Pakistan's Climate Change Challenges and Budget Misallocations

Pakistan faces significant challenges from climate change while contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. The country experiences severe effects, such as devastating floods and droughts. Despite acknowledging the urgency of climate adaptation, the government's recent budget reflects a troubling imbalance, with only Rs85 billion allocated for essential adaptation measures compared to Rs603 billion for mitigation efforts that focus on energy subsidies. This misallocation, combined with contradictory policies and reduced funding for the Ministry of Climate Change, undermines the nation's ability to respond effectively. To address these challenges, Pakistan must prioritize adaptation, eliminate policy inconsistencies, and strengthen institutional capacity to manage climate finance and implement effective strategies.