he year 2025 has shown many episodes of climate related challenges for cities in Sindh. During early April this year, temperatures crossed 45 degrees Celsius in many cities, including Larkana and Nawabshah. Karachi braved higher than 40 degrees Celsius, with more intense heat forecast in the days ahead. The long predicted global warming is now a reality for our urban dwellers. In the Climate Change Profile of Pakistan published recently by the Asian Development Bank, the impacts of climate change on cities across the country are discussed. Some of these changes have become starkly apparent and are faced by all and sundry. Warmer and more frequent hot days, fewer cold days, recurring heatwaves, rise in heavy precipitation, increase in drought occurrence, escalation of cyclone activity and upsurge in sea levels are common factors experienced by settlements in many regions.

In 2016, Arif Hasan et al published a well-researched report on drivers of climate change vulnerabilities in Karachi that highlighted the contributing factors towards urban and coastal climate. While the impacts are felt by every category of stakeholders, the urban poor are generally worst hit. Thus, the key point of common concern is the accelerated vulnerability of the poor and downtrodden in Karachi and elsewhere in the region. The profile shows that marginalised communities are at the highest risk due to several reasons. Residence in potentially hazardous locations, inappropriate connection with physical infrastructure, lack of awareness and information (about impending disasters), potential loss of assets and livelihoods and inability to cope with disasters as well as concurrent losses are some of the factors that make the poor in developing countries prone to maximum destruction.

Natural resources have depleted fast due to uncontrolled urbanisation in Sindh. Expansion of residential and quasi-commercial developments continues unabated at the cost of the mangrove cover around Karachi and its environs. Farmland around Hyderabad is shrinking. The conflict between pro-nature and anti-nature groups is so visible now that it directly threatens societal peace in cities. The continued activism to stem sprawling real estate development along M-9 Motorway shows the unrest caused by questionable land transactions for commercial benefits of a few at the cost of livelihoods of hundreds of poor farmers. These lands were once lush green fields and grazing grounds for cattle. Now these have been replaced by empty or semi-occupied dwelling units. Unplanned urbanisation, depletion of natural environmental assets and fiddling with marine resources are recipes for collective self-destruction. Large scale energy intensive residential schemes along the main highways in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur can overburden the already fragile infrastructure and supporting environment. Deforestation, loss of farming foot print, pressure on drinking water sources, water logging and salinity are some of the serious issues likely to be further compounded by climate change.

The ADB report informs us about the cumulative effect of climate change. Numerous coalitions, partnerships, bodies, frameworks and initiatives have been started by international and regional financial institutions, the UN, national governments, NGOs and para-statal organisations to address these issues. A sizeable number of studies and researches have been commissioned and completed to identify and analyse the drivers of climate change. Full benefit from these can only be drawn once the local and provincial administrations are fully cognizant of these matters and prepared to take appropriate steps in the right direction.

Studies about many external contexts offer a rich repository of lessons and examples to benefit from. The US and UK have begun retrofitting residential and other buildings to limit the emissions of green house gases. Los Angeles has decided to phase out coal-based electricity generation plants and replace them with renewable energy works. Yokohama has achieved waste reduction through an effective awareness campaign. Despite severe space constraints, Singapore has been implementing an ambitious garden plan that includes developing green connections, green roofing, conserving natural heritage and increasing park areas. Beijing has embarked on a plan to replace lighting fixtures in schools, streets, public spaces and terminal spaces by more energy efficient ones. Many developing countries have begun constructing low energy neighbourhoods even for the poorer sections of the society.

Sindh is still reeling from the impacts of the 2022 rains and floods. International assistance and support from other quarters has enabled the province to undertake a massive housing re-construction programme. The 2022 rain disasters must be seen as a wake-up call. Utmost care must be exercised in balancing development with environmental assets to stem climate disasters. It is especially important for urban settlements where large numbers of people are affected by unprecedented disasters. Prevention is always better than cure.

The Sindh Climate Change Policy outlines important objectives, including the safeguarding of vulnerable groups in urban and rural territories, inter-departmental coordination and enhanced preparedness for events leading to potential climate induced disasters.

The continued capacity building of communities through mobilisation and project driven assistance can help people in cities and suburban locations to deal with some of the climate related challenges on their own. Institutional capacity building of local government entities such as town corporations and union committees can be instrumental in combatting the effects of climate related intense episodes. Experience has shown that community-based organisations can effectively connect with various organs of the local government to manage climate related adversities.

Published in The News By Noman Ahmed April 27, 2025