This document provides an overview and summary of a climate change vulnerability assessment conducted for Islamabad, Pakistan. It finds that the city is experiencing rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather like heat waves. Critical infrastructure, water supplies, livelihoods, and public health are sensitive to these climate impacts. While government institutions have some capacity to adapt, more can be done at the household level. The assessment identifies major vulnerable areas in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and proposes adaptation projects across sectors like waste, energy, planning and policy to increase the climate resilience of the capital region.
The document discusses climate change and the role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It provides background on IUCN, describing it as the world's oldest and largest environmental network. It then covers various topics related to climate change, including defining climate change, the greenhouse effect, major greenhouse gases, impacts of climate change such as extreme weather and effects on water resources, and facts about climate change in Pakistan.
Project about climate change in Pakistan Zainab Arshad
This document summarizes a project about climate change in Pakistan. It outlines the research methodology, major climate change concerns in Pakistan like risks to water and agriculture from floods and droughts. It then describes several projects aimed at building adaptation capacity, assessing adaptation costs and benefits, and enhancing livelihoods and food security. It concludes that Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to temperature increases and risks to water resources from glacier melt, and that further research and policy responses are needed.
Climate Change Hazards in Pakistan. A presentation by Saima Abbasi. www.saima...Saimaabbasi12
I developed a power point presentation on Climate Change hazards in Pakistan with some basic concepts, hazards facing with its impacts and future suggestions. Also linked it with global thoughts and suggestions relevant to my country showing that what steps could be taking to minimize CC impacts. It can be accessed on www.saimaabbasi.net. Target audience is mass including students at school, university and general public ( Private and government offices). Presentation is made in response to final project Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided online course conducted by World Bank Group.
The slides contain the situation of climate change impacts and risk in Pakistan. This presentation also provides a set of key possible climate change interventions for the Pakistan Red Crescent.
This document outlines Pakistan's national climate change policy. It aims to mainstream climate change into vulnerable sectors to promote climate-resilient development. Key objectives include supporting adaptation, promoting mitigation, and ensuring water, food, and energy security. It identifies threats like increased extreme weather, glacial melting, and flooding. It proposes actions like capacity building, awareness raising, international cooperation, technology transfer, and establishing implementation committees.
This document provides Pakistan's National Climate Change Policy framework. It establishes the goal to mainstream climate change into vulnerable sectors to guide Pakistan toward climate-resilient development. Key objectives include pursuing economic growth while addressing climate challenges, ensuring water, food and energy security, and strengthening climate change decision-making. The policy comprehensively addresses adaptation and mitigation strategies across sectors vulnerable to Pakistan's increasing extreme weather events, glacial recession, rising temperatures and other climate change impacts.
The document discusses the economic consequences of climate change in Tanzania. It notes that Tanzania's agricultural economy is heavily vulnerable to climate change effects like droughts and extreme rainfall. Key impacts include declining water levels in lakes and rivers which threatens hydropower and socioeconomic activity. Tourism, an important economic sector, is also endangered by climate unpredictability affecting wildlife and ecosystems. The government of Tanzania has implemented policies and strategies to tackle issues like environmental degradation, promote sustainable resource management, and build climate resilience.
The document discusses several topics related to climate change in India including:
1. Rising global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate change. Carbon dioxide levels have risen significantly since 1958.
2. Climate change is impacting different parts of India - drought in Rajasthan, sea level rise along the coasts of Mumbai and Gujarat, coral bleaching in Kerala.
3. Case studies show impacts on agriculture - apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh has shifted uphill by 30km over 50 years due to less snowfall. The Gangotri glacier is shrinking, reducing water levels in the Ganga river. Coastal villages in Odisha have been submerged due to sea level rise and cyclones
The document discusses climate change and the role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It provides background on IUCN, describing it as the world's oldest and largest environmental network. It then covers various topics related to climate change, including defining climate change, the greenhouse effect, major greenhouse gases, impacts of climate change such as extreme weather and effects on water resources, and facts about climate change in Pakistan.
Project about climate change in Pakistan Zainab Arshad
This document summarizes a project about climate change in Pakistan. It outlines the research methodology, major climate change concerns in Pakistan like risks to water and agriculture from floods and droughts. It then describes several projects aimed at building adaptation capacity, assessing adaptation costs and benefits, and enhancing livelihoods and food security. It concludes that Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to temperature increases and risks to water resources from glacier melt, and that further research and policy responses are needed.
Climate Change Hazards in Pakistan. A presentation by Saima Abbasi. www.saima...Saimaabbasi12
I developed a power point presentation on Climate Change hazards in Pakistan with some basic concepts, hazards facing with its impacts and future suggestions. Also linked it with global thoughts and suggestions relevant to my country showing that what steps could be taking to minimize CC impacts. It can be accessed on www.saimaabbasi.net. Target audience is mass including students at school, university and general public ( Private and government offices). Presentation is made in response to final project Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided online course conducted by World Bank Group.
The slides contain the situation of climate change impacts and risk in Pakistan. This presentation also provides a set of key possible climate change interventions for the Pakistan Red Crescent.
This document outlines Pakistan's national climate change policy. It aims to mainstream climate change into vulnerable sectors to promote climate-resilient development. Key objectives include supporting adaptation, promoting mitigation, and ensuring water, food, and energy security. It identifies threats like increased extreme weather, glacial melting, and flooding. It proposes actions like capacity building, awareness raising, international cooperation, technology transfer, and establishing implementation committees.
This document provides Pakistan's National Climate Change Policy framework. It establishes the goal to mainstream climate change into vulnerable sectors to guide Pakistan toward climate-resilient development. Key objectives include pursuing economic growth while addressing climate challenges, ensuring water, food and energy security, and strengthening climate change decision-making. The policy comprehensively addresses adaptation and mitigation strategies across sectors vulnerable to Pakistan's increasing extreme weather events, glacial recession, rising temperatures and other climate change impacts.
The document discusses the economic consequences of climate change in Tanzania. It notes that Tanzania's agricultural economy is heavily vulnerable to climate change effects like droughts and extreme rainfall. Key impacts include declining water levels in lakes and rivers which threatens hydropower and socioeconomic activity. Tourism, an important economic sector, is also endangered by climate unpredictability affecting wildlife and ecosystems. The government of Tanzania has implemented policies and strategies to tackle issues like environmental degradation, promote sustainable resource management, and build climate resilience.
The document discusses several topics related to climate change in India including:
1. Rising global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate change. Carbon dioxide levels have risen significantly since 1958.
2. Climate change is impacting different parts of India - drought in Rajasthan, sea level rise along the coasts of Mumbai and Gujarat, coral bleaching in Kerala.
3. Case studies show impacts on agriculture - apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh has shifted uphill by 30km over 50 years due to less snowfall. The Gangotri glacier is shrinking, reducing water levels in the Ganga river. Coastal villages in Odisha have been submerged due to sea level rise and cyclones
Urban planning deals with managing and regulating human settlements through physical layout and land use. It aims to balance social, economic, and environmental factors. Urban planning techniques include population prediction, zoning, and mapping. It addresses issues like resource use, pollution, and effects of climate change. Adaptation focuses on reducing climate impacts while mitigation aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Pakistan's urban planning strategies include updating design principles, developing smaller towns, and constructing climate-resilient housing. Actions involve zoning, installing solar heaters, treating waste and water, and using technologies to manage climate risks like flooding and landslides. Overall, better urban planning can create efficient low-carbon cities and help address global climate change at local levels.
