Every year on June 5th, the world celebrates World Environment Day, demonstrates an important need for environmental protection and environmentally friendly approaches. It was founded by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to raise awareness of and advocate action on environmental issues. The first World Environment Day was held in 1973 with the theme “Only One Earth”. Since then, it has served as a platform to raise awareness about ecological issues such as marine pollution, overpopulation, climate change, global warming, sustainable development, deforestation and biodiversity (United Nations, 2023).The theme for the year 2024 is land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Additionally, Saudi Arabia hosted of World Environment Day in 2024. Land restoration is a pivotal part of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), which is a global initiative to protect and restore ecosystems around the world. This effort is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (UNEP, 2024).
The primary aim of World Environment Day 2025 is to eliminate plastic pollution, with international celebrations set to occur in the Republic of Korea. For decades, plastic pollution has permeated every corner of our planet, impacting our bodies, our food, and the water we consume. Although this issue is serious, there are viable solutions at hand, positioning plastic pollution as one of the most manageable environmental challenges of our time. World Environment Day will emphasize the growing evidence of the impacts of plastic pollution and motivate individuals to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and reconsider their plastic consumption. It will also reinforce the commitment made in 2022 to eliminate plastic pollution by means of an international agreement. Plastic pollution significantly intensifies the effects of three critical global crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and overall pollution. Each year, an estimated 11 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic environments, while microplastics also contribute to soil contamination. The annual societal and environmental costs associated with plastic pollution are estimated to be between $300 billion and $600 billion (UNEP, 2025). Pakistan generates approximately 250 million tons of waste annually, with a significant proportion consisting of plastic bags, PET bottles, and food waste (WWF – Pakistan). Notably, the country ranks as the sixth-largest producer of plastic waste globally and the third-largest in Asia. Annually, around 49.6 million tons of solid waste are generated, of which plastics represent over 9%. This category includes various single-use items such as bags, packaging materials, and cutlery. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan, water bottles, caps, and plastic packaging constitute nearly 65% of the litter
found along the nation’s waterways, posing a substantial threat to marine life and biodiversity. Additionally, it is concerning that nearly 70% of all plastic waste is managed improperly (SDPI – Pakistan). Through the release of greenhouse gases during both the production and disposal stages of its life cycle, plastic pollution significantly contributes to climate change.As an environmental economist, it is imperative to investigate how climate change contributes to environmental issues in Pakistan and affects the economy.
World Environment Day reminds us of the urgent need to address current environmental issues. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, we must halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, air pollution exposure will rise by 50% within a decade and plastic waste in aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040. Immediate action is essential to tackle these challenges (ACO Recycling, 2023).Climate change is a global phenomenon with extensive effects, and Pakistan is witnessing significant adverse impacts as a result.
Climate Change and Pakistan
Pakistan is ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. This ranking indicates that the country will experience more severe weather extremes, such as the devastating floods of 2022. These floods resulted in an estimated damage of PKR 3.2 trillion (US$14.9 billion) and a loss of PKR 3.3 trillion (US$15.2 billion). Pakistan faces annual floods and droughts, highlighting the importance of prioritizing climate-resilient settlement design and integrating climate change considerations into development projects (UN – Habitat, 2023).The average annual temperature in Pakistan has risen by 0.6 °C over the last century, aligning with global temperature trends (Ministry of Climate Change Pakistan).
found along the nation’s waterways, posing a substantial threat to marine life and biodiversity. Additionally, it is concerning that nearly 70% of all plastic waste is managed improperly (SDPI – Pakistan). Through the release of greenhouse gases during both the production and disposal stages of its life cycle, plastic pollution significantly contributes to climate change.As an environmental economist, it is imperative to investigate how climate change contributes to environmental issues in Pakistan and affects the economy.
World Environment Day reminds us of the urgent need to address current environmental issues. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, we must halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, air pollution exposure will rise by 50% within a decade and plastic waste in aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040. Immediate action is essential to tackle these challenges (ACO Recycling, 2023).Climate change is a global phenomenon with extensive effects, and Pakistan is witnessing significant adverse impacts as a result.
Climate Change and Pakistan
Pakistan is ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. This ranking indicates that the country will experience more severe weather extremes, such as the devastating floods of 2022. These floods resulted in an estimated damage of PKR 3.2 trillion (US$14.9 billion) and a loss of PKR 3.3 trillion (US$15.2 billion). Pakistan faces annual floods and droughts, highlighting the importance of prioritizing climate-resilient settlement design and integrating climate change considerations into development projects (UN – Habitat, 2023).The average annual temperature in Pakistan has risen by 0.6 °C over the last century, aligning with global temperature trends (Ministry of Climate Change Pakistan).
