As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Pakistan faces significant challenges due to rising heatwaves, deforestation, and extreme weather events. Despite several tree planting campaigns, experts stress that these efforts fall short in addressing the scale of the crisis. Mehfooz Pakistan, a safety organization, has called for aggressive tree plantation drives to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote environmental conservation.
Pakistan ranks eighth among the countries most affected by extreme weather between 2000 and 2019. The devastating floods in August 2022 submerged one-third of the country, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of climate risks. The floods followed a deadly heatwave in 2015 that impacted Karachi, while the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh experienced severe droughts in 2018. These events demonstrate the urgent need for climate adaptation and mitigation, particularly in fast-growing megacities like Karachi and Lahore. Tree planting offers a natural and effective way to address climate challenges, improve public health, and protect ecosystems.
Despite some reforestation efforts, Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate threats calls for intensified and sustained tree plantation initiatives. According to Global Forest Watch, Pakistan had 648,000 hectares of tree cover in 2010, representing just 0.74% of its land area. However, by 2023, the country lost 148 hectares of this tree cover. Between 2001 and 2023, Pakistan experienced a loss of 9,940 hectares of tree cover, primarily due to deforestation driven by human activities. Forest fires, often caused by human negligence and exacerbated by climate change, have been a major contributor to deforestation.
In Karachi, past political initiatives focused on mass planting monocultures, like Conocarpus erectus, a non-native species that created more problems than solutions. Although cheap and fast-growing, Conocarpus lowered groundwater levels, damaged sewerage systems, and worsened public health due to its pollen, which aggravated respiratory issues.
The tree was banned in 2016, and authorities have since shifted focus to planting a variety of native species like neem, gulmohar, and cypress, better suited to the local environment. However, the effort to restore urban greenery faces another challenge: Pakistan’s severe water stress, particularly in Karachi.
Urban tree planting requires large amounts of water, making it crucial to balance environmental efforts with water conservation strategies. Despite these hurdles, large-scale tree plantation remains vital to Pakistan’s disaster resilience, public health, and energy conservation. It is a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic benefits. By prioritizing reforestation and afforestation initiatives, Pakistan can pave the way for a greener, more resilient future. Tree planting not only helps combat climate change but also fosters sustainable development, offering the potential for long-term prosperity for the country and its citizens.
