Climate Change: A Mega Impediment for Pakistan to Meet THE SGDs (6, 13)

Abstract

Climate change has severe effects on various sectors around the world. Although extreme weather events and their effects are particularly apparent in developing countries due to their increased susceptibility to the climate issue. Pakistan stands out as one of the country’s most susceptible to climate changes.  The unusually high rainfall and melting of the glaciers have made the progress of SDGs, difficult. The water sector and sanitation situation are one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change.  Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how Pakistan's climate is changing and to quantify the implications for SDG 6 (water and hygiene) and 13(climate resilient policies). A mixed techniques approach was used to achieve this goal. A literary examination of reports, institutional publications, and previous research was done for the qualitative component. Interviews and theme analysis of the study were done for the quantitative analysis. The study's conclusions showed that Pakistan's access to drinking water and sanitation (SDG 6) had been adversely impacted by rising water stress brought on by shifting temperature and precipitation patterns. This study is important because it aims to estimate the proportion of climate change that contributes to Pakistan's declining water availability, describes the nation's current risks and potential for mitigation, and offers policy recommendations to support climate-resilient practices to aid in adaptation (SDG 13) to changing climate regimes.