Karachi Climate Festival Demands Urgent Action! Experts Warn of Rising Risks

The Arts Council of Pakistan hosted the fourth Karachi Climate Festival on World Environment Day, spotlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. The event opened with the Climate Risk Index 2025, ranking Pakistan among the most at-risk nations globally.

Experts discussed rising temperatures, urban flooding, water scarcity, and climate-health impacts. Muhammad Toheed, an urban planner, revealed that Karachi’s daytime temperature has increased by 1.6°C, while nighttime temperatures have risen by 2.4°C over the past six decades.

Public health expert Mahapara Khan warned of increasing cases of dengue, polio, diarrhea, pneumonia, and respiratory diseases due to climate-induced health risks. Journalist Munazza Siddiqui highlighted government interference in climate reporting, revealing that heatstroke deaths are often underreported to protect officials’ public image.

Environmental expert Yasir Hussain urged the government to support community-led adaptation programs, while Saeed Baloch condemned industrial wastewater dumping into the Arabian Sea, threatening coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

The festival emphasized the urgent need for climate action, calling for policy reforms, public awareness, and sustainable urban planning.