Prospects for Climate Resilient Cities in Pakistan

It can be said that modern cities are the epitome of human society and its development over the years. More than half of the world’s population lives in cities, and most of the future population growth is expected to happen in urban areas (UN, 2019). However, a large number of people living in dense areas and the ecosystems built around their life, have also become a driver for climate change. According to a study, cities are responsible for more than 70 per cent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions and are the most susceptible to impacts of climate change (UNDP, 2020). Heat stress, flooding, migrations due to environmental hazards, conflicts, and health emergencies are among the major challenges being faced by modern cities. Therefore, making cities more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11). Continue reading to understand the prospects for making Pakistan’s cities climate-resilient.

As the challenges associated with climate change continue to mount pressure on cities around the world, adopting a more climate-smart strategy for existing and future development can help cities avoid falling into vulnerable pathways. Making cities climate-smart can also enhance their attractiveness to young professionals and job seekers who search for a better lifestyle while also making the city competitive at the same time. As the population continues to grow in urban centres, investments in physical infrastructure and nature-based solutions are required to minimise the challenge of environment-related hazards. The recent flooding of cities in Pakistan is a testament to the fact that climate change is increasing the level of hazard in densely populated urban areas. Therefore, making a city climate resilient minimises the shock and stress of natural hazards and improves the overall livability appeal of the city. A public-private partnership is required to achieve such a feat. The private sector can play an enhanced role as the investment potential for climate-resilient change in terms of air quality, circular economy, green buildings, and green spaces amounts to US dollar 29.4 trillion. This, in turn, attracts talent and business which also increases the competitive edge of a city. Climate resilience can also become part of a larger standalone industry as opportunities become increasingly impactful on a macroeconomic level. Climate adaptation products and solutions could result in $236 billion in increased revenue (GCA 2019).

However, despite the great potential for investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and development, there are some unique challenges related to access to finance for the climate-related investment gap. The global need for urban infrastructure investment is calculated to be around US Dollars 4.5 trillion, with current levels of financing only reaching US Dollars 2.5 to 3 trillion. Many of developing countries have developed an acute need for growing infrastructure investments. However, limited control on broader environmental conditions, national policies, regulations, and limited institutional capacity limits the opportunities for the private investor. Cities are also dependent on money provided through central governments and often have to borrow money. In addition, a majority of countries forbid borrowing by local governments, while only a few allow for taxation authority to be devolved to them. Moreover, risks associated with emerging markets and developing countries also become challenges for new investors. There are also political risks, breach of contracts, currency conversion, expropriation of assets, macroeconomic risks, and inflation. However, efforts to make climate-smart cities can be seen all over the world, making the potential of their implementation a possible future (The News, 2021).

Pakistan stands among the top ten countries most affected due to adverse impacts of climate change. The country has already experienced multiple earthquakes and floods over the years, with many casualties and internally displaced people. Pakistan heavily relies on its agriculture sector for its exports, and recent changes in climate have also resulted in the low production of multiple crops. Subsequently, urban areas in Pakistan continue to face the challenges of urban heat, pollution, high energy demand from non-renewable sources, and depleting green cover. However, not all hope is lost. Many cities around the world are utilising climate-smart strategies to tackle the challenge of climate change. Chile’s capital, Santiago de Chile, has bought more than 455 electric busses since 2020 to tackle the city’s air pollution problem. Electric cars and busses do not generate emissions through their operations, reducing air pollution and its subsequent impact on the human population. Cities in Pakistan also have a massive problem with traffic congestion and a high number of motor vehicles that are not regulated in terms of emissions. The recent introduction of the electric vehicle policy regarding the introduction and use of EVs in Pakistan is a welcome step in this regard. Electric vehicles also cost 70 percent lesser in terms of operational costs and are easier to maintain than diesel-powered busses (Willige, 2020).

Another major area affected by climate change is the agriculture sector. Abu Dhabi has implemented new farming methods that help mitigate the impact of climate change. As the population of cities continues to grow, keeping everyone fed is becoming a bigger challenge than before. By 2050, it is estimated that 80 per cent of all food will be consumed in cities. Hydroponic farming is one solution that can help deal with the challenge of depleting agricultural lands due to urban expansion. It is a water-based farming process where plants are fed nutrient-rich water instead of fertilising the soil. These plants can be stacked vertically and take up much less space. The methodology can make better use of resources by reducing waste, water usage, pesticides, and fertilisers. Being indoors, these plantations are less affected by pests and weather events, and crops can also be grown near where they will be consumed. This can also save thousands of miles of associated emissions in transporting such goods from farms to urban centres. Pakistan can also make use of this farming method to tackle the challenge of climate change in its cities. Therefore, the prospects of making Pakistan’s cities climate-smart are highly promising (Fleming, 2019).

Climate-smart urban infrastructure presents a huge economic opportunity for investors while also being required by all levels of society. Ranging from renewable energy to public transport, electric vehicles, and green buildings, new funding models, policies, and risk assessment will be needed to bring out a long-term value from climate-smart infrastructure.

Fleming, S. (2019). What is hydroponics – and is it the future of farming? Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/02/hydroponics-future-of-farming/

The News. (2021). Pakistan among top 10 countries affected due to climate change. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/787130-pakistan-among-top-10-countries-affected-due-to-climate-change#:~:text=A%20recent%20German%20Watch%20Report,adverse%20impacts%20of%20climate%20change.

UN. (2019). World Population Prospects. Retrieved from https://population.un.org/wpp/Publications/Files/WPP2019_Highlights.pdf

UNDP. (2020). Catalysing Private Sector Investment in Climate Smart Cities. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/publications/catalyzing-private-sector-investment-climate-smart-cities

Willige, A. (2020). The UN says climate-smart cities are the future – these 3 projects show their potential. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/09/climate-change-resilience-urban-infrastructure/