Climate Change Threats to Pakistan’s Natural Resources by 2070

Climate Change Threatens Pakistan's Natural Resources and Economy by 2070

1. According to a recent report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pakistan stands at risk of significant losses in natural resources due to climate change by 2070. Sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are anticipated to suffer, potentially leading to an economic loss of up to 12% of GDP, marking the highest projected impact in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Climate change poses a multifaceted threat to Pakistan and neighboring regions. Under a high-end emissions scenario, the Asia-Pacific region could see GDP losses as high as 16.9% by 2070, with coastal and economically vulnerable areas like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan facing severe consequences.
3. The adverse impact on labor productivity, especially from escalating heatwaves, contributes significantly to projected GDP losses. For Pakistan, reduced labor productivity could result in 10.4% GDP loss, second only to India’s anticipated impact, which stands at 11.6%.
4. Beyond productivity, sea-level rise and increasing frequency of storm surges are major sources of economic loss, with cumulative effects intensifying over time. Low-lying areas, especially coastal cities with concentrated populations and economic assets, are particularly vulnerable to these rising risks.
5. Climate change is expected to exacerbate inequality, disproportionately affecting low-income communities in South Asia, including Pakistan. Frequent heatwaves, shifting precipitation patterns, and heightened risk of floods and droughts will most heavily impact vulnerable populations, further jeopardizing their livelihoods and living conditions.
6. The ADB highlights the anticipated impacts of climate change on urban populations across Asia-Pacific coastal cities. With rising sea levels and intensifying storms, up to 300 million people could be threatened by coastal flooding by 2070, placing trillions of dollars in coastal infrastructure at risk.
7. Projections indicate that South Asia's precipitation levels could increase by around 50% by 2100 under a high global warming scenario of 4.7°C. This intensification in rainfall, while potentially beneficial for agriculture, raises concerns about flood risks and infrastructure damage across the region.
8. The ADB calls for significant investments in climate adaptation, noting that annual funding needs across the region could range from $102 billion to $431 billion. Currently, only a fraction of these needs are being met, with just $34 billion in adaptation finance committed for 2021-2022.
9. The report urges policymakers to adopt a proactive approach, with regular reassessment and adaptation measures to address evolving climate challenges effectively. By continually updating impact projections and testing new policies, adaptation strategies can be refined to better safeguard against the adverse effects of climate change.
10. The alarming climate projections underscore the need for international cooperation and funding to mitigate future risks. By addressing the pressing challenges of resource depletion, coastal vulnerability, and labor productivity, both Pakistan and the broader Asia-Pacific region can work towards sustainable resilience against climate threats.

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