Climate Change Environmental Policy 2005, PakistanShakeel Ahmed
This document discusses climate change and global warming. It outlines the greenhouse effect and how human activities that produce greenhouse gases are the main cause of global warming. The document also summarizes Pakistan's environmental policy and action plan to address climate change through developing clean energy technologies, implementing emissions reduction programs, and raising public awareness. The conclusion calls for global cooperation to transition to renewable energy in order to cure the effects of climate change.
Climate change adaptation mainstreaming at the sub national level developmen...Alexander Decker
This document discusses climate change adaptation mainstreaming in development planning at the sub-national level in Ghana. It assesses how climate change adaptation has been integrated into the medium-term development plans of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana. The document provides background on climate change and its impacts on development. It also discusses how climate change adaptation can be integrated into development planning through mainstreaming in sub-national level plans to help reduce the impacts of climate change. The objective is to evaluate climate change resilience and adaptation at the local level in Ghana.
Gender equity implies the possibility of different treatments to correct inherent inequalities and measures which, while not necessarily the same, result in equality in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. Gender equality signifies that there is no discrimination based on the sex of the person in the allocation of resources or benefits or in access to services mitigate and adapt to climate change, but also the wish to promote gender equity and equality while these people are doing that work.
These views underlie the reflections and proposals presented in this Guide: • Climate change presents new challenges to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);
• Climate change is a problem of development and, as such, is affected by two characteristics: inequality and poverty;
• Climate change has numerous causes and effects and must therefore be approached by numerous sectors, stakeholders and disciplines;
• While needs are global, they are more urgent and dramatic for societies living in conditions of greatest inequality and vulnerability;
• In order to fight climate change as effectively as possible, consideration must be given to the gender-specific effects of climate change
This Resource Guide on Gender and Climate Change presents principal conceptual and methodological advances on gender relations in the context of climate change, with the overall objective of providing guidelines for actors, practitioners and consumers in this relatively new programme area. It has been prepared through research, analyses and combinations of international frameworks, conceptual and methodological documents, and the compilation of case studies.
The Guide also considers the approaches that consultants take to deal with the topic, as well as views held by organizations and experts in this field. The Resource Guide on Gender and Climate Change will facilitate an understanding of the socio-environmental problem as dealt with from an integrated point of view – one provided by the gender equality approach – but its principal contribution will be to provide a more proactive agenda that will make it easier to understand the policies formulated. The document has two sections. The first section, which contains six chapters, deals with the principal gender considerations that must be taken into account in the face of climate change. The first chapter describes the climate change phenomenon, its causes, characteristics, effects and implications for the environment and human societies, particularly in relation to the quest for sustainable development.
This document discusses the connections between plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. It argues that plastic pollution has become a planetary crisis due to the huge quantities of plastic entering the oceans each year. Most plastic pollution is invisible in the form of microplastics and nanoplastics that have broken off from larger debris. The production and degradation of plastic drives greenhouse gas emissions and is a major contributor to climate change. It also harms biodiversity through entanglement, ingestion and the introduction of toxic chemicals into ecosystems. The document calls for policymakers to address plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss together as interconnected crises that threaten the stability of the planet.
The document discusses climate change impacts in Sudan. It notes that Sudan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to factors like poverty, weak resource management, and environmental fragility. Key impacts include rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns exacerbating droughts and floods, threats to food security and water resources, and health impacts. The document outlines Sudan's climate zones and variability in rainfall. It recommends various adaptation strategies and projects focused on sectors like agriculture, forestry, rangelands, and health to build resilience to climate change.
The document discusses the impacts of climate change in Srikakulam district of India. It notes several changes occurring, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, more frequent cyclones, and declining groundwater levels. These changes are negatively affecting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable tribal communities. Migration is increasing as people search for work. The document also outlines some coping strategies communities are adopting, such as changing cropping patterns, acquiring new skills, and sustainable resource management. It argues that building community resilience through adaptation strategies, capacity building, and strengthening local governance is crucial to address these issues.
Climate Change Adaptation and Masnaging Extreme Eventsipcc-media
This document summarizes key points from the IPCC's 2012 Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation (SREX). The SREX report defined climate extremes and risk, and observed increases in the frequency and intensity of climate extremes. It discussed how adaptation and disaster risk management can help address increasing disaster risk from climate change impacts. Effective strategies incorporate development benefits, address current risks while preparing for future changes, and integrate local and scientific knowledge.
Drought risk mitigation and management in India is important given observed climate changes like increasing temperatures, changing monsoon patterns, and rising sea levels. The National Action Plan for Climate Change aims to promote adaptation and mitigation strategies across several sectors through various national missions. However, rural populations remain highly vulnerable to climate impacts due to dependencies on climate-sensitive resources for livelihoods. Integrated approaches that enhance adaptive capacities, promote diversification of livelihoods, and empower local communities can help reduce vulnerabilities.
This document outlines key points about climate change, its impacts, and adaptation efforts in India and the UK. It discusses:
1) Key findings from the IPCC on the impacts of climate change globally and for India, including increased temperatures, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events.
2) How climate change threatens achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals and endangers India's development by worsening issues like water scarcity, food insecurity, and health impacts.
3) The UK and India's commitments and leadership on international climate agreements like the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, as well as domestic policies and research on adaptation.
The Mekong ARCC (Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change) group and USAID Mekong Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change gave a presentation on community climate change adaptation plan in the lower Mekong basin. This presentation gave an overview on the impacts of climate change to the basin, the community process and approach to adaptation, results from the process, and lessons learned.
Climate change impact on ecology and economyDevegowda S R
Climate change is causing impacts on many sectors including agriculture, forests, biodiversity and water resources. Agriculture in India is highly sensitive to climate change, which could result in crop yield losses of 10-40% by 2100. Forests are also impacted through increased wildfires, pest infestations and shifts in suitable habitat. Biodiversity is threatened by changes in temperatures and sea levels, with some models showing over 40% of plant species in the Amazon becoming nonviable. Water resources are increasingly scarce, with over 1 billion people currently lacking access worldwide and many regions expected to experience water stress. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are needed to address climate change at both national and global levels.
This document discusses cyclone hazards and disaster management. It notes that cyclones can damage elements at risk like slopes, coastlines, and infrastructure, disrupting normal life. Proper preparedness through vulnerability analysis, resource assessment, warning systems, and evacuation plans can help communities be more resilient with reduced losses. The disaster management cycle includes pre-disaster preparation, response during the event, and post-disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Key elements of preparedness include planning, training, early warning systems, and developing response mechanisms to minimize hazards' adverse impacts and ensure timely assistance.
The document outlines Pakistan's National Climate Change Policy of 2012. The policy provides a framework to address issues Pakistan faces from climate change. It aims to ensure climate change is mainstreamed into vulnerable sectors of the economy and guide Pakistan toward climate-resilient development. Key objectives include pursuing economic growth while integrating climate policy, focusing on adaptation, and ensuring water, food, and energy security. The policy also addresses climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in various sectors like water resources, agriculture, health, forestry and others.
Water resources of nepal- in the context of climate change 2011 by wecsBhim Upadhyaya
This document provides an overview of water resources in Nepal and how they are being impacted by climate change. It discusses Nepal's river systems and water availability. It also examines existing water usage, including irrigation, groundwater, hydropower, and water supply. The document analyzes trends showing decreasing precipitation and streamflow. Climate change is negatively impacting glaciers and snowpack and increasing risks of flooding and drought. This is affecting agriculture and livelihoods. The document concludes by recommending further research and adaptive measures to address climate change impacts on Nepal's water resources.
1. The document discusses a presentation given by Fatima Driouech on climate science and the IPCC.
2. It provides definitions of key terms like weather, climate, and climate change. It also discusses observed changes in temperature, snow and ice, and sea level rise.
3. The presentation outlines future projections for increased temperatures, sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns and more frequent/ intense extreme weather events from climate models.
Updates on the preparations of the SROCC and Working Group II contribution to...ipcc-media
The document summarizes the IPCC Sixth Assessment Cycle Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. It describes the background and purpose of the report, which is to guide adaptation activities and decision-making. It discusses the key roles of the ocean and cryosphere in the global climate system and outlines the structure of the report, which covers topics like sea level rise, marine ecosystems, and managing risks. It provides an overview of the lead author meetings that were held to develop the report.
This document provides an overview of climate change and its impacts on Tanzania. It begins with definitions of climate and climate change, explaining how human activities like burning fossil fuels have increased greenhouse gas emissions and warmed the planet. It then discusses how climate change is affecting Tanzania, highlighting risks to the agriculture-dependent economy from rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. The document outlines responses from organizations like UNEP and CAN International, as well as examples of private sector initiatives in Tanzania to mitigate climate impacts through more sustainable practices. The overall purpose is to raise awareness of climate change challenges in Tanzania and potential solutions.
Global climate change phenomena, impacts and adaptationsDevegowda S R
Climate change is caused by both natural and human factors. Increased levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere from human activities like burning fossil fuels are contributing to global warming. This is causing rising surface temperatures, changing weather patterns, and more extreme climate events. Impacts are already apparent and include melting glaciers, rising sea levels, more severe droughts and hurricanes. Agriculture and food security are seriously threatened, with lower crop yields predicted. Many developing nations are most vulnerable due to greater exposure and less ability to adapt. Mitigating further climate change requires global cooperation on reducing emissions through transitioning to renewable energy and more efficient use of resources, while adapting to impacts like sea level rise and more
Vulnerability and Adaptation of Disaster Victims, Dzul Khaimi bin Khailani, M...ESD UNU-IAS
The 2016 ProSPER.Net Leadership Programme was held in Labuan Island and Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia. The Programme included workshops, plenary sessions, and fieldwork around the topics of local sustainable development challenges in the region. The main goals of the Programme were to identify local leadership opportunities for sustainable development and to link local and national sustainable development projects to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Treaty, and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Urban planning deals with managing and regulating human settlements through physical layout and land use. It aims to balance social, economic, and environmental factors. Urban planning techniques include population prediction, zoning, and mapping. It addresses issues like resource use, pollution, and effects of climate change. Adaptation focuses on reducing climate impacts while mitigation aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Pakistan's urban planning strategies include updating design principles, developing smaller towns, and constructing climate-resilient housing. Actions involve zoning, installing solar heaters, treating waste and water, and using technologies to manage climate risks like flooding and landslides. Overall, better urban planning can create efficient low-carbon cities and help address global climate change at local levels.
Climate Change Environmental Policy 2005, PakistanShakeel Ahmed
This document discusses climate change and global warming. It outlines the greenhouse effect and how human activities that produce greenhouse gases are the main cause of global warming. The document also summarizes Pakistan's environmental policy and action plan to address climate change through developing clean energy technologies, implementing emissions reduction programs, and raising public awareness. The conclusion calls for global cooperation to transition to renewable energy in order to cure the effects of climate change.
Climate change adaptation mainstreaming at the sub national level developmen...Alexander Decker
This document discusses climate change adaptation mainstreaming in development planning at the sub-national level in Ghana. It assesses how climate change adaptation has been integrated into the medium-term development plans of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana. The document provides background on climate change and its impacts on development. It also discusses how climate change adaptation can be integrated into development planning through mainstreaming in sub-national level plans to help reduce the impacts of climate change. The objective is to evaluate climate change resilience and adaptation at the local level in Ghana.
Gender equity implies the possibility of different treatments to correct inherent inequalities and measures which, while not necessarily the same, result in equality in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. Gender equality signifies that there is no discrimination based on the sex of the person in the allocation of resources or benefits or in access to services mitigate and adapt to climate change, but also the wish to promote gender equity and equality while these people are doing that work.
These views underlie the reflections and proposals presented in this Guide: • Climate change presents new challenges to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);
• Climate change is a problem of development and, as such, is affected by two characteristics: inequality and poverty;
• Climate change has numerous causes and effects and must therefore be approached by numerous sectors, stakeholders and disciplines;
• While needs are global, they are more urgent and dramatic for societies living in conditions of greatest inequality and vulnerability;
• In order to fight climate change as effectively as possible, consideration must be given to the gender-specific effects of climate change
This Resource Guide on Gender and Climate Change presents principal conceptual and methodological advances on gender relations in the context of climate change, with the overall objective of providing guidelines for actors, practitioners and consumers in this relatively new programme area. It has been prepared through research, analyses and combinations of international frameworks, conceptual and methodological documents, and the compilation of case studies.
The Guide also considers the approaches that consultants take to deal with the topic, as well as views held by organizations and experts in this field. The Resource Guide on Gender and Climate Change will facilitate an understanding of the socio-environmental problem as dealt with from an integrated point of view – one provided by the gender equality approach – but its principal contribution will be to provide a more proactive agenda that will make it easier to understand the policies formulated. The document has two sections. The first section, which contains six chapters, deals with the principal gender considerations that must be taken into account in the face of climate change. The first chapter describes the climate change phenomenon, its causes, characteristics, effects and implications for the environment and human societies, particularly in relation to the quest for sustainable development.
This document discusses the connections between plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. It argues that plastic pollution has become a planetary crisis due to the huge quantities of plastic entering the oceans each year. Most plastic pollution is invisible in the form of microplastics and nanoplastics that have broken off from larger debris. The production and degradation of plastic drives greenhouse gas emissions and is a major contributor to climate change. It also harms biodiversity through entanglement, ingestion and the introduction of toxic chemicals into ecosystems. The document calls for policymakers to address plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss together as interconnected crises that threaten the stability of the planet.
The document discusses climate change impacts in Sudan. It notes that Sudan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to factors like poverty, weak resource management, and environmental fragility. Key impacts include rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns exacerbating droughts and floods, threats to food security and water resources, and health impacts. The document outlines Sudan's climate zones and variability in rainfall. It recommends various adaptation strategies and projects focused on sectors like agriculture, forestry, rangelands, and health to build resilience to climate change.
The document discusses the impacts of climate change in Srikakulam district of India. It notes several changes occurring, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, more frequent cyclones, and declining groundwater levels. These changes are negatively affecting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable tribal communities. Migration is increasing as people search for work. The document also outlines some coping strategies communities are adopting, such as changing cropping patterns, acquiring new skills, and sustainable resource management. It argues that building community resilience through adaptation strategies, capacity building, and strengthening local governance is crucial to address these issues.
