Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on food production and livelihoods in Pakistan, emphasizing the country’s vulnerability. The alarming effects of 2022 floods and the introduction of a Glacier Conservation Strategy aim to protect the crucial ecosystems impacted by climate change, with a focus on sustainable financial practices and capacity building.
On Friday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed grave concerns regarding the impact of climate change on food production and the livelihoods of millions in Pakistan. The country has been recognized as the most vulnerable nation to climate change in 2022, as stated in the Climate Risk Index (CRI) for 2025 report published by the European think-tank Germanwatch. This ranking stems from the unprecedented floods experienced in 2022, attributed primarily to exceptionally high monsoon rainfall, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and other factors.
During the commemoration of the first ‘World Day of Glaciers’ in Islamabad, the minister noted, “This disturbed water cycle [due to rising global temperatures] in turn is already impacting crop yields, food production and the livelihood of millions.” He highlighted that the 2022 floods were exacerbated by GLOF events, stressing the potential danger posed to over seven million individuals living near more than 3,000 glacial lakes in Pakistan, 33 of which are highly volatile.
Aurangzeb emphasized the urgency of addressing these alarming statistics through the development of a Pakistan glacial protection and resiliency framework. He acknowledged that while financial resources are necessary, the greater challenge lies in capacity building. Despite Pakistan receiving $10 billion in pledges following the 2022 floods, only one-third of this amount has been disbursed due to the lack of viable and bankable projects.
As part of the ‘World Day of Glaciers’ observance, the Pakistani government is introducing the nation’s inaugural ‘Glacier Conservation Strategy’. This initiative aims to foster dialogue and action concerning the state of global glaciers and the implications of melting ice on water, food, and energy security. Continuous glacier retreat results in extreme weather events and presents evolving disaster risks to downstream populations, as well as critical transport and energy infrastructure.
Glaciers are essential for moderating the global climate and supplying freshwater, crucial for billions. However, climate change, predominantly driven by human activities since the 1800s, has accelerated the melting of these resources. The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, emphasizing the need to safeguard glaciers and support those relying on them with necessary hydrological and climate services. These initiatives reflect the significant role that mountain regions play in supplying global freshwater and ecosystem services.
In summary, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored the severe implications of climate change on Pakistan’s agriculture and livelihoods. The country ranks as the most vulnerable to climate impacts, primarily due to climate-induced floods. The establishment of a Glacier Conservation Strategy aims to mitigate risks associated with glacier melting, highlighting the urgent need for capacity building and sustainable financial mechanisms. The global focus on glacier preservation will play a crucial role in ensuring freshwater security.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
