Climate Change: Impacts on Balochistan and Suggested Contemplative Responses

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Pakistan’s contribution to the total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) is one of the lowest in the world and the contribution of the Province of Balochistan is almost none. However, Pakistan, particularly Balochistan province, is among the most vulnerable to climate change. According to studies, there are evidences of a global trend of climate change which can be observed in almost every region of Balochistan. These trends include floods, cyclones, significant increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and unprecedented monsoon rains. This results in regular siltation of small dams, overflow, and droughts. Similarly, snowfall has also decreased significantly as compared to previous years. The groundwater table is falling day by day and water availability in the province is steadily decreasing. The Balochistan province also lacks necessary infrastructure for water storage. Moreover, it also faces socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty, lack of access to education, limited healthcare services, and disaster management. The combination of all these factors along with the heightened reliance of the people of Balochistan on natural resources, limited technological capabilities, and inadequate financial resources to manage climate extremes, render them vulnerable to poverty. The adaptation and mitigation actions must be prioritized and put into action to tackle the said issues. This can only be achieved by planning and executing suitable adaptation measures, preferably nature-based solutions, at the provisional and local levels. The core of the issue is poor governance and any potential solutions may only be implemented if the government makes competent and workable decisions.