Pakistan on the Frontlines of Climate Emergency: Accelerated Action Needed for Land Restoration and Climate Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

Senator Sherry Rehman has sounded the alarm on Pakistan's critical situation, warning that the country is on the brink of a compounding climate emergency marked by desertification, drought, and declining water security. Pakistan is losing fertile land at an alarming rate, threatening food security, livelihoods, and rural economies. The Climate Risk Index 2025 ranks Pakistan first among the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events in 2022, with over 68% of its land area classified as arid or semi-arid.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan is losing nearly 27,000 hectares of forest and productive land annually, while prolonged droughts in Balochistan, Sindh, and south Punjab continue to push vulnerable communities deeper into poverty.
  • The per capita availability of water has decreased from 5,000 cubic meters in 1947 to less than 900 today, crossing the threshold of water scarcity.
  • Global investments in land restoration stand at just $66 billion annually, with private sector contributions making up a mere 6%.
  • Senator Rehman emphasized that every dollar invested in land restoration yields $7-30 in economic returns, making this a financially viable strategy.
  • The government is urged to legislate stronger protection for rangelands, invest in drought-resilient infrastructure, and create incentives for regenerative farming and reforestation, particularly in climate-vulnerable districts.
  • The international community is called upon to ramp up support for South Asia, including multilateral financing mechanisms and debt relief to unlock restoration investments.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan ranks 1st among the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events in 2022, according to the Climate Risk Index 2025.
  • Over 68% of Pakistan's land area is classified as arid or semi-arid (Climate Risk Index 2025).
  • The country loses nearly 27,000 hectares of forest and productive land annually.
  • The per capita availability of water has decreased from 5,000 cubic meters in 1947 to less than 900 today.
  • Global investments in land restoration stand at just $66 billion annually.
  • Private sector contributions to land restoration make up a mere 6% of global investments.
  • Every dollar invested in land restoration yields $7-30 in economic returns.

Sources:

  • Climate Risk Index 2025