Figure 1 presented above shows a consistent annual temperature increase of 0.4°C from 1940 to 2023. Similarly, Figure 2 provides a representation of Pakistan’s yearly CO2 growth.
Climate change has had a significant impact on Pakistan, leading to unpredictable weather patterns and devastating floods. Pakistan’s GDP is expected to decrease by 18-20% by 2050 due to climate-related disasters, environmental degradation, and air pollution (World Bank, 2022).Pakistan annually generates approximately 30 million tons of solid waste, with 9% constituting plastic waste. This places the country as the sixth-largest global producer of plastic waste and the third-largest in Asia (UN – Habitat, 2023).Key climate related challenges are:
Extreme Weather Events:
Flooding, droughts, heat waves and extreme wildfire, unpredictable rainfall and snowfall are becoming more frequent and intense (NASA, 2024). This is affecting agricultural production, agro eco – ecosystems, food chain, income and trade, destroying infrastructure, and displacing communities (FAO, 2015).
Figure 3.Effects of Climate Change on Extreme Weather
Source: NASA Science
Figure 3 explains the effects of climate change, including wildfires, droughts, tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, floods, high tide flooding, heat waves, and extreme heat. These effects of climate change exert profound influence on both our economy and environment.
Glacier Melting
Mountain glaciers all over the globe are undergoing a process of melting and disappearance, providing compelling evidence of the warming of Earth’s climate. In many parts of the world, the disappearance of glaciers presents a significant threat to the human and natural water supply chain (Climate.gov, 2024).Pakistan is home to more glaciers than any other country in the world, excluding the Polar Regions. However, a mix of air pollution from neighboring countries like China and India, as well as anthropological activities, has contributed to climate change and led to increased melting of these glaciers. This has caused devastating floods, which have had an adverse effect on Pakistan’s economy.Pakistan’s economy is impacted negatively by the melting of its glaciers in several ways, including declining agricultural production, water scarcity, and an increase in natural disasters (Earth.org, 2024).
Biodiversity Loss
The consequences of climate change are profound, including rising temperatures, melting of ice caps, and the appearance of extreme weather events, impacting not only human populations but also exerting profoundeffects on global biodiversity (Greenpeace.org). The average significant decline in wildlife species populations over the past 40 years has been 69% since 1970 (WWF, 2022). According to the IPCC, a 1.5–2.5 degree increase in global mean temperature could lead to the extinction of 20–30% of species. However, the average global surface temperature has already risen by about 1 degree Celsius. This data clearly shows the current state of biodiversity and climate change (Greenpeace.org).Developing countries are adversely impacted by environmental and weather variations. Pakistan is among these countries, experiencing negative consequences affecting around 786 wildlife and biodiversity resources and including about 90 different wildlife species, some of which are near extinction (The Express Tribune, 2022).
Figure 4. Changes in Biodiversity Vary in Various Parts of the World
Source: WWF Living Planet Report, 2022
Figure 4 illustrates the division of the world into various geographic regions by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The graph shows the Living Planet Index for each IPBES region from 1970 to 2018. The white line represents the index values, and the shaded areas indicate the statistical certainty surrounding the trend (95%).Some places had been experiencing pressure on species and ecosystems for decades before 1970, leading to gradual decreases. However, this does not mean that populations are not declining. While some regions had higher biodiversity and populations in 1970, their ecosystems are currently changing rapidly.
Sea Level Rise
The rising sea levels are a crucial consequence of climate change. The entire world is focusing attention on the high predicted rates of sea level rise in the future. Coastal erosion and flooding pose a significant threat to low-lying countries and small islands, particularly in terms of forcing a significant portion of their populations to migrate elsewhere (Mimura, 2013).Pakistan is experiencing a rise in sea level, with the coastal region seeing an approximate 1.1 mm annual increase. The National Institute of Oceanography in Karachi has archives containing statistics and information consistent with the global average rate of sea level rise. Over the past 20 years, noticeable impacts from changes in the local climate have been observed (Rabbani et al., 2008).
The rise in sea levels is primarily attributed to the thermal expansion of seawater resulting from increased global temperatures and the inflow of water from the accelerated melting of glaciers and ice sheets. These connected phenomena are a direct consequence of the progressively global warming, which leads to the increase of sea levels (NASA, 2024)
The chart in Figure 5 illustrates the increase in global sea level by 103 millimeters since 1993, as measured by satellites. However, Figure 6 illustrates the fluctuation of sea levels from approximately 1900 to 2018. Positive values (+) indicate factors that contribute to the rise in global sea levels, while negative values (-) indicate actions that lead to a decrease (NASA, 2024).
