ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN: ASSESSING IMPACTS AND EXPLORING SOLUTIONS

Abstract

The global environmental crisis, marked by climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental injustice, presents a critical challenge requiring comprehensive action. These interlinked issues emphasize the necessity of an integrated approach to environmental governance that addresses both systemic inequalities and root causes. Human activities such as deforestation, land degradation and unsustainable resource exploitation continue to destabilize ecosystems, reducing their resilience and exacerbating climate change. Pollution and inadequate waste management disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly in the Global South, highlighting the deep-rooted inequities in environmental justice.

Pakistan, despite its low contribution to global carbon emissions, faces severe climate-induced challenges, including extreme weather events, flooding and resource depletion. The country’s vulnerability is exacerbated by weak governance, resource constraints and ineffective enforcement of environmental policies. While Pakistan has committed to international environmental agreements, significant gaps remain in policy implementation and institutional capacity.

To address these challenges, strengthening environmental governance at all levels is essential. This requires improved policy enforcement, equitable resource distribution and enhanced international cooperation to support Pakistan. A holistic, justice-driven approach is imperative to building resilience, promoting sustainable practices and mitigating the long-term impacts of environmental degradation. This paper underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts to safeguard the environment.