Sustainable Infrastructure Development under CPEC: A Pathway to Climate Resilience in Pakistan

Abstract

This dissertation explores the effectiveness of sustainable infrastructure development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a pathway to enhancing climate resilience in Pakistan, addressing a critical gap in empirical data regarding the environmental impacts, socioeconomic benefits, and long-term sustainability of CPEC projects. The research utilizes a mixedmethods approach, integrating quantitative metrics such as carbon emissions, project life cycles, and qualitative community feedback, sourced from authoritative platforms including Google Scholar, academic books, and JSTOR. Key findings indicate that while CPEC initiatives have led to notable improvements in infrastructure, they also present significant challenges regarding environmental sustainability and local community impacts, with quantifiable data revealing a concerning trend in carbon emissions associated with certain large-scale projects. The significance of these findings extends beyond mere environmental discourse; they highlight a crucial intersection with healthcare, particularly in relation to public health outcomes that are influenced by infrastructural changes and climate-related factors. This research contributes to the understanding of how sustainable infrastructure development can better align with climate resilience strategies, emphasizing the need for adaptive policies that integrate health considerations into infrastructure planning. Ultimately, the study posits that fostering climateresilient infrastructure under CPEC can serve as a vital model for other developing nations facing similar challenges, thereby offering strategic insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the fields of environmental management and public health.