Climate choices (opens original article in a new tab)

Pakistan faces increasing climate challenges with record warmth in 2024 and 2025, prompting climate-related budget allocations, but experts question if the funding and focus are sufficient for adaptation needs.

• Pakistan recorded its second-warmest year in 65 years in 2025, following its warmest year in 2024.
• Climate-tagged expenditure for 2026-27 is Rs214bn, with green subsidies totaling Rs476bn, amounting to nearly Rs690bn for climate-related goals.
• The Economic Survey estimates Pakistan needs $565.7bn in climate-related investments by 2035, highlighting a gap between current allocations and required funding.
• Current climate spending focuses on energy mitigation, but immediate needs emphasize adaptation measures like flood defences and water management.