Economics of Climate Change
While climate scientists warn about the potentially disastrous effects of climate change, Economist William Nordhaus, the 2018 Nobel Prize winner, believes it may not be as devastating nearly. In a paper released in 2018 following his awarded prize, Nordhaus claimed that a global warming of 3°C would only result in a 2.1% decrease in GDP compared to a scenario in which climate change doesn’t occur. Additionally, he stated that the global temperature would only decline by 8.5% with a mere 6°C increase (University College London UCL, 2020). It is important to note that despite a significant reduction in CO2 emissions starting today, the global economy is expected to experience a 19% decline in income by 2050.The projected annual global damages are estimated to be $38 trillion, with a potential range of $19 to $59 trillion by the year 2050 as a result of climate change (Science Daily, 2024).
In Asia, the costs related with landslides, floods, and droughts have increased significantly. According to a new estimate from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the total damage caused by weather- and water – associated risks amounted to US$35.6 billion in 2021, impacting approximately 50 million people (WMO, 2022).The damage from Thailand’s 2011 floods was about 10% of Thailand’s GDP. This does not include the additional costs such as indirect cost from reduced economic activity both within the country and abroad (IMF, 2020).In 2022, India experienced severe weather events and climatic catastrophes, resulting in an economic loss of $4.2 billion, mainly due to flooding. Over 50 million people were directly impacted by the more than 5,000 deaths that happened across the region (Deccan Herald, 2023).
The 2022 flood in Pakistan is expected to cause more than USD 14.9 billion in damages and over USD 15.2 billion in economic losses, according to the World Bank. The reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts are estimated to cost at least USD 16.3 billion. The sectors that suffered the most damage include housing (with losses of USD 5.6 billion), agriculture and livestock (with losses of USD 3.7 billion), transportation, and communications (with losses of USD 3.3 billion). Additionally, the floods affected 33 million people, resulting in over 1730 deaths and over 8 million internally displaced people who are currently experiencing health issues. Multidimensional poverty could increase by 5.9 percentage points, putting over 1.9 million households at a greater risk of falling into non-monetary poverty. Furthermore, the floods are estimated to result in a 2.2% loss in GDP for FY22 (World Bank, 2022).
Pakistan is currently struggling with noticeableeffects of climate change, includingvariations in weather patterns and catastrophic floods (Baron et al., 2022). Regrettably, these implications are expected to accelerate. Projections indicate that by 2050, air pollution, environmental degradation, and climate-induced disasters could precipitate an 18-20% decline in Pakistan’s GDP. This alarming forecast underscores the imperative nature of addressing climate change and alleviating its impacts on the people and their livelihood (Baron and Asad, 2023).
Strategies for Climate-Resilient Development
In order to address the economic impacts of climate change and facilitate sustainable development, it is imperative for Pakistan to embrace climate-resilient strategies:
1. Building a Sustainable Plastic Future: To establish a sustainable circular plastic economy, governments should ban single-use plastics, promote alternatives that are reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable, enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), invest in recycling infrastructure, and foster public awareness and innovation.
2. Ecosystem Restoration: Implementation of initiatives such as afforestation, reforestation, and wetland restoration holds the potential to augment carbon sequestration, safeguard biodiversity, and deliver essential ecosystem services that strengthen livelihoods.
3. Disaster Risk Reduction: The enhancement of early warning systems, strengthening disaster preparedness, and structure infrastructure resilience can effectively mitigate the outcomes of extreme weather events.
4. Renewable Energy Transition: Strategic investment in solar, wind, and hydropower technologies stands to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, support energy security, and create opportunities for sustainable employment and green jobs. World Environment Day is a significant reminder of our responsibility to address climate change and its consequences. Mitigating climate change is crucial for Pakistan’s economic resilience and environmental sustainability. By incorporating climate change considerations into economic planning and development strategies, Pakistan can build a more sustainable and prosperous future. It is our duty to advocate for and implement policies that carefully consider both economic growth and environmental conservation. On this World Environment Day, we are committed to taking decisive action against climate change, preserving our environment, and fostering sustainable economic development.
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This article is contributed by: Waqar Younas
Waqar is a PhD Scholar at University of Macerata, Italy, an economist specializing in applied economics, research, and data analysis. His research focuses on Environmental Economics, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development, leveraging data-driven insights to inform policy decisions for a resilient future.
1 Comment
Superb work and awareness about the plastic pollution is very important.