Faiza Tehseen

Promoting urban adaptation is crucial to addressing the climate vulnerabilities of cities in Pakistan. “Urban adaptation will not only help mitigate these impacts but also ensure the sustainability and prosperity of cities and their inhabitants,” said Muhammad Saleem, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. Speaking to WealthPK, he explained: “Urban adaptation involves adjusting cities and urban areas to climate change through both protective and preventive measures.

This includes the development of blue and green spaces, the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure, and the expansion of electric transportation.” He noted that rapid urbanization posed unprecedented challenges to climate adaptation efforts. “Over 40% of the country’s population lives in urban areas, and cities are continuously expanding. This rapid growth has outpaced the planning and infrastructure needed to build climate-resilient cities.”

The ministry official highlighted that urban areas are highly vulnerable to climate change, facing increasing and intensifying heat waves, urban flooding, and water shortages. “Large cities are grappling with water scarcity, rising temperatures, frequent heat waves, unplanned urban sprawl, pollution, and inadequate waste management. These issues strain infrastructure, power supply, and public health systems.” Addressing these challenges, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to urban adaptation.

“Establishing and enforcing building codes is critical to ensuring structures can withstand extreme weather events, reducing air pollution, and minimizing the heat island effect through green spaces.” He stressed that proper urban planning—from water conservation to waste management—is essential for building climate-resilient cities. “Water scarcity is an escalating issue in urban areas, demanding better management strategies, such as desalination technologies, wastewater recycling, and rainwater harvesting.”

Saleem also underscored the importance of involving citizens, the private sector, and local government representatives in urban adaptation efforts. “They can play a key role in waste segregation and tree plantation initiatives. Strengthening the capacity of local governments is vital for effective disaster response.” He noted that the federal government had launched several initiatives to support climate-resilient cities by promoting urban planning reforms and green infrastructure.

“However, achieving these goals is impossible without adequate investment.” “To secure funding for urban adaptation projects, the government must collaborate with multilateral and international financial organizations with well-structured, bankable plans,” he said, adding that the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank had pledged support for Pakistan’s climate adaptation, sustainable urban development, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.

“This will help Pakistan develop cities that can meet the needs of a growing population while ensuring a sustainable, healthy, and livable environment for future generations.” Meanwhile, Muhammad Akbar, an environmentalist from Gilgit-Baltistan, told WealthPK: “Urban adaptation helps cities cope with the adverse effects of climate change, such as flooding and heat waves, while also safeguarding citizens’ well-being by enhancing resilience, protecting health, and promoting economic stability.”

He added that urban adaptation often incorporates nature-based solutions, such as improving environmental quality and expanding green infrastructure. Akbar emphasized: “The success of urban adaptation depends largely on community engagement and awareness campaigns. Without public involvement, efforts in conservation, preservation, and environmental protection cannot succeed.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk