Climate Change and Hydrological Vulnerability in Pakistan: Implications of Engineering and Technology Solutions on Achieving Water Security and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) by 2030
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22581/0869Keywords:
UN SDGs, Climate Adaptability , Climate Resilience, Urbanization, Water Scarcity , Water ManagementAbstract
Pakistan is vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Despite abundant water resources, it faces water scarcity due to the cumulative effects of climate change, inadequate storage infrastructure, inefficient water governance, and limited integration of engineering and technology to optimize water resources. A growing population and a lack of rationalization in sectoral water use are straining limited water resources. Irregular weather patterns that cause droughts and floods at regular intervals are a worrying development. The study examines the impact of climate actions on Pakistan's water security to achieve UNSDGs 6 and 13 by 2030. The study also examines the implications of Pakistan's transboundary water-sharing with India under the Indus Water Treaty (IWS), which India unilaterally placed in abeyance on 26 April 2025. The study provides empirical evidence of climate change's impact on water governance in Pakistan and offers viable solutions for efficient water governance through integrated, climate-smart water engineering that leverages existing infrastructure and develops forward-looking plans to address water management challenges sustainably.
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