By Maryam Noureen Janjua

Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, is at the crossroads of a climate crisis. In recent years, the region has faced extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and socio-economic impacts that demand urgent attention. As the province grapples with these challenges, the need for a robust and comprehensive climate change policy has never been more pressing. Recent efforts, led by Chief Minister Punjab, have made history by crafting Punjab's first-ever climate policy and action plan, marking a critical step in the right direction.

The 47-page policy covers all aspects of climate change and proposes practical measures to address them. A policy and action plan was prepared in consultation with all stakeholders including local and foreign experts. The policy states that as Punjab contributes 54.2 percent to the national GDP, climate change is affecting its growth rate.. In Punjab, the problems of crop losses, destruction by floods and intensity of rains are increasing due to climate change. Due to the effects of climate change in South Punjab only, a survey study has estimated financial losses of 51.5 million USD.

Due to extreme heat, there were 199 forest fires in Punjab in 2023 and 377 in 2024 - an increase of 89% which is almost the highest in the world. Due to climate change, 75 to 90 percent of water vapor has been reduced in Cholistan, which is depleting soil moisture. Due to climate change, 36 districts of Punjab are under the threat of floods. If there is no effort to improve the climate, in 2050 the heat intensity in North Punjab may increase by 2.04 to 2.06 degrees. If the climate does not improve, the rate of abnormal rainfall in South Punjab may increase by 9.3 percent.

Punjab, home to over 120 million people, is highly vulnerable and the province's agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of the national economy, is especially at risk. In recent years, unprecedented floods, such as those of 2010 and 2022, have devastated large swaths of agricultural land and displaced thousands of people. These floods, exacerbated by poor urban planning and outdated drainage systems, highlight the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure. Beyond flooding, Punjab has also witnessed longer dry spells, causing water scarcity in key regions and hampering crop production.

Punjab’s infrastructural losses due to climate change are staggering. The 2022 floods alone caused billions of rupees in damage to roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and homes. Moreover, rapid urbanization without adequate climate-sensitive planning has worsened the situation. The government's ability to rebuild after each disaster is severely tested, and the financial strain is immense. According to a 2023 report by the Punjab Disaster Management Authority, the province lost over PKR 100 billion in infrastructural damage from floods and heatwaves in the past five years. These losses have severely undermined economic growth and poverty alleviation efforts, pushing vulnerable populations further into poverty.

Punjab’s existing climate response has been reactive, focusing on disaster management rather than prevention. While the province has taken some steps to improve early warning systems and emergency response, there is an urgent need for a proactive, long-term strategy that addresses the root causes of climate vulnerability. This includes investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agricultural practices, and water management systems.
In response to the growing climate crisis, the government of Punjab has taken several steps but is still insufficient. The most notable development is the recent announcement by Chief Minister Punjab, who has made history by preparing the province’s first-ever climate change policy and action plan. The government aims to promote climate-smart farming practices, such as water-efficient irrigation systems and drought-resistant crops. This will help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and secure food production in the face of climate variability.

Given Punjab’s reliance on river systems and groundwater, the new policy prioritizes the sustainable management of water resources. This includes improving irrigation efficiency, restoring wetlands, and protecting water quality. In urban areas, the policy calls for investments in green infrastructure, such as parks, wetlands, and green roofs, which can help absorb excess rainwater and reduce urban heat islands. It also emphasizes the importance of upgrading drainage systems and incorporating climate resilience into city planning.

The new climate policy and action plan can be a significant milestone for Punjab. If successfully implemented, it could transform the province into a leader in climate resilience and sustainable development in Pakistan. The policy’s emphasis on green infrastructure, water management, and renewable energy has the potential to create thousands of jobs, reduce poverty, and improve public health. Moreover, by incorporating gender-sensitive strategies, the policy can help reduce the gendered impacts of climate change and promote equality. Empowering women to participate in climate action will not only improve their livelihoods but also strengthen the overall resilience of communities.

Punjab’s vulnerability to climate change requires urgent and coordinated action. The province’s first-ever climate change policy and action plan, spearheaded by Chief Minister Punjab, represents a historic step toward addressing the climate crisis. By focusing on sustainable agriculture, water management, urban resilience, renewable energy, and gender equality, the policy lays the foundation for a more climate-resilient and equitable future. However, the true measure of success will lie in its implementation, and all stakeholders must work together to ensure that the policy achieves its intended goals.

Maryam Noureen Janjua is Undergrad student of Political Science in Women University Rawalpindi. She can be reached at [email protected]