Facing Climate Threats: Urgent Action Needed to Safeguard Gilgit-Baltistan’s Future
Climate change has had a devastating impact on the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a high-altitude region in Pakistan known for its ecological diversity and vulnerability. These climate travesties are causing deaths and suffering due to increased natural disasters and changes in weather patterns. This was well attested by the academic stakeholders too who published a paper on the climate concerns in Gilgit-Baltistan. In this article, we briefly present what the government has been doing in this regard since 2023.
One of the major consequences of climate change in the region is an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as floods, landslides, and droughts. These events have led to loss of lives, displacement of communities, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. Flooding and landslides caused by melting glaciers have also led to the loss of lives and livelihoods, as well as damage to crops and other agricultural resources.
The paper previously mentioned using remotely-sensed NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data and observed meteorological records from 1991 to 2020. The study reveals significant spatiotemporal variability in vegetation responses to climate factors. The results indicate that while there has been an overall increase in vegetation cover. However, this trend has stalled since 2002. This stalling is particularly due to increasing water deficits during summer and autumn. Precipitation emerged as a critical driver of vegetation growth, particularly in the summer. Temperature had a more pronounced effect during spring. The study highlights the complex interactions between climatic variables—such as precipitation, temperature, and solar radiation—and vegetation dynamics. It underscores the need for region-specific land management and conservation strategies in GB. These strategies are crucial to mitigate the effects of ongoing climate change.
In 2023, the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) revised the “Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan” providing suggestions.
The agricultural sector, a lifeline for more than 80% of the population engaged in subsistence farming, is struggling to cope with the impacts of climate change. The region’s limited cultivable land—only 2% of its total area—faces increasing threats from changing weather patterns, which disrupt the production of essential crops, fruits, and vegetables. Meanwhile, livestock, a critical component of the local economy and food security, is also under threat from the changing climate.
Despite being a critical water tower for Pakistan, GB faces severe water management challenges. A significant portion of water is lost before it reaches arable land, with some losses reaching up to 70%. The region’s glaciers, which cover about 30% of its area, are melting at an alarming rate due to rising temperatures—twice as fast as those in the plains—posing a direct threat to water security.
Forests and rangelands in GB are also under pressure from climate change, exacerbated by poor management, commercial exploitation, and population growth. Deforestation and degradation of these vital ecosystems further weaken the region’s resilience to climate impacts.
The climate crisis in GB is compounded by the region’s struggling healthcare system. High maternal mortality rates, widespread anemia, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure exacerbate the vulnerability of the population to the impacts of climate change. The anticipated rise in vehicle traffic due to increased trade along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) could further deteriorate air quality, adding another layer of environmental stress.
Natural disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan caused damage to people’s lives, and destruction of houses, roads, and cultivable land. The below tables show statistics (2010-2015) of damages in GB induced by climate change.
The damages of climate change are not limited to human causalities and livestock. It also significantly impacts the region’s wildlife and biodiversity. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are altering the distribution and migration patterns of many species. The loss of glaciers and other habitats is making it increasingly difficult for them to survive.
The government and local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan are taking steps to adapt to these climate calamities. For instance, disaster management plans have been developed to prepare for and respond to floods and landslides. Irrigation systems are being improved to make them more resilient to droughts. However, more needs to be done to mitigate the effects of climate change on the region.
Clearly climate change is affecting Gilgit-Baltistan, causing widespread flooding, droughts, and damage to natural resources, and wildlife. The government and local communities must take immediate action to mitigate and adapt to these climate calamities. This can be done by developing sustainable development policies, investing in research and technology, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.
More papers are being published about this particular geographical location, highlighting not only the importance of placing attention to less urban, but yet relevant areas, but that it is crucial to collect data for climate mitigation and adaptation. Gilgit-Baltistan stands at a critical juncture, facing the harsh realities of climate change that threaten its ecosystems, infrastructure, and the very livelihoods of its people.
The urgency for action cannot be overstated. Comprehensive strategies that include resilient infrastructure development, sustainable resource management, and community awareness are essential to mitigate the impacts and safeguard the region’s future. As we look ahead, it is imperative that local, national, and international stakeholders collaborate to implement these solutions, ensuring that Gilgit-Baltistan not only survives but thrives in the face of climate change. The time to act is now, for the sake of this unique and vital region, and for the broader global community that depends on its stability.
Rethinking Climate 
Leave a comment