Climate Shocks
Climate Shocks: The Asian Development Bank has approved new climate funding for Pakistan to protect people and the economy from climate change. It will provide $180.5 million for Sindh’s coastal areas, which face frequent floods and sea intrusion. These threats have destroyed livelihoods, reduced food security, damaged biodiversity, and forced migration. The project will improve water management, reduce flood risks, and restore natural coastal defences. It will benefit more than 3.8 million people. It will also strengthen institutions and support community planning.
Climate-Smart Farming
The bank will also give $124 million to Punjab to address farming challenges. The project will help small farmers access climate-smart machines. It will promote circular farming to reduce crop burning. It will support thousands of women farmers in 30 districts.
Shared Provincial Commitment
This funding shows that Pakistan and its partners now see climate change as a major economic and governance challenge. Climate disasters have repeatedly harmed the country in recent decades. These projects invest in long-term stability and growth. Sindh and Punjab will also add their own funds, showing commitment to the schemes. Although small in scale, the projects show where climate adaptation money should go. To ensure lasting impact, authorities must spend the funds carefully and transparently. Past projects failed because of weak execution and corruption. Now the government must match climate finance with reform, accountability, and sustained political will.
Published in Dawn, 01st January 2026
