Unravelling the climate-water nexus and seeking sustainable solutions

Humanity’s survival depends on water and natural resources. Burning fossil fuels and forest fires release carbon dioxide, leading to more greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. These changes not only affect the environment but also impact human health. Climate change negatively affects water resources through reduced snow coverage, heightened pollution, higher temperatures leading to increased evaporation and glacial melt, altered rainfall patterns, and more intense storms causing floods, which can destroy water resources.

Pakistan is listed as one of the top 20 nations experiencing ‘extremely high water risk’, emphasising the urgent requirement for sustainable water management. A 2015 report on drought risk assessment in Balochistan highlighted the region’s vulnerability to drought, especially in the upland area since the 1960s. Other regions like Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir have also faced prolonged dry spells, impacting agriculture and forcing people to search for water. Coupled with Pakistan’s status as one of the most impoverished countries, the devastated economy plays a critical role in exacerbating the drought-induced hardships, rendering millions incapable of procuring essential food and provisions. Absent significant aid from humanitarian entities for large-scale initiatives, the situation is likely to further deteriorate, precipitating future food insecurity.

Limited resources are expected to cause severe water shortages in the nation in 2025, posing a threat to the environment, biodiversity, food security and other areas. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources warns that Pakistan, a water-stressed country, is at risk of facing a major water shortage by 2025 if action is not taken to address depletion of water resources. Due to Pakistan’s heavy dependence on agriculture as a major source of livelihood, any decrease in water availability could have a significant impact on the economy. The agricultural sector in Pakistan requires a substantial amount of water for irrigation purposes, so a shortage of water could potentially lead to decreased crop yields and increased poverty among farmers. This could further exacerbate the existing challenges within the agricultural sector, such as lack of modern farming techniques and infrastructure. Ultimately, the country may face an increase in food insecurity and a decline in overall economic growth if water availability continues to decrease. Experts predict a shortfall in global fresh water supply to the tune of 40% by 2030 if mismanagement, limited resources, and the effects of climate change are not addressed, with water crises continuing to worsen in the future.

Islamic Relief Pakistan carried out a study released in 2021 entitled Climate-induced migration in Pakistan. The report emphasised the notable problem of water scarcity and drought in the nation, particularly in certain regions such as ‘South-West Balochistan, Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South East Sindh, and Southern Punjab for at least the last six years’. This has resulted in a slow-onset humanitarian crisis in Sindh and Balochistan as the insufficient summer rainfall in highland regions has led to a significant water deficit, compelling populations to move in pursuit of improved resources and prospects.

According to a report in Dawn News, Pakistan’s per capita surface water availability has dropped significantly over the years, from 5,260 cubic metres in 1951 to about 1,000 cubic metres in 2016. Projections for 2025 are even lower, at around 860 cubic metres. A report from 2022 found that between 1990 and 2015, water availability decreased from 2,172 to 1,306 cubic metres per capita due to excessive use in agriculture and inadequate storage, posing a major challenge because stress on water resources in Pakistan is increasing due to population growth, urbanisation and agriculture. Climate change worsens the situation with erratic precipitation causing floods and droughts. Groundwater depletion and limited storage capacity are major concerns. Water sources are contaminated by industrial discharge, agricultural run-offs and household effluent, leading to waterborne diseases. Government efforts to improve water storage and infrastructure face challenges. Despite progress, many Pakistanis still lack access to clean water and sanitation. In Sindh province, 70% of households struggle to access clean water, with 65.4% having water contaminated with E. coli. This leads to serious public health issues, with around 39,000 children under five dying from diarrhoea each year due to consuming contaminated water and poor sanitation.

Depleted and polluted water sources make it more difficult for women in both urban and rural areas. When water is scarce, women have to travel longer distances to find clean water. Around the world, it is estimated that women and girls spend a combined 200 million hours each day collecting water, and in Pakistan, they spent 1,260 hours per year collecting water. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation has been found to lead to a decline in school attendance, particularly among girls. Access to clean water gives children the opportunity to be children and paves the way for a promising future.

Recommendations

The urgent necessity for practical management of groundwater is imperative to mitigate the ongoing depletion of water resources in Pakistan, a country that is grappling with a marked decrease in freshwater reserves as a consequence of global atmospheric shifts. To mitigate these challenges, it is imperative to adopt a more strategic approach toward tapping into currently underutilised groundwater reservoirs, while also safeguarding them from contamination and excessive depletion. If this trend continues, it will have disastrous consequences for water security.

Governments often lack the resources to translate their commitments into action at the community level. There is no clear strategy for water conservation in mountainous areas, nor is there any mechanism for groundwater recharge. The responsibility to combat climate change disproportionately affects communities that cannot participate in planning and decision-making processes due to bureaucratic approaches, lack of cross-departmental coordination mechanisms, and implementation separate from policies and projects.

Furthermore, ensuring an adequate supply of water for the growing global – and increasingly urbanised – population is crucial. Effective governance is essential for the fair distribution of water resources, involving all stakeholders. This encompasses aspects such as water governance and tenure, water accounting, and investments in innovative water-management practices. Adapting to climate risks and building resilience are increasingly important. Public attitudes on climate risks and strategies for reducing vulnerability are important for successful adaptation. It is essential to gain public support for helping poorer and more vulnerable communities affected by climate impacts. Practical steps to build resilience are supported across the political spectrum and are not polarising. Communicators should not fear that adaptation messages will undermine mitigation messages, as evidence shows they are likely to be seen as two sides of the same coin. Support and resources are needed to help these communities adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change on water.

Civil society, think tanks, universities and communities can influence governments to prioritise climate-responsive planning, budgeting and policymaking. Policies, strategies and plans need to promote sustainable approaches to water conservation and availability in response to existing climate challenges. Youth need education about water issues and should advocate for climate impact on water. It is important to utilise natural resources and establish a mechanism involving academia, government and the community to address water problems. Universities can raise awareness and support research at the local level to solve these issues. Urgent action is necessary to address climate change and its impacts on water. National, state, provincial and district agencies should develop clear action plans to address the root causes and consequences.

Above all, it is essential to take action at both individual and national levels to combat the disproportionate impact on communities.

Ateeq Ur Rehman is a humanitarian professional; he can be reached on Twitter/X at @attique_raja or via LinkedIn.