as stated in the Journal of Water and Climate Change. Pakistan is heavily dependent on the Indus Water Basin for agricultural production and water supply, but the availability of water resources is threatened by climate change.  Multiple causes are adding to this slow poison of climate change, the chief among which is the burning of fossil fuels.

In 2022, floods affected 33 million Pakistanis and caused over 17,000 deaths.

The emission of anthropogenic greenhouse gases such as Carbon dioxide, Methane, and Chlorofluorocarbons is the primary cause of the temperature rise. Since the pre-industrial age, the average rise in temperature is 1.3 °C. Based on the research of the International Energy agency, in 2024, the emissions of Carbon Dioxide reached record highs rising up to 0.8% which increased its level in year which 3ppm higher than 2023.

The irony is that Pakistan only possesses a 0.9% contribution to the production of greenhouse gases all around the globe. As suggested by the Green Theory, major contributors to these gases are the countries of the global south, which are highly industrialized. In addition, Asian countries like India and China are major contributors to the production of these heinous gases. It is imperative to form policies and enforce pragmatic measures both nationally and internationally to deal with the challenges posed by Climate change.

Efforts by the global community have been made to overcome this environmental challenge. For instance, in 1992, the United Nations Convention on Climate Change was adopted at the Earth Summit, aiming to stabilize consumption of Greenhouse gases.  Additionally, the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 to legally bind developing countries to limit their carbon emission. This agreement was replaced by the Paris Agreement in 2015, under which climate finance commitments were also established.

Furthermore, under UNFCC, annual meetings are held to review the progress and negotiate new agendas. Pakistan has been a member of UNFCC since 1994, ratified the Kyoto Protocol, and is also a signatory to the Paris Agreement.  Moreover, Pakistan submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution in 2016. The Billion Tsunami project was launched in 2018 with a determination to plant 10 billion trees. Along with that, Pakistan is the first South Asian country to join the Fossil-fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2024. Numerous treaties exist both domestically and globally, but a lack of management and poor governance are hindering progress drastically.

Pakistan contributes only 0.9% to global greenhouse gases, yet suffers disproportionately from climate impacts.

The emergence of populist leaders globally and their lack of seriousness about environmental problems is a major concern for the general population. According to the European Parliament President, Donald Trump recently announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, in light of the report of The Guardian, he signed an order to ban the production and use of plastic straws.

Not only internationally but also on the domestic level in Pakistan, there is mismanagement and illegal construction along the banks of rivers due to disruption in the flow of water. Along with that, illicit and massive cutting of trees and the use of low-grade air purifiers in vehicles serve as a catalyst for air pollution. Pakistan in the fiscal budget of 2025-2026 imposed heavy duties on solar panels, solar electricity is a source of renewable energy and should be encouraged; however, the reverse is occurring. Practical solutions are immensely needed both globally and locally.

Efforts to shift to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro are needed worldwide in order to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. An efficient mechanism is needed to make the carbon emitters pay the fine under laws such as cap-and-trade systems. An emission standard should be fixed worldwide for the industries. Regulations for the plantation of trees should be made, along with which, environment-friendly infrastructure should be promoted.

Local transportation, green urban planning, and local renewable projects are some of the measures a country should adopt to deal with the climate challenge. In addition, locals should consume goods with less plastic and should develop a habit of recycling. In democratic countries, it is the responsibility of the individuals to use brands that are eco-friendly in nature and to vote for leaders with strong environmental policies.

The emergence of populist leaders globally and their lack of seriousness about environmental problems is a major concern.

Climate change is a transnational issue and has severe implications worldwide. Practical and serious measures are needed on multiple levels. Thousands of casualties are taking place due to this concern. According to Green theory, the global north, the massive producer of Greenhouse gases, should pay some amount to the affected countries, such as Pakistan, as a penalty.

Pakistan should also work upon initiatives not only to decrease the risk of climate disasters but also to take precautionary actions to deal with such catastrophes. Earth is our homeland, mankind has lived and prospered here, and it is our moral obligation to protect this blessed land.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.