Climate Change as a Non-Traditional Security Threat : Case Study of Environmental Security in Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a non-traditional security threat, posing significant challenges to Pakistan's water, food and energy Security, as well as its economic, environmental and human security. This thesis examines the impact of climate change on Pakistan's environmental security and explores the country's efforts to address these challenges. Qualitative research method is used for this research and thematic analysis is used for data collection and analysis. Climate change has intensified weather events such as droughts, floods and extreme temperatures which have directly impacted agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity to cause economic damages consequently leading to mass migration. National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the Climate Change Task Force, and the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) are some of the nation's efforts and policies to combat climate change. Despite not making much progress on most of the fronts, Pakistan has done well in some specific sectors such as disaster risk reduction strategies and climate-compatible development. However, it faces challenges to achieve its targets for SDG 13 (climate action) including administrative problems within government systems and a large annual financing gap. Many climate resilience projects have been launched in the country, including Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, Clean Green Pakistan Movement and Ecosystem Restoration Initiative to combat climate change and mitigate its effects on ecosystems as well as society. Pakistan is partnering with international partners, such as the United Nations, to combat climate change and its effects on approach. The country aims at empowering its youth, promoting nature-based solutions for mitigation of climatic problems while using market based instruments. Pakistan faces significant challenges due to climate change, which threatens its environmental security and the well-being of its citizens. In order to overcome these challenges, the country should also continue implementing strategies and programs that support climate resilience, adaptation to climate change and international coordination in terms of sharing good practices as well as resources.