Issue Brief on “Pakistan’s Struggle with Heatwaves, Water Stress, and Climate-Driven Displacement”

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Climate Crisis at Pakistan’s Doorstep

Pakistan is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. The country is facing a brutal convergence of climate hazards—record-breaking heatwaves in April, growing water insecurity, stressed agriculture, and rising internal displacement.[1] The climate emergency is no longer a future concern; it is already reshaping Pakistan’s public health, economy, and landscape.[2]

In April 2025, the country recorded a 59% reduction in rainfall compared to historical averages, accompanied by temperatures soaring up to 49°C. These events are not isolated—they are part of a broader climate trend that is intensifying in both scale and impact.[3]

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