As global environmental challenges severely impact Sindh, we find ourselves lacking the capacity to deal with unforeseen and unexpected situations that hinder climate resilience and sustainability efforts. While neighbouring countries like India, Bangladesh, and even Sri Lanka have built their capacity to implement realistic solutions for their climate policies and adopted innovative strategies to address climate change and its impacts, our approach remains fragmented and underdeveloped.
Our unrealistic policies are not working well and are not designed according to the actual situation on the ground. These policies present a dramatic picture, but they fail to support the people at the grassroots level. While they may look good on paper, when it comes to implementation, there are numerous real-world questions that lack even a single realistic answer. Many things we have are not truly designed to support people. The absence of an inclusive and adaptive climate policy not only exposes the province to considerable environmental risks but also limits its ability to align with global commitments to sustainable development.
In Sindh, there is a burning need for a well-rounded Climate Resilience Policy. Climate change is no longer a distant problem, and here in Sindh, its impacts are already affecting our economy, environment, and local communities due to unplanned measures. The current shifts, including rising temperatures, irregular monsoons, droughts, and the increased frequency of floods, have intensified vulnerabilities in the province, particularly in agriculture, water management, and public health. In terms of environmental protection and economic competitiveness, Sindh needs to develop a Climate Resilience and Adaptation Policy that addresses real challenges. Without this, the repetition of unplanned actions and recurring damages will remain the same.
Learning from neighbouring countries, it is to be seen they have prepared themselves by highlighting the importance of climate action and implementing equitable and just measures, which have helped mitigate risks and adapt to changing environmental conditions. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) supports eight national missions, including renewable energy expansion, water resource management, and afforestation, all of which have a direct impact on climate resilience. India has effectively harnessed local wisdom to achieve these goals. Similarly, Bangladesh’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) focuses on both adaptation and mitigation, prioritizing areas such as food security, social protection, and disaster risk management. In the same way, Sri Lanka has adopted measures to enhance energy efficiency and promote climate-smart agriculture, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
Given that Sindh has extensive agricultural land, a coastline, and rich biodiversity, it cannot afford to ignore climate challenges. Therefore, Sindh urgently needs a Climate Resilience and Adaptation Policy that covers multiple sectors— agriculture, water management, energy, health, and urban planning.
Firstly, as a priority, we need to focus on water resource utilization and management. We must develop strategies to maintain natural water bodies, replenish groundwater, and explore other options. Desalination plants for coastal regions and efficient irrigation systems for farmers could help alleviate water anxiety.
By implementing these policy recommendations, Sindh can establish a comprehensive Climate Resilience and Adaptation Policy that not only protects its environment but also adopts sustainable development for future generations. The need for decisive action is clear; taking proactive steps will help ensure a strong and successful future for all stakeholders involved. Sindh already has a climate policy in place, the Sindh Climate Change Policy, adopted in 2022. However, while this policy focuses on addressing climate-related challenges, there are still gaps in certain areas that have not been adequately addressed, especially regarding specific adaptation measures, regional sustainability, and innovative responses to climate crises.
There is not only a need for water resource management but also a need to promote climate-resilient crops and modern irrigation techniques to educate farmers on sustainable, vertical, and minimum water farming practices. A transition to organic farming and agroforestry can help reduce the environmental footprint while increasing crop yields.
Sindh needs to consider renewable energy expansion to incentivize investments in solar and wind energy, there is a need to explore the implementation of micro-grids in rural areas to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide clean energy access to under-served communities. On installation, the Sindh government needs to think of small tube-wells, solar panels, and other necessary needs.
To cover the disaster risk reduction aspect, there is a need to strengthen Sindh’s early warning systems for floods, heatwaves, and droughts. It is essential to introduce community-based disaster preparedness programs through local government departments at the union council level, especially for vulnerable populations in flood-prone areas.
There is another important aspect we need to focus on urban resilience and green infrastructure. This involves sustainable urban planning that integrates green spaces, waste management systems, and eco-friendly building designs. We should introduce initiatives like rooftop solar systems and vertical gardens in cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad and other big cities.
From the political level to all government departments, education and awareness campaigns are required to inform the public about climate change and its impacts, targeting schools, universities, and local communities. This would ensure that future generations are not only aware of the issues but also equipped to tackle them.
Before working on the ground, we first need to address the real challenges of climate change in Sindh, which requires a coordinated and proactive approach. The province must prioritize the establishment of a Provincial Climate Commission to streamline governance and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Through public-private partnerships, Sindh can mobilize resources for climate-resilient projects to benefit implementation at the ground level.
Capacity building for authorities is required so they can guide their departments in raising awareness at the local level and equipping communities and government bodies with the necessary skills to manage climate risks effectively.
By implementing these policy recommendations, Sindh can establish a comprehensive Climate Resilience and Adaptation Policy that not only protects its environment but also adopts sustainable development for future generations. The need for decisive action is clear; taking proactive steps will help ensure a strong and successful future for all stakeholders involved. Sindh already has a climate policy in place, the Sindh Climate Change Policy, adopted in 2022. However, while this policy focuses on addressing climate-related challenges, there are still gaps in certain areas that have not been adequately addressed, especially regarding specific adaptation measures, regional sustainability, and innovative responses to climate crises.