Climate Change Adaptation and Masnaging Extreme Eventsipcc-media
This document summarizes key points from the IPCC's 2012 Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation (SREX). The SREX report defined climate extremes and risk, and observed increases in the frequency and intensity of climate extremes. It discussed how adaptation and disaster risk management can help address increasing disaster risk from climate change impacts. Effective strategies incorporate development benefits, address current risks while preparing for future changes, and integrate local and scientific knowledge.
Drought risk mitigation and management in India is important given observed climate changes like increasing temperatures, changing monsoon patterns, and rising sea levels. The National Action Plan for Climate Change aims to promote adaptation and mitigation strategies across several sectors through various national missions. However, rural populations remain highly vulnerable to climate impacts due to dependencies on climate-sensitive resources for livelihoods. Integrated approaches that enhance adaptive capacities, promote diversification of livelihoods, and empower local communities can help reduce vulnerabilities.
This document outlines key points about climate change, its impacts, and adaptation efforts in India and the UK. It discusses:
1) Key findings from the IPCC on the impacts of climate change globally and for India, including increased temperatures, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events.
2) How climate change threatens achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals and endangers India's development by worsening issues like water scarcity, food insecurity, and health impacts.
3) The UK and India's commitments and leadership on international climate agreements like the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, as well as domestic policies and research on adaptation.
The Mekong ARCC (Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change) group and USAID Mekong Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change gave a presentation on community climate change adaptation plan in the lower Mekong basin. This presentation gave an overview on the impacts of climate change to the basin, the community process and approach to adaptation, results from the process, and lessons learned.
Climate change impact on ecology and economyDevegowda S R
Climate change is causing impacts on many sectors including agriculture, forests, biodiversity and water resources. Agriculture in India is highly sensitive to climate change, which could result in crop yield losses of 10-40% by 2100. Forests are also impacted through increased wildfires, pest infestations and shifts in suitable habitat. Biodiversity is threatened by changes in temperatures and sea levels, with some models showing over 40% of plant species in the Amazon becoming nonviable. Water resources are increasingly scarce, with over 1 billion people currently lacking access worldwide and many regions expected to experience water stress. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are needed to address climate change at both national and global levels.
This document discusses cyclone hazards and disaster management. It notes that cyclones can damage elements at risk like slopes, coastlines, and infrastructure, disrupting normal life. Proper preparedness through vulnerability analysis, resource assessment, warning systems, and evacuation plans can help communities be more resilient with reduced losses. The disaster management cycle includes pre-disaster preparation, response during the event, and post-disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Key elements of preparedness include planning, training, early warning systems, and developing response mechanisms to minimize hazards' adverse impacts and ensure timely assistance.
The document outlines Pakistan's National Climate Change Policy of 2012. The policy provides a framework to address issues Pakistan faces from climate change. It aims to ensure climate change is mainstreamed into vulnerable sectors of the economy and guide Pakistan toward climate-resilient development. Key objectives include pursuing economic growth while integrating climate policy, focusing on adaptation, and ensuring water, food, and energy security. The policy also addresses climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in various sectors like water resources, agriculture, health, forestry and others.
Water resources of nepal- in the context of climate change 2011 by wecsBhim Upadhyaya
This document provides an overview of water resources in Nepal and how they are being impacted by climate change. It discusses Nepal's river systems and water availability. It also examines existing water usage, including irrigation, groundwater, hydropower, and water supply. The document analyzes trends showing decreasing precipitation and streamflow. Climate change is negatively impacting glaciers and snowpack and increasing risks of flooding and drought. This is affecting agriculture and livelihoods. The document concludes by recommending further research and adaptive measures to address climate change impacts on Nepal's water resources.
1. The document discusses a presentation given by Fatima Driouech on climate science and the IPCC.
2. It provides definitions of key terms like weather, climate, and climate change. It also discusses observed changes in temperature, snow and ice, and sea level rise.
3. The presentation outlines future projections for increased temperatures, sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns and more frequent/ intense extreme weather events from climate models.
Updates on the preparations of the SROCC and Working Group II contribution to...ipcc-media
The document summarizes the IPCC Sixth Assessment Cycle Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. It describes the background and purpose of the report, which is to guide adaptation activities and decision-making. It discusses the key roles of the ocean and cryosphere in the global climate system and outlines the structure of the report, which covers topics like sea level rise, marine ecosystems, and managing risks. It provides an overview of the lead author meetings that were held to develop the report.
This document provides an overview of climate change and its impacts on Tanzania. It begins with definitions of climate and climate change, explaining how human activities like burning fossil fuels have increased greenhouse gas emissions and warmed the planet. It then discusses how climate change is affecting Tanzania, highlighting risks to the agriculture-dependent economy from rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. The document outlines responses from organizations like UNEP and CAN International, as well as examples of private sector initiatives in Tanzania to mitigate climate impacts through more sustainable practices. The overall purpose is to raise awareness of climate change challenges in Tanzania and potential solutions.
Global climate change phenomena, impacts and adaptationsDevegowda S R
Climate change is caused by both natural and human factors. Increased levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere from human activities like burning fossil fuels are contributing to global warming. This is causing rising surface temperatures, changing weather patterns, and more extreme climate events. Impacts are already apparent and include melting glaciers, rising sea levels, more severe droughts and hurricanes. Agriculture and food security are seriously threatened, with lower crop yields predicted. Many developing nations are most vulnerable due to greater exposure and less ability to adapt. Mitigating further climate change requires global cooperation on reducing emissions through transitioning to renewable energy and more efficient use of resources, while adapting to impacts like sea level rise and more
Vulnerability and Adaptation of Disaster Victims, Dzul Khaimi bin Khailani, M...ESD UNU-IAS
The 2016 ProSPER.Net Leadership Programme was held in Labuan Island and Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia. The Programme included workshops, plenary sessions, and fieldwork around the topics of local sustainable development challenges in the region. The main goals of the Programme were to identify local leadership opportunities for sustainable development and to link local and national sustainable development projects to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Treaty, and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction.
The document discusses frameworks for integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in the Philippines. It outlines key policies and legislation established to mainstream these approaches into government and development planning from the national to local levels. Examples are provided of local government units that have implemented successful community-based adaptation and risk reduction projects, improving resilience to climate hazards.
Here are the questions for the small groups:
1. What are some examples of environmental changes and events that could influence migration?
2. How might people respond differently to environmental changes and events through migration?
3. What factors might influence how people respond through migration?
4. What are some challenges in understanding the links between environmental changes, events and
migration?
After each group presents, the facilitator should summarize the key points about the complex links
between environmental changes, events and migration outcomes.
Capacity Development to Support National Droughtwalled ashwah
Here are a few key points about the setting the scene section:
- Drought management has traditionally focused on crisis response rather than risk reduction through preparedness and mitigation. This reactive approach has meant countries experience impacts from one drought to the next without reducing underlying risks.
- Characteristics of drought like slow onset and lack of a universal definition make early warning, impact assessment, and response challenging. Impacts are also difficult to characterize and assess since they are non-structural and spatially widespread.
- Public perception of drought is also an issue, as the impacts are not as visually dramatic as other hazards. This can make it difficult to garner support for response efforts.
- Adopting a risk-based approach
The document summarizes key learnings from gender-responsive climate change adaptation projects supported by the Canada-UNDP Climate Change Adaptation Facility (CCAF) in six countries. It finds that addressing food security, water access, unpaid care work, control over resources, participation in decision-making, and the needs of vulnerable groups are important for effective adaptation. Projects in the countries increased food production and incomes by supporting women farmers, collective vegetable plots, and income diversification. They also strengthened water access while promoting women's leadership in water management groups. Initiatives that reduced women's unpaid care work burdens, such as providing fuel or processing technologies, allowed reallocation of time to more productive roles. Overall, the research demonstrates that empower
Australia’s food and land use system faces
a storm of converging pressures. The world’s
population is growing, expected to reach close
to 10 billion by 2050, and will have growing and
changing demands for food and fibre. At the
same time, the accelerating impacts of climate
change present major risks for farming – without
adaptive action climate change could reduce
agricultural productivity and farmer profitability
by up to 40-60 per cent by 2060i.
Meanwhile, competing demands could reduce
the amount of land available for food production.
This includes demands for timber production,
bioenergy, and urban and industrial development.
Climate change will also have profound impacts
on natural systems2. There is an urgent need for
land management changes to reduce emissions,
sequester carbon in soils, trees and other
vegetation, and to protect, restore and build
resilience of natural systems. How will we
meet these competing demands on a limited
land resource?
Producers of food, fibre and timber manage more
than half of Australia’s landmass, and are therefore
critical to any future change in land use3.
Awareness and adoption of sustainable
practices is increasing in the face of climate
risks, unreliable weather patterns, competition
for water, consumer concerns about health,
environmental and animal welfare impacts of
farming, and increasing accountability
demands from governments. Indeed, some of
the most innovative and inspiring examples
of sustainable food production and land use
originate in Australia.
The finance sector is also beginning to shift, with
investment in sustainable land use increasing
eightfold globally in the decade to 20154, and
$4.5 trillion annual global business opportunities
from investment in sustainable food and land use
identified by 20305.
This momentum is positive. However, a barrier
to improving the sustainability of land use is
the immaturity of tools and systems to enable
adequate, consistent measurement of ‘natural
capital’. These tools are a way to value the
environment and integrate this value as part
of land management, financial and policy
decision-making.
Find here the top headlines from the IPCC's Special Report on Climate Change and Land: as summarised by CDKN for South Asian audiences - please use together with our report of the same name on www.cdkn.org/landreport and find all narratives and photo credits in our associated report.
This interim report from the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP) outlines pathways for 15 countries to achieve deep decarbonization of their energy systems and economies consistent with the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. The report finds that global CO2 emissions must decline to near zero by 2050 to stay within the remaining carbon budget for this goal. It presents preliminary results from each country's decarbonization pathway, finding opportunities across power, transport, buildings and industry to deploy low-carbon technologies at scale. Additional analysis is still needed on costs, infrastructure transitions, and policy frameworks to fully implement the pathways.
This document presents a new approach called Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management (CSDRM). It is the result of input from over 500 practitioners working in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation across Africa and Asia. The CSDRM approach identifies 12 components organized under three pillars: 1) tackle changing disaster risks and uncertainties, 2) enhance adaptive capacity, and 3) address poverty and vulnerability. The approach was developed through field research examining projects in locations such as the Mekong River region, Orissa state in India, and Sri Lanka. It was further validated through extensive consultations with national stakeholders in 10 countries. The document concludes that successful implementation of CSDRM requires investment in collaboration, partnerships, technical capacity building, and creating
Presentation by Mr. Kapila Gunarathna – Costal Ecologist
Technical Session 02: Climate Change Adaptation
Experience Sharing Forum on Climate Smart Initiatives of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Next – A blue Green Era – Conference and Exhibition 2017
16 – 17 October 2017, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Emerging global and continental political vision and agenda for addressin...TerrAfrica Partnership
This document discusses land degradation in Africa and strategies to address it. It provides background on causes and impacts of land degradation. It then summarizes recent policy responses and projects to promote land restoration and sustainable land management. Going forward, it calls for a more integrated approach aligned with Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. This includes support for nexus projects and a strengthened TerrAfrica partnership to provide technical support while respecting priorities of member states. The conclusion emphasizes the severity of land degradation challenges and the need for enhanced capacity and assistance to strengthen the African Union Commission's leadership role.
The document summarizes the activities of UNEP-IEMP in 2015. Key events include:
1) The inaugural meeting of the Science Advisory Group to provide guidance on programs and projects.
2) The annual Steering Committee meeting to review progress, approve work plans and strategies including the 10-year Flagship Program on Climate, Ecosystems and Livelihoods.
3) Various country visits, workshops and forums held throughout the year on issues relating to ecosystem management, climate change, and South-South cooperation.
Climate change adaptation means altering our behavior, systems, and—in some cases—ways of life to protect our families, our economies, and the environment in which we live from the impacts of climate change. The more we reduce emissions right now, the easier it will be to adapt to the changes we can no longer avoid.
The document is the Global Waste Management Outlook (GWMO), which provides a comprehensive assessment of global waste management. It was developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA). The GWMO analyzes trends in waste generation and management, evaluates governance and financing mechanisms, and provides policy recommendations. It finds that environmentally sound waste management is essential for sustainable development. As populations and economies grow, proper waste management will be needed to reduce impacts on the environment and human health. The GWMO recommends moving from a waste management approach to one that treats waste as a resource, using a circular economy model.
Background, sustainable development, principles of Rio Declaration, Espoo Convention, understanding difference in policy, plan, program & project, key elements of SEA, benefits of SEA.
This document provides a summary of a report on development and climate change in Tanzania, with a focus on Mount Kilimanjaro. It analyzes climate trends and scenarios for Tanzania, identifies key climate-vulnerable sectors, and assesses attention to climate issues in development plans and projects. Specifically for Mount Kilimanjaro, the document finds that while glacial retreat poses limited impacts, enhanced fire risk from rising temperatures is a serious threat, as it could replace critical cloud forests with shrubland and compromise the ecosystem's water supply. Immediate policy responses are needed to address fire prevention and management, in order to safeguard Mount Kilimanjaro's resources for the long term.
In response to Resolution 2/7 from the second session (UNEP/EA.2/RES.7) of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and reaffirmed in Resolution 4/7 from its fourth session (UNEP/EA.4/RES.7), the Global Waste Management Outlook offers an updated assessment of global waste management and an analysis of data concerning municipal solid waste management worldwide.
Find here the top headlines from the IPCC's Special Report on Climate Change and Land: as summarised by CDKN for African audiences - please use together with our report of the same name on www.cdkn.org/landreport and find all narratives and photo credits in our associated report.
Find here the top headlines from the IPCC's Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate: as summarised by CDKN for African audiences - please use together with our report of the same name on www.cdkn.org/oceanreport and find all narratives and photo credits in our associated report.
Similar to Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment UNHabitat abridged version (3) (20)
5. Contents
Acknowledgements 09
Foreword 11
Foreword 12
Glossary 13
01 Introduction 01
1.1 Cities and Climate Change 01
1.2 UN-Habitat’s Cities and Climate Change Initiative 01
02 Overview of the City 02
2.1 Introduction to Islamabad and Islamabad Capital Territory 02
2.2 Government and Planning 03
2.3 Population 04
2.4 Climate and Natural Environment 05
03 Vulnerability Assessment 06
3.1 Methodology 06
3.2 Exposure 06
3.2.1 Trends in Temperature 07
3.2.2 Trends in Precipitation 08
3.2.3 Projected Change in Temperature 2010-2099 09
3.2.4 Projected Change in Precipitation 09
3.2.5 Climate Extremes 10
6. 3.3 Sensitivity 11
3.3.1 Groundwater Level 11
3.3.2 Economic Systems and Livelihoods 12
3.3.3 Infrastructure and Urban Basic Services 12
3.3.4 Health and Education 13
3.4 Adaptive Capacity 13
3.4.1. Adaptive Capacity of Municipal and Local Development
Institutions 13
3.4.2 Adaptive Capacity at the Household and Community Level 14
04 Hotspots 15
4.1 Major Hotspots in Islamabad 15
4.2 Major Hotspots in Rawalpindi 15
05 Conclusion - Proposed Adaptation Projects 17
5.1 Proposed Projects for Waste, Sanitation, Rainwater and
Carbon Sequestration 17
5.2 Proposed Projects for Energy Conservation 18
5.3 Proposed Projects for Planning, Institutions and Policy 19
5.4 Proposed Projects in Other Sectors 20
5.5 Medium- to Long-term Considerations 20
List of Figures
Figure 1. Master plan of Islamabad Capital Territory 03
Figure 2. Assessment framework 06
Figure 3. Spatial segmentation of the Islamabad Capital Territory 06
Figure 4. Change in annual average temperature in Islamabad 1961-2010 07
Figure 5. Average annual precipitation in both grids over 1960-2010 08
Figure 6. Projected precipitation in Grid II through to 2040 09
Figure 7. Climate change hotspots in Islamabad and Rawalpindi 16
List of Tables
Table 1. Key facts of Islamabad Capital Territory 02
Table 2. Mean temperature and precipitation in Islamabad Capital Territory 07
Table 3. Precipitation in both grids over 1961-2010 08
Table 4. Projected temperature changes for both grids 2020s-2080s 09
Table 5. Days of more than 100 mm of rain in Islamabad 2001-2012 10
Table 6. Then months of maximum rainfall over 2001-2012 in Islamabad 10
Table 7. Days when the temperature exceeded 44° centigrade in Islamabad 11
Table 8. Adaptive capacity at the household level in Islamabad 14
7. We highly commend Mr Raja Hasan Abbas, former Secretary
of the Climate Change Division, Government of Pakistan,
for his excellent leadership, support and guidance during
the development of this important pilot initiative. We would
also like to express our sincere gratitude to Ms Rukshana
Saleem, current Secretary of the Climate Change Division,
Government of Pakistan, for her support in completing this
work and for her leadership in taking it forward. The overall
advice of the members of the Steering Committee for suc-
cessfully concluding this pilot initiative is also appreciated.
We are also grateful to Mr Irfan Tariq, Director General of
the Climate Change Division, who operationalised this pi-
lot initiative and coordinated with partners in the collection,
collation, consultation and conclusion of the report. We are
also grateful for the support of Mr Irfan Tariq’s team, namely
Mr Zia-ul-Islam, Director for Policy, Mr Fayaz Memon, Depu-
ty Director, and Mr Tayyab Shahzad, Sustainable Land Man-
agement Project, for their commitment and zeal in organiz-
ing and managing this work in such a timely and efficient
manner.
Special thanks are due to members of the technical working
group for their invaluable contributions. Special gratitude
is extended to the Global Change Impact Studies Centre
(GCISC), Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commis-
sion (SUPARCO), Pakistan Meteorological Department
(PMD), Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad
Capital Territory Administration (ICTA), and Capital Admin-
Acknowledgements
istration Development Division (CADD). In particular, we
would like to thank the nominated focal persons of these
agencies who provided timely and quality data, analysis and
advice. Our appreciation in this respect goes to Mr Muham-
mad Munir Sheikh, Chief Climatology Unit of GCISC and his
team members Mr Shahbaz Mehmood and Mr Naeem Man-
zoor; Mr Rahmat Ullah Jilani, Director, Earth Sciences, and Dr
Hussain H. Razvi, SUPARCO; Mr Muhammad Aleemul Has-
san Ramay, Deputy Director, National Weather Forecasting
Centre; Dr. Muhammad Afzaal, Deputy Director, PMD; Mr
Ali Kazim Syed, Director Disaster Risk Reduction, CDA; Mr
Shafique Ali Siddiqui, former Director Planning, CDA; and
Dr Muhammad Amjad Malik, Deputy Director, ICTA; and Mr
Rafique Tahir, Joint Secretary/Joint Education Advisor, CADD.
The contributions of Mr Ahmad Kamal, Member Disaster
Risk Reduction of the National Disaster Management Au-
thority (NDMA) are also deeply acknowledged.
This report would not have been possible without the gener-
ous support of UN-Habitat Cities and Climate Change Initia-
tive (CCCI) for Asia-Pacific, and the UN-Habitat Regional Of-
fice for Asia and Pacific (ROAP). Special thanks are extended
to Mr Bruno Dercon, Senior Human Settlements Officer and
Mr Bernhard Barth, Human Settlements Officer, UN-Habitat
ROAP; Ms Maria Adelaida Cea, Regional Coordinator for
UN-Habitat CCCI in Asia-Pacific; and Mr. Liam Fee, Sustain-
able Urban Development Advisor, UN-Habitat, ROAP.
8.
9. Climate change is severely impacting many countries around
the world and Pakistan is no exception. With its largely arid
geographical profile and resource scarcity the country is
particularly vulnerable. From 1929-2005, the return period
of disasters has become shorter, reducing from 56 years in
1929 to only 5 years in 2005. The country is susceptible to a
wide range of hazards including landslides, floods, droughts
and cyclones. The Global Climate Change Vulnerability In-
dex (CCVI) compiled by Maplecroft ranked Pakistan as the
29th most vulnerable country over 2009-2010, and the 16th
most vulnerable over 2010-11.
The Federal Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister of Paki-
stan, instructed the Climate Change Division (CCD), Gov-
ernment of Pakistan, to undertake an assessment of climate
change vulnerability factors. The decision first required a
pilot assessment for Islamabad, to be followed by other
cities. With the support of UN-Habitat, the CCD set up a
system to assess Islamabad’s vulnerability to climate change
and determine how improved planning could support cli-
mate-resilient development. Through the Cities and Climate
Change Initiative, operating in over 30 cities in 15 countries
in Asia and the Pacific, UN-Habitat has gathered experience
in climate-resilient urban planning. The Cities and Climate
Change Initiative seeks to develop, adapt and provide meth-
odologies for urban resilience to city managers and practi-
tioners.
Foreword
The Climate Change Division established a steering com-
mittee to oversee the initiative. For guidance and advice, a
6-member technical working group (TWG) was established
consisting of officials from the Capital Development Author-
ity (CDA), Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA),
the Capital Administration Development Division (CADD),
Global Change Impact Studies Centre, Upper Space Atmo-
spheric Research Commission, Pakistan Meteorological De-
partment. We are grateful to the members of the steering
committee and the TWG for providing excellent general and
technical oversight to the development of the vulnerability
assessment. We have separately acknowledged the excellent
work of the steering committee, the TWG and colleagues
from CCD working on this initiative.
The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Study is in
your hands. The next steps of mainstreaming the identified
project as a result of the assessment are now being un-
dertaken. We are grateful to the heads of CDA, ICTA and
CADD for supporting this climate-smart planning initiative
and contributing to a climate-resilient Islamabad. We hope
that city managers, planners, academics and members of
civil society will all find this study useful for understanding
the causes of climate change and its implications for coming
generations in Islamabad, as well as for other cities in Paki-
stan. We also hope that the city managers of CDA, ICTA and
CADD will work with continued zeal and dedication to ad-
dress climate change in their planning and implementation
of development projects.
Rukshana Saleem
Secretary to the Government of Pakistan
Climate Change Division
Islamabad
10. Through its Climate Change Division (CCD), the Government
of Pakistan has undertaken an excellent initiative to assess
climate change vulnerability in Islamabad and the Islamabad
Capital Territory (ICT). The city authorities of Islamabad Cap-
ital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Capital Terri-
tory Administration (ICTA) and Capital Administration and
Development Division (CADD) have admirably supported the
implementation of this new initiative.
This study are largely based on secondary data and informa-
tion gathered from a range of sources. The work of Pakistan
Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, Global
Change Impact Studies Centre and Pakistan Meteorological
Department was critical to the success of this study and the
support of these organisations through their focal persons
is commendable. In order to produce the study, vulnerability
assessment tools first tested in Sorsogon, Philippines, have
been utilized in Islamabad. The coordinated effort of all six
participating Pakistani institutions and this outcome study is
a significant achievement for the country.
The main findings of the assessment reveal marked chang-
es in the intensity, frequency and variability of temperature,
Foreword
precipitation and floods. In response to these findings, the
study proposes 14 planning interventions for improving the
climate-resilience of Islamabad. The study also provides rec-
ommendations for institutional arrangements which support
coordinated and effective implementation of the 14 plan-
ning interventions. We hope the analyses and recommen-
dations which this study contains will provide a foundation
for the city authorities of CDA, ICTA and CADD in advancing
climate-resilient planning and in creating a climate-resilient
Islamabad.
UN-Habitat sincerely appreciates the leadership and support
provided by CCD, especially Mr Raja Hasan Abbas, Secretary,
CCD, in initiating this Climate Change Vulnerability Assess-
ment in Islamabad and ICTA. Similarly, UN-Habitat appreci-
ates the effort of Mr Jawed Ali Khan, CCCI Specialist, who
spearheaded the effort from UN-Habitat Pakistan. UN-Hab-
itat is proud to present this study jointly with CCD for city
planners and decisions makers. We hope that it will enable
city authorities in Islamabad to lead the way in climate-resil-
ient planning in Islamabad city. We also hope that city man-
agers and planners from other Pakistani cities which are vul-
nerable to climate change will find this a replicable model of
city-level climate change assessment and adaptive planning.
Bella Evidente
Country Programme Manager a.i.
UN-Habitat Pakistan
11. Adaptive capacity
Adaptive capacity is the degree to which people, places, in-
stitutions and sectors are able to adapt and become more re-
silient to climate change impacts. It also identifies the extent
to which the responsible institutions are capable of handling
an emergency situation and the time they take to respond to
a disaster situation. As defined by the IPCC, adaptive capac-
ity describes the ability of a system to adjust to actual or ex-
pected climate stresses, or to cope with the consequences.
Exposure
Exposure relates to the degree of climate stress on a particu-
lar unit of analysis. It may be represented as either long-term
change in climate conditions, or by changes in climate vari-
ability, including the magnitude and frequency of extreme
events. It considers both current and projected changes
based on a review of historic and current climate informa-
tion (precipitation, temperature, extreme weather events)
and projected climate scenarios. It also identifies primary im-
pacts (increased precipitation, temperature, frequency and
intensity of storms) and secondary impacts (flooding, ground
water depletion, landslides and slope failures) including their
current and future magnitude and frequency.
Heat wave
The World Meteorological Organization defines a heat wave
as five or more consecutive days during which the tempera-
ture exceeds the average maximum temperature by 5° cen-
tigrade. The average maximum temperature is measured in
reference to the period 1961–1990.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the degree to which exposed people, places,
institutions and sectors are impacted by climate change to-
day and the degree to which they could be impacted in the
future. As with exposure, impacts could be primary (change
in city water supply due to decreases in precipitation as a re-
sult of climate change) or secondary (slope failure and land-
slides due to more intense and longer precipitation events).
Sensitivity refers to the degree to which a system is affected,
either adversely or beneficially, by climate-related stimuli.
Glossary
Smog
Smog is the suspension of particulate matter in air, inten-
sified by smoke or other atmospheric pollutants. In Islam-
abad, pollutants are usually emitted from brick kilns, facto-
ries, transport systems, and power plants. Smog is produced
through a complex set of photochemical reactions involving
volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides that result
in the production of ozone.
Urban heat island
An urban heat island occurs when a metropolitan area be-
comes significantly warmer than its surrounding rural area.
This is due primarily to human activities pursued in the met-
ropolitan area. As urban areas develop, changes occur in
their landscape: buildings, roads, and other infrastructure
replace open land and vegetation and surfaces that were
once permeable and moist become impermeable and dry.
These changes cause urban regions to become warmer than
their rural surroundings, forming an island of higher tem-
peratures as compared to the surrounding landscape.
Vulnerability
Refers to the degree to which people, places, institutions
and sectors are susceptible to and unable to cope with cli-
mate change impacts and hazards. Vulnerability is general-
ly understood as a function of a range of biophysical and
socio-economic factors, commonly aggregated into three
components that include an estimate of the above elements
namely (adaptive) capacity, sensitivity, and exposure to cli-
mate variability and change.
12.
13. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 01
Introduction
01
The population of urban areas around the world con-
tinues to rise. In 2008, for the first time in history, the
percentage of the global human population residing
in urban areas passed 50 per cent. Urbanisation brings
many benefits such as increased job and education
opportunities, economic diversification and cultur-
al activity. However, unplanned urban growth is also
leading to challenges. In many cities, public services
and infrastructure are heavily strained, urban ecosys-
tems are polluted, streets are congested and informal
settlements are widespread.
In many urban areas, climate change is already ex-
acerbating and compounding existing inequalities,
vulnerabilities and socio-economic development chal-
lenges, and highlighting the need for proactive cli-
mate change adaptation. Already the frequency and
intensity of urban floods is increasing, due to higher
and more intense rainfall as well as poor drainage and
degraded or destroyed waterways in urban areas. As
climate change continues, increasingly serious floods
are expected. Similarly, droughts are affecting food
production in rural areas, which impacts urban popu-
lations, especially poorer and marginalised communi-
ties. Coastal cities are especially threatened by mean
sea level rise. In this way, climate change is already
affecting millions of people worldwide.
1.1 1.2Cities and Climate
Change
UN-Habitat’s Cities
and Climate Change
Initiative
It is in response to this that the United Nations Human
Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) established the
Cities and Climate Change Initiative (CCCI). The CCCI
is a global programme that aims to promote climate
change mitigation and adaptation in urban areas in
developing countries. It supports pro-poor innovative
approaches to climate change policies and strategies.
As such it builds on UN-Habitat’s skills and experience
in promoting sustainable urban development.
In Asia-Pacific, the CCCI has three key objectives.
These are:
• To build the capacities of at least 50 cities in at least
15 countries in the region and to prepare and imple-
ment comprehensive climate change strategies and
action plans;
• To integrate good climate responsive urban develop-
ment practices into national policies, strategies and
legislative reform;
• To establish a CCCI regional partners’ advocacy,
knowledge management, capacity building and net-
working platform.
Islamabad is the first city in Pakistan where CCCI is
active. This report is based on a comprehensive doc-
ument entitled: Climate Change Vulnerability Assess-
ment of Islamabad.
14. Cities and Climate Change Initiative02
Overview of the City
02
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan. It is located in
the northeast of the country, on the Potohar Plateau
and ranges of between 457-610 m above sea level.
Unlike other cities in Pakistan, Islamabad is a planned
Source: UN-Habitat
Table 1. Key facts of Islamabad Capital Territory
2.1 Introduction to Islam-
abad and Islamabad
Capital Territory
Population 1998 (last census)
Population 2011 (last projection)
Area
Urban
Rural
Total
Sex ratio (males per 100 females)
Average household size
Literacy rate
Male
Female
Average annual growth rate (1981-98)
Total housing units
Number of registered vehicles
Mauzas
city. The site for the city was designated in 1959 and
the city was ‘opened’ in 1963.
Islamabad itself is made up of 505 km2
of urban land
and 401 km2
of rural land. The city is located within
the wider Islamabad Capital Territory which includes
the 906 km2
of Islamabad as well as a further 3626
km2
of land known as the ‘Specified Area’. The Spec-
ified Area includes the Margalla Hills to the north and
northeast, much of which is a national park.
805,235
1.7 million
505 km2
401 km2
906 km2
117
6.2 persons
62.5 %
75.1 %
48.8 %
5.2 %
219,076
520,000
132
15. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 03
Source: UN-Habitat
Figure 1. Master plan of Islamabad Capital Territory
2.2 Government and
Planning
Upon choosing Islamabad as the site of the new cap-
ital city in 1959, the government commissioned Dox-
iadis Associates, a Greek firm, to prepare the master
plan for the new city. The master plan sought to en-
sure that the city would develop in harmony with its
surrounding area. The master plan divides the metro-
politan region into three zones: Islamabad itself (Zone
1); the national park area (Zone 2); and Rawalpindi
and its surrounding cantonment (Zone 3). The Margal-
la Hills National Park is intended to act as a limit to the
northward extension of the city.
Further to this, Islamabad city itself is also divided into
zones (see Figure 1 below). Zone IV is the largest in
area while Zone I is the principal residential area cov-
ering 222 km2
. Each residential sector within Zone I
is identified by a letter of the alphabet and a number
and covers an area of approximately 4 km2
. Zone II
covers 40 km2
and consists of the under-developed
residential sectors. Zone III covers 204 km2
, Zone IV
covers 283 km2
and Zone V covers 158 km2
Under the master plan, Islamabad was designed as
a linear city with a grid arrangement of sectors and
straight, intersecting roads. Each sector was expect-
ed to be a ‘human community’ and provided with
self-sufficient utilities and amenities at the neighbour-
hood level. The master plan also provides a network of
service centres with decentralised activities at neigh-
bourhood and sector levels. Similarly, the plan pro-
vides a range of open spaces for leisure, recreational
E-11
E-9
F-11
G-11G-11
G-13 H-11
I-11
F-10
F-9
F-8
F-7
F-6 F-5
G-10
G-9
G-8
G-5
G-6
G-7
H-12
H-13
1-12
1-13
1-14
H-10
H-9
H-8
1-10
1-9
1-8
ZONE 2
ZONE 1
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
ZONE 5
Diplomatic
Enclave
Rawal
Lake
AreaSports
Complex
Shahzad
Town
Khana
Pul
Islam
abad
Expressway
Nilan Nallah
Korang Nala
Korang Tributary
Korang River Tributary
Korang River
Soan River
CDA
Scheme
N Water Channel
Waterbay
Main Road
Urban Area
Sectors
Zone Boundary
KHAYBAN-E-IQBAL
KHAYBAN-E-QUAID-E-AZAM
SHAHRAH-E-KASHMIR
PRINCIPAL ROAD
16. Cities and Climate Change Initiative04
2.3 Population
In 1998, the year of the last census, Islamabad’s pop-
ulation was 805,235 with 434,239 men and 370,996
women. The urban population of the city was 529,180
while the rural population was 276,055. The average
annual population growth rate from 1981-1989 was
5.2 per cent. In 2011, the population was projected to
have reached 1.7 million. Ethnically, Islamabad is the
most diverse metropolis in the country with communi-
ties from all of Pakistan’s major ethnic groups.
Based on 1998 data, almost 60 per cent of the pop-
ulation is aged 15–64. About 3 per cent of the pop-
ulation is above 65 years old and almost 38 per cent
is younger than 15. Islamabad has the highest literacy
rate in Pakistan at 73 per cent. The city has a labour
pool of about 185,000 people, while the unemploy-
ment rate at the household level is 12 per cent. Pop-
ulation density is around 889 people per km2
. The
city has the largest foreign population in the country.
The city is also growing as a business and commercial
centre, which attracts a large highly-skilled workforce
from other major cities including Karachi, Lahore and
Quetta. All of the country's diplomatic ties are main-
tained and exercised from Islamabad, as all major em-
bassies, consulates, missions and Pakistan’s Foreign
Office operate from the city.
farming and model villages. The largest of these open
spaces is the protected Margalla Hills National Park,
which contains diverse flora and fauna.
The administrative boundaries of the city and district
were set by the Capital Development Authority Ordi-
nance of 1960. This same ordinance also assigned the
management of the capital area, including the nearby
city of Rawalpindi, to the Capital Development Au-
thority. However, subsequent legislation has seen the
creation of new managing institutions, meaning there
are currently three main agencies charged with some
aspect of development administration in Islamabad:
• Capital Development Authority
Under the Capital Development Authority Ordinance
1960, the Capital Development Authority has the
power to perform all functions required to implement
the master plan. The Capital Development Authority
works under the Cabinet Division of the national gov-
ernment and is mainly tasked with land management,
development control and the provision of municipal
services.
• Islamabad Capital Territory Administration
In 1980, the Islamabad Capital Territory Order creat-
ed the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration in
1981 as a provincial government tasked with the ad-
ministration of the overall Islamabad Capital Territory
area, which includes Islamabad. Management of rural
areas was transferred from the Capital Development
Authority to the Islamabad Capital Territory Adminis-
tration. In this way, Islamabad Capital Territory Admin-
istration manages the majority of the rural areas and
Capital Development Authority continues to manage
the urban area. However, there is still substantial ju-
risdictional overlap and as a result, policy implemen-
tation and zoning enforcement have deteriorated and
illegal encroachments and incompatible land-uses
proliferated. The Islamabad Capital Territory Adminis-
tration is mandated to administer matters relating to
land, revenues, food, law and order, civil defence, co-
operatives, transportation, population, housing, wom-
en’s development, labour, social security and some in-
frastructure, mainly in rural areas.
• Capital Administration and Development Division
A new division named Capital Administration and
Development Division was created in March 2011,
following a Constitutional Amendment. The division
was vested with the mandate to execute, within the
jurisdiction of the Islamabad Capital Territory, all such
functions handled by the abolished ministries and divi-
sions and such other functions as allocated to it from
time to time. As such, the Capital Administration and
Development Division was conceived to be the sole
administrative agency for service delivery in education,
health and special education sectors within Islamabad
Capital Territory.
18. Cities and Climate Change Initiative06
Vulnerability Assessment
03
This assessment used a participatory process to exam-
ine Islamabad’s exposure, sensitivity and adaptive ca-
pacity in terms of