Climate change threatens to push ‘half of Pakistan’ into food insecurity by 2030.

Local and foreign experts have sounded the alarm about the potential for widespread food insecurity in Pakistan, warning that by 2030 half of the population could be affected by acute water shortages and the growing effects of climate change. .

This alarming message came out during a two-day symposium on ‘Climate Change, Agriculture, Human Nutrition and Development in Pakistan’ organized by the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD). The News Reported

Organized in collaboration with Sustainable Development Solutions Network Pakistan (SDSN), the symposium concluded on Saturday and discussed climate issues, food security and public health.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Bhatta, Founding Director of IGHD at Aga Khan University (AKU) emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions to address these interconnected challenges.

“With 90 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture dependent on the threatened Indus River system, snowmelt and erratic rainfall patterns are leading us to unprecedented food shortages,” he warned.

Citing Sir Andrew Haynes, professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, he pointed out that humanity has broken six of the nine planetary boundaries, including climate change and biodiversity loss, leading to Global systems are being pushed into dangerous territory.

Additionally, experts at the event highlighted how climate change has exacerbated gender inequality, disproportionately affecting women who make up 40% to 60% of Pakistan’s agricultural labor force but are often underrepresented in decision-making. Stay behind.

He also identified high levels of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan as immediate problems that require immediate action.

The chief guest of the closing session Javed Sibghatullah Meher, Secretary Planning and Development Sindh emphasized the urgent need for joint efforts.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality that calls for innovative and comprehensive solutions,” he said, reiterating the importance of platforms like the symposium for research and policy-making.

Dr. Tania Bobela, AKU Provost, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary efforts to address these challenges. “Climate change is a multifaceted crisis that requires collaboration across sectors. AKU is committed to leading evidence-based initiatives for a sustainable future,” he said.

AKU Dean Dr. Adil Haider echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the institution’s role in connecting academic research with practical solutions.

“As a leading academic institution in the region, AKU focuses on inspiring solutions that strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable development,” he said.

The inaugural session of the conference on Friday was attended by Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, who announced plans to raise Rs 100 million to set up a national platform of experts to address climate challenges.

The platform, the brainchild of Dr. Bhatta, aims to unite health, agriculture, food safety and nutrition experts to work in harmony instead of silos.

Dr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of equipping Pakistan with innovative, locally driven solutions and praised AKU for fostering dialogue on the most pressing challenges of climate change.

Professor Sir Andrew Haynes discussed the implications of climate change for planetary health and development, while Dr Lynette Newfield, Director of Food and Nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighted how climate change exacerbates malnutrition. Especially in low and middle income countries. Pakistan

Dr Haris Gazdar from the Collective for Social Science Research highlighted the gendered dimensions of food insecurity, emphasizing the disproportionate burden on rural women.

Technical sessions explored workable solutions. Dr. Abid Saliri of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) presented the cost-effective climate investment needed for Pakistan.

Pakistan Agriculture Research Council Chairman Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali on Biotechnology solutions to improve rice and wheat production. Discussed.

Dr Mehreen Mujtaba from the Federal Ministry of Health addressed the challenges of nutrition policies in the context of worsening climate impacts. Dr Jay K Das from AKU highlighted how prolonged heat exposure disproportionately affects women and children in rural areas.

A panel discussion that included Dr. Saliri, Dr. Mujtaba, Tatiana Alkur and others called for innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food security, health and nutrition.

Speakers highlighted how nature-based solutions and well-designed climate mitigation strategies can reduce risks and improve resilience.

Concluding the symposium, Dr Bhatta reiterated the urgent need to shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies. “We must act now to ensure a sustainable future, leveraging evidence-based approaches to confront these challenges,” he said.

The event concluded with promoting interdisciplinary research and actionable solutions for sustainable development.