Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the detrimental impact of climate change on food production and livelihoods in Pakistan, emphasizing the country’s vulnerability as the most affected by climate risks in 2022. Initiatives like the Glacier Conservation Strategy and the upcoming International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation aim to mitigate these challenges and highlight the importance of glacier ecosystems.
On Friday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that climate change has significantly affected food production and the livelihoods of millions in Pakistan. According to the Climate Risk Index (CRI) for 2025 released by the European think-tank Germanwatch, Pakistan was ranked the most vulnerable country to climate change in 2022, primarily due to catastrophic floods caused by unprecedented monsoon rainfall and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
During a ceremony in Islamabad honoring the first ‘World Day of Glaciers’, the finance minister emphasized that the disturbed water cycle resulting from rising global temperatures adversely influences crop yields and food production. He highlighted the dangerous conditions posed by GLOF events, noting that over 3,000 glacial lakes exist in Pakistan, with 33 identified as highly volatile, endangering more than seven million individuals.
Aurangzeb acknowledged the importance of establishing a Pakistan glacial protection and resiliency framework, calling it a timely initiative. He pointed out that despite receiving $10 billion in pledges post the 2022 floods, only a third had been disbursed due to challenges in developing viable investment projects.
Observed as a platform for dialogue on global glacier states and the implications of melting glaciers on water, food, and energy security, the first ‘World Day of Glaciers’ promotes important initiatives. As part of this day, Pakistan is launching its inaugural ‘Glacier Conservation Strategy’ to enhance efforts to protect these crucial ecosystems.
The ongoing retreat of glaciers could pose extreme challenges and new disaster risks for vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure. Glaciers play a vital role in regulating the global climate, providing freshwater necessary for billions of people. However, since the industrial revolution, climate change driven by human activities has accelerated their melting.
To combat this urgent issue, the United Nations has officially designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, aiming to underscore the significance of glaciers and to ensure that those dependent on them receive essential hydrological, meteorological, and climate services. These initiatives highlight the critical contribution of mountain regions in supplying global freshwater and supporting ecosystem services.
In conclusion, climate change poses a severe threat to Pakistan, significantly affecting food production and livelihoods. The country’s vulnerability is underscored by its ranking in the Climate Risk Index due to events like the devastating floods of 2022. The need for capacity-building and investment in viable projects is critical as Pakistan addresses glacier retreat and its implications through new strategies and international efforts for glacier preservation.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
