A new report from The News Pakistan examines how population growth and consumption patterns interact to drive climate vulnerability, with a focus on Pakistan. The article argues that while Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent of global emissions, it is among the most climate vulnerable countries due to rapid population increase, weak governance, and unsustainable resource use. The author calls for integrating population dynamics into climate planning, improving access to family planning and education, and enforcing environmental laws to reduce future risks. The piece highlights the inequality in per capita emissions between the Global North and South, noting that an average American emits 17.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year compared to under 2 tonnes in the Global South. For Pakistan, the projected population growth from 241 million to nearly 390 million by 2050 will strain water, energy, and food systems unless development becomes more resource efficient. The article argues that climate adaptation and mitigation must go hand in hand with better governance and sustainable land use planning.
