ISLAMABAD: Climate change in Pakistan is the cause of economic instability, food insecurity, biodiversity loss and serious health issues, posing an existential threat that has pushed vulnerable people to hunger, unemployment and poverty.

This was highlighted by speakers during a two-day workshop organised to address climate challenges that the country is facing.

They added that climate change is disproportionately affecting the poorest people, young and old, women, indigenous communities and other marginalised groups,

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Dr Abdul Rahim Soomro, secretary Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Department (Sindh), said coastal climate vulnerability in Pakistan needs attention at the federal and provincial levels to broadly understand the issue and propose its inclusive solution.

He stressed the need for persistent action and coordinated efforts to ensure a resilient future for all.

“It is time we think of climate change as a development issue that has the potential to increase social differences and injustice, especially for those who are already living on the edge at the face of climate change,” he added.

Dr Tahir Rasheed, regional director of World Wildlife Fund (WWF-Pakistan), said climate change was causing biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and exacerbating freshwater issues in Pakistan.

“Community-based afforestation of mangroves has been initiated, under which over 100,000 mangrove saplings were planted in the Indus delta and Karachi coast. A total 90 female climate activists from local communities are actively working for plantation, post-care and monitoring activities along the Sindh coast. It is high time to formulate a strong network of experts and policy makers to support efforts to reverse climate change and enhance environmental protection across Sindh,” he added.

The workshop, which focused on providing a common platform to share information about select environmental issues along the coast of Pakistan and highlight efforts towards addressing those challenges, was organised by WWF-Pakistan and Oxfam GB to enhance formal coordinated efforts to address climate vulnerability. Both organisations have been working jointly over the past three years to enhance climate resilience of vulnerable coastal communities.

The project integrates a stakeholder inclusive implementation strategy and focuses on developing a strong research base, using the Vulnerability Risk Assessment, to determine the scale of vulnerability of natural resource dependent communities in Keti Bunder and Kharo Chan.

Participants learnt that the work carried out as part of this project, along with consultations and research has helped in drafting a local action plan of adaptation for these vulnerable coastal communities and in integrating it into polices and development budgets.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2021