The climate crisis is fundamentally altering the concept of economic security, particularly for countries like Pakistan, which face significant climate vulnerabilities. Addressing this challenge requires a reorientation of economic strategies to prioritize resilience, sustainability, and equity in response to escalating environmental risks.

The climate crisis is reshaping how nations perceive and pursue economic security. For Pakistan, a country highly susceptible to climate-induced disasters, this reimagination is a necessity for survival. As extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and resource scarcity intensify, economic security must prioritize resilience, equity, and sustainability. The Climate Security Index, developed to evaluate vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities across dimensions such as conflict, economy, energy, food, health, land, and water, positions Pakistan third among South Asian countries for climate vulnerability. This ranking reflects Pakistan’s high exposure to extreme events, limited adaptive capacity, and governance challenges. Chronic flooding, such as the 2022 disaster causing USD 30 billion in damages in total, highlights how climate risks disrupt national security and economic stability by exacerbating water scarcity, agricultural losses, and migration pressures. Governance remains a critical bottleneck, with weak enforcement, overlapping institutional mandates, and insufficient funding stalling effective climate action. For example, the 2024 budget allocated only 0.03 percent to climate initiatives, underscoring the need for increased investment and institutional reform.
The Climate Security Index reveals how various interlinked factors contribute to climate vulnerability. Pakistan’s ranking as the third most vulnerable country in South Asia stems from its multidimensional exposure to climate-induced risks. While land and water challenges dominate the narrative, health and food security also face significant threats due to erratic weather patterns and resource mismanagement. For example, agricultural productivity has witnessed steep declines in recent years due to extreme temperatures and flooding, exacerbating rural poverty and urban migration. This interconnectedness underlines the urgency of adopting a comprehensive approach to economic security that aligns with climate resilience.

The Climate Security Index, developed to evaluate vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities across dimensions such as conflict, economy, energy, food, health, land, and water, positions Pakistan third among South Asian countries for climate vulnerability.

One of the most pressing areas for intervention is infrastructure. Flood-resistant infrastructure such as elevated roads, modernized urban drainage systems, and climate-resilient housing can significantly mitigate the physical and economic damage caused by recurring floods. Investing in sustainable water management practices, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and desalination plants, can enhance water security. These measures are critical, given that agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, relies heavily on diminishing water resources. Additionally, targeted programs aimed at improving soil health and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices can ensure food security while reducing environmental degradation.

Chronic flooding, such as the 2022 disaster causing USD 30 billion in damages, highlights how climate risks disrupt national security and economic stability by exacerbating water scarcity, agricultural losses, and migration pressures.

Human capital development also plays a pivotal role in building climate resilience. Empowering communities through education, skill development, and awareness campaigns can enable local populations to adapt to changing climatic conditions. For instance, vocational training programs for farmers on sustainable agricultural techniques or urban workers on green construction practices can foster economic security at the grassroots level. Regional collaboration is another vital component. South Asia’s shared resources, such as transboundary rivers, necessitate cooperative frameworks for water sharing, disaster response, and joint research initiatives. Pakistan can benefit from engaging with its neighbours to establish early warning systems and shared resource management agreements that address the collective challenges posed by climate change.
These rankings underline the urgent need for Pakistan to address its climate vulnerabilities with targeted measures. The Climate Security Index serves as a crucial tool for guiding policymakers in identifying areas of vulnerability and directing resources effectively. For example, leveraging the index to prioritize investments in high-risk sectors such as agriculture, health, and energy can yield tangible benefits for long-term resilience.

South Asia’s shared resources, such as transboundary rivers, necessitate cooperative frameworks for water sharing, disaster response, and joint research initiatives. Pakistan can benefit from engaging with its neighbours to establish early warning systems and shared resource management agreements that address the collective challenges posed by climate change.

The significance of climate security was a central focus at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (COP29) in Baku, where the interconnectedness of economic stability and environmental resilience was underscored. Delegates emphasized the importance of integrating climate resilience into national security frameworks. At COP29, for Pakistan, the key takeaway was the urgent need to scale up investments in climate adaptation and mitigation projects, particularly those targeting vulnerable communities. The event also highlighted innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds and the establishment of national climate funds to bridge the resource gap in developing nations.
Another critical area is institutional reform. Strengthening governance structures to ensure the enforcement of environmental laws and effective implementation of climate policies is paramount. Currently, overlapping mandates and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder progress, as seen in repeated instances of infrastructure failures during disasters. Establishing a centralized Climate Resilience Authority with clear accountability mechanisms can address these challenges. Moreover, increasing budget allocations for climate initiatives—from the current 0.03 percent of the total budget to at least 2 percent—is essential for meaningful progress.
While national-level interventions are crucial, local solutions also play a significant role in addressing climate challenges. Community-driven reforestation projects, mangrove restoration along the coast, and sustainable fisheries management can create jobs while enhancing ecological stability. Similarly, promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can reduce dependency on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring energy security.

At COP29, for Pakistan, the key takeaway was the urgent need to scale up investments in climate adaptation and mitigation projects, particularly those targeting vulnerable communities. 

The interconnected nature of climate vulnerabilities and economic security demands an integrated approach. Policymakers must view climate adaptation not as an isolated sectoral issue but as a cross-cutting priority that influences national security, economic stability, and social cohesion. Drawing lessons from global examples, such as Bangladesh’s disaster management policies or Kenya’s Climate Change Act, Pakistan can chart a path toward resilience by tailoring these practices to its unique context.
Addressing the intertwined challenges of climate vulnerability and economic security requires a holistic framework. This includes leveraging data from tools like the Climate Security Index to inform policy decisions, fostering public-private partnerships to mobilize resources, and engaging communities in climate action. By embedding resilience into governance and prioritizing sustainable development, Pakistan can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change while ensuring a secure and equitable future for its population.

The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but a national security imperative. Pakistan’s position as the third most climate-vulnerable country in South Asia underscores the urgent need for action.

The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but a national security imperative. Pakistan’s position as the third most climate-vulnerable country in South Asia underscores the urgent need for action. Building climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthening governance, and fostering regional collaboration are critical to addressing these challenges. By aligning its economic strategies with climate realities, Pakistan can turn vulnerabilities into opportunities, ensuring long-term economic stability and resilience in the face of an increasingly volatile climate landscape.

Dr. Aneel Salman holds the distinguished OGDCL-IPRI Chair of Economic Security at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI).

Note: This article is a condensed version of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) publication on the Climate Security Index: Analyzing South Asia’s Climate Resilience. For more in-depth insights and policy recommendations, please refer to the full paper at IPRI Climate Security Index.