As 2024 Ends, Pakistan Faces an Unprecedented Climate Crisis
This year, Pakistan stood on the precipice of a climate emergency, grappling with catastrophic events that reshaped lives, landscapes, and livelihoods. From scorching heatwaves to devastating floods and suffocating smog, the impacts of climate change were felt more profoundly than ever before. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of the major climate events of 2024, their devastating consequences, and the urgent steps required for 2025.
Timeline of Climate Extremes in Pakistan – 2024
January–March: Prolonged Droughts and Agricultural Losses
- Rising temperatures in Sindh and Balochistan resulted in severe droughts.
- Water shortages in the Indus basin led to a 15% drop in wheat yields, threatening food security.
- Reservoirs like Mangla and Tarbela reached alarmingly low water levels, intensifying fears of a prolonged drought.
April–May: Record-Breaking Heatwaves
- Temperatures exceeded 45°C in multiple regions, including Lahore and Karachi.
- Heat-related illnesses surged, overwhelming hospitals.
- Wheat and cotton crops suffered catastrophic losses, with cotton production dropping by 20%.
June–July: Catastrophic Floods
- Monsoon rains devastated Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab, displacing thousands and flooding over 200,000 acres of farmland.
- Infrastructure damage, including roads and bridges, was estimated at $5 billion.
- Flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa impacted over 3 million people, causing over 500 deaths.
August–September: Heat Returns Amidst Flood Aftermath
- Karachi recorded 48°C, the highest temperature in decades.
- Power outages in urban areas exacerbated suffering, while rural communities faced loss of crops and livestock.
October–November: Smog Crisis
- Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad faced hazardous air quality, with an AQI reaching 400+.
- Thousands were hospitalized with respiratory illnesses, and economic activities were severely disrupted.
- The economic cost of air pollution was estimated at $3 billion.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The most affected were rural farmers, women, children, and low-income urban residents. With crops destroyed, incomes diminished, and health crises looming, the need for immediate action is dire.
What Lies Ahead for 2025?
To mitigate further disasters, Pakistan must focus on:
- Climate Adaptation: Building resilient infrastructure and water management systems.
- Disaster Response: Improving early warning systems and relief measures.
- Global Cooperation: Securing international support for sustainable development initiatives.