By: Saima William
Pakistan has made noteworthy progress in addressing climate change by formulating comprehensive policies and frameworks. These efforts include the Climate Change Act, the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), and recent initiatives such as the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Climate Change Gender Action Plan (ccGAP). However, despite these advancements, the real challenge lies in bringing these policies to life at the grassroots level. The successful realization of Pakistan’s climate agenda requires a concerted push towards localization, where national strategies translate into tangible outcomes on the ground.
The 2017 Climate Change Act marked a crucial step in shaping the country’s climate response, providing the legal backbone for climate governance. Similarly, the NCCP, originally launched in 2012 and updated in 2021, offers strategic guidance for addressing climate change impacts across sectors. Complementing these efforts, the NAP (2023) and the ccGAP (2022) emphasize the need for gender-inclusive and resilient approaches to climate adaptation. Despite these comprehensive frameworks, one of the biggest hurdles remains ensuring that local governments and communities can effectively implement these policies.
Local governments hold the key to driving climate action at the community level, translating national priorities into concrete actions that address specific regional challenges. Unfortunately, recent conversations with local government officials revealed a significant disconnect. Many senior officials showed limited awareness of pivotal climate policies such as the NCCP, NAP, and ccGAP, along with regulations concerning urban planning, rainwater harvesting, and solid waste management. This knowledge gap highlights an urgent need for capacity-building initiatives that equip local authorities with the tools they need to implement these policies effectively.
To bridge this divide, efforts must focus on empowering local governments through targeted capacity-building programs. Training sessions, workshops, and hands-on support can ensure local officials not only understand national frameworks but can adapt them to the specific needs of their communities. Local ownership of climate action will foster sustainable outcomes that align with the broader national agenda.
Effective climate adaptation also depends on coordination across both horizontal and vertical levels of governance. Horizontal collaboration between different sectors—such as agriculture, infrastructure, and health—can ensure climate strategies are comprehensive and well-integrated. Meanwhile, vertical coordination between national, provincial, and local governments will help tailor adaptation measures to regional realities, while ensuring alignment with national goals. This dual coordination approach is vital for building resilience across Pakistan’s diverse landscapes.
Creating localized climate action plans is also crucial. These plans must reflect the realities and voices of local communities, drawing on their knowledge and experiences. Engaging local stakeholders in the planning process ensures that actions are relevant, inclusive, and widely supported. Moreover, fostering partnerships between governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector can help mobilize resources and sustain climate action at the local level.
To move forward, Pakistan needs to prioritize local climate solutions that empower communities to take ownership of their own climate resilience. National policies provide a roadmap, but effective action must be driven by those on the frontlines—local governments, communities, and organizations.
In conclusion, if Pakistan hopes to achieve a climate-resilient future, it must focus on strengthening local capacities and fostering collaboration across all levels of governance. The path to climate resilience lies not just in policy development, but in localized, inclusive, and community-driven action.
Author’s profile:
Saima William is a climate expert focused on climate resilience and adaptation. She can be found on Twitter @SaimaWilliams1.