In times of escalating environmental challenges and economic instability, transitioning to a green economy is no longer optional but imperative. Pakistan, with its unique geographic and economic vulnerabilities, is in dire need of adopting sustainable practices to ensure both economic stability and environmental conservation.
At its core, the green economy provides a roadmap for achieving these goals by reducing environmental risks and promoting sustainable development without harming the ecosystem. By emphasising low-carbon practices, efficient resource utilisation, and social inclusivity, this framework offers countries like ours a pathway to mitigate climate change, foster economic growth, and uplift socio-economic conditions simultaneously.
Pakistan ranks eigth among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, as per Germanwatch’s Global Climate Risk Index 2021 (One UN Pakistan: Annual Report 2021). With extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts becoming increasingly frequent, the economic and human costs are teetering. The 2022 floods in Pakistan are a prime example of the devastating impact of climate change. The catastrophic floods displaced over 33 million people, destroyed infrastructure, and claimed more than 1,700 lives. The economic losses were staggering, exceeding $30 billion, with agriculture, housing, and public infrastructure bearing the brunt of the damage. A green economy approach emphasising climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable water management, and renewable energy solutions could have mitigated some of these impacts. For example, flood-resistant construction methods and effective early warning systems could reduce future vulnerabilities, providing long-term safety and economic stability for millions of Pakistanis.
Moreover, our energy mix is dominated by fossil fuels, accounting for about 64% of energy production, which contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. With frequent power outages and skyrocketing fuel prices, there is an urgent need to shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Investments in green energy could potentially generate 2 million new jobs by 2030, according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In addition to this, agriculture remains the backbone of our crippling economy, contributing approximately 19.2% to the GDP and employing around 38.5% of the labour force. However, the sector is beset by inefficiencies, unsustainable practices, and resource mismanagement, threatening long-term productivity and food security. Research conducted by PCRWR reveals that Pakistan's water-intensive cropping patterns, coupled with poor irrigation techniques, result in 70% of the country’s water being consumed by agriculture, yet with significant wastage due to outdated methods such as flood irrigation.
Taking into account the urban centres of our country, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, face severe pollution challenges with air quality regularly exceeding hazardous levels. Just like last year, 2024 has been a particularly challenging year for air quality in Pakistan, especially in these three cities. Lahore has consistently ranked among the top polluted cities globally, with its AQI frequently exceeding hazardous levels. The severe air pollution has led to significant health concerns, including respiratory issues and increased mortality rates. Karachi also faces significant air pollution challenges, particularly during the winter months. Vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust contribute to the city's poor air quality. However, as appalling as it may sound, Multan has experienced some of the worst air pollution episodes in Pakistan, with AQI exceeding 2000.
The development of wind farms here could significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels, helping to mitigate energy shortages and improve environmental sustainability.
The government must integrate green economic principles into national development strategies to take a step towards the green economy. The National Electric Vehicle Policy (2019), aiming to have 30% electric vehicles by 2030, is a step in the right direction, but sturdier implementation is needed. This policy aims to transform the country’s automobile industry by achieving targets such as 30% of new vehicle sales being electric by 2030 and 90% by 2040. It sets specific benchmarks for different vehicle categories, including cars, two-wheelers, buses, and trucks, while addressing associated benefits like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cutting fuel imports, and creating green jobs.
In addition to this, increased investments in renewable energy projects can reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind Corridor, located along the Sindh coastline, holds significant potential for Pakistan's energy future. The Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind Corridor stretches around 70 kilometres along the coast and 110 kilometres inland. Identified by the AEDB and Pakistan Meteorological Department in 2005, it holds promise with average wind speeds of around 7.3 metres per second (m/s). The corridor alone is estimated to have the capacity to generate up to 60,000 MW of electricity. This potential has already begun to be tapped. The first wind farms in the area started operation in the early 2010s, contributing to the national grid. Currently, Pakistan has added around 255 MW of wind energy, with more projects in the pipeline. The wind energy sector in our country has grown steadily, with the government offering various incentives to boost its development. Despite these achievements, the full potential of the Gharo-Keti Bandar corridor remains untapped, and significant investments are needed to realise its capacity. The development of wind farms here could significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels, helping to mitigate energy shortages and improve environmental sustainability.
Additionally, we should leverage international green financing mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund, as we have already received $50 million from this fund for its Glacial Lake Outburst Flood project, showcasing the potential for further support. An estimated 29 million people living in Pakistan’s mountainous regions are at risk from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. This project directly addresses their safety while indirectly benefiting millions downstream.
Furthermore, by integrating climate risk management into regional development, this project aligns with our country’s goals under the Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change impacts. Also, the success of this program could serve as a model for similar interventions in other climate-vulnerable nations.
The dilemma of lack of sustainable development is a nerve-wracking one—it is a constant tussle between economic progress and environmental preservation
Moreover, raising awareness about sustainability and involving local communities in green initiatives, such as reforestation programs, can amplify the impact. Such an example is The Billion Tree Tsunami initiative, launched by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, which was launched in 2014. This was a broader green growth agenda aimed at addressing deforestation, restoring ecosystems, and creating green jobs in the region. According to the World Economic Forum, “The massive reforestation project–named the Billion Tree Tsunami–added 350,000 hectares of trees, both by planting and natural regeneration, to restore the province’s depleted forests and fight the effects of climate change.”
It also exceeded Pakistan’s Bonn Challenge Commitment, making it the first entity globally to complete this international reforestation pledge. The success of the initiative garnered international recognition, including praise from the UN Environment Programme and the World Economic Forum, highlighting its impact on climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The initiative also created over 500,000 green jobs, empowering local communities and women. For example, local women were employed in nurseries to cultivate indigenous plants, contributing to both environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development. Inger Andersen, head of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the NGO in charge of administering the Bonn Challenge, described it as “a true conservation success story.” Experts at the World Wildlife Fund Pakistan, which monitored and conducted an independent audit of the reforestation drive, say the project has been an environmental, economic, and social success.
The dilemma of lack of sustainable development is a nerve-wracking one—it is a constant tussle between economic progress and environmental preservation. Also, we cannot ignore the fact that shifting towards the green economy is not just an environmental imperative but a socio-economic opportunity for us. Transitioning to sustainable practices can create jobs, ensuring long-term resilience against climate risks given that the government, private sector, and civil society join hands and work together.