By Muhammad Mudassar Javed, Chief Executive Officer, Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid (SHARP-Pakistan and Afghanistan)

The

Asia Pacific region is facing unprecedented challenges due to the intensifying effects of climate change, which are compounded by frequent natural disasters, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is well-documented. According to a Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to climate change, with extreme heat being a significant risk factor, particularly evident in the rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Environmentally, heatwaves intensify the Urban Heat Island effect (the phenomenon where cities experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas, primarily due to the presence of large amounts of heat-absorbing surfaces), making cities significantly hotter than rural areas due to heat-retaining structures like buildings and roads. Pakistan has been facing severe UHI effects in large metropolitan areas, particularly in Central and Southern Punjab, KPK and Sindh. The average temperature in Pakistan has risen by more than 1.6°C over the last century compared to the global average of 1.1 °C.

Rapid urbanization, unplanned development and deforestation have resulted in inadequate infrastructure, a lack of green space, and poor living conditions, all of which further enhance the impact of heatwaves. Cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar are particularly vulnerable because of their high population density and poor urban design. Heatwaves in Pakistan, particularly in urban areas, have resulted in thousands of deaths, with vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, low-income communities, women, and those with chronic illnesses being most at risk. A recent analysis by The Washington Post and Carbon Plan concluded that by 2030, over 190 million people in Pakistan will be exposed to dangerous levels of extreme heat for at least one month each summer, the second-highest number for any country in the world.

As a humanitarian organization working both in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we recognize the urgency of addressing these issues through both immediate interventions and long-term strategies. Our experience in protection, emergency response, disaster response and community-based protection and adaptation has provided us with valuable insights into effective climate actions, particularly for vulnerable communities that are most affected by these changes

To address these challenges, Urban Resilience must incorporate green infrastructure and update building codes to include heat-resistant materials and energy-efficient designs. Enhancing power and water infrastructure, developing heatwave early warning systems, and raising public awareness are critical. Implementing heatwave action plans with emergency response measures and cooling centers is essential for protecting vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Community-Based Climate Resilience:

Focus on Localized Solutions: The success of climate action hinges on the involvement of local communities in the design and implementation of solutions. In Pakistan, many vulnerable communities, particularly in flood-prone and drought-affected regions, have demonstrated significant resilience when empowered with the right tools and knowledge. Humanitarian organizations must prioritize community-led adaptation initiatives that integrate traditional knowledge with modern science, ensuring that solutions are culturally appropriate and sustainable.

Capacity building and education are vital for local communities to effectively assess and address climate risks. By enhancing local disaster preparedness and risk management skills, we can enable communities to respond more effectively to climate-induced shocks.

Climate Change Adaptation through Livelihood Support:

Diversifying Livelihoods in Climate-Affected Areas: Many communities in Pakistan rely on agriculture as their primary livelihood, which is increasingly threatened by changing weather patterns. Climate-resilient livelihood programs, such as the promotion of drought-resistant crops, sustainable farming practices, and alternative income sources (e.g., eco-tourism or green energy initiatives), can enhance food security and reduce dependence on climate-vulnerable sectors.

Strengthening Regional and International Cooperation:

Regional Climate Networks: Collaboration across borders is critical to addressing the transnational nature of climate change. Humanitarian NGOs must work together with regional organizations to share best practices, resources, and knowledge. Strengthening partnerships between Pakistan and neighboring countries facing similar climate threats can lead to more coordinated and impactful climate actions.

International Funding and Technical Assistance: As we face increasingly complex climate challenges, securing long-term funding and technical assistance from international donors and climate funds is essential. NGOs can play a crucial role in ensuring that funding is directed toward the most vulnerable populations and regions.

Conclusion:

The Asia Pacific region is at a critical juncture in terms of addressing climate change and its impacts. In 2025, the region must prioritize community-based adaptation, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, and enhance governance structures to protect vulnerable populations. As a humanitarian NGO working in Pakistan, we are committed to collaborating with local communities, governments, and international partners to implement solutions that will reduce the impact of climate change and ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.