ISLAMABAD : Pakistan’s concern over climate change has grown dramatically, with support for climate initiatives rising from just 5% in FY2021 to 34% in FY2025, according to the World Bank Country Opinion Survey for Pakistan.
The shift underscores growing public and institutional recognition of the climate crisis following years of devastating floods, droughts, and extreme heat.
The World Bank warns that Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, facing increasingly severe natural disasters that threaten lives, livelihoods, and national infrastructure. The Bank estimates that climate change could shrink Pakistan’s GDP by 6.5% to 9% by 2050 unless urgent adaptation and mitigation measures are taken.
$368 Billion Needed for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
In its Pakistan Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), the World Bank highlights the need for approximately $368 billion by 2030 to finance climate mitigation and adaptation projects. The report calls for long-term investment in resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy to safeguard development gains.
Another report — Evidence-based Targeting of Infrastructure Investments: A Model for Accessibility to Services in Pakistan’s Rural Communities — emphasizes that smarter, data-driven investments in rural infrastructure are critical to protecting vulnerable populations from climate-induced shocks.
The CCDR also explores pathways to deep decarbonization, aiming for Pakistan to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 while maintaining economic growth. It outlines the technical, financial, and governance frameworks necessary for transitioning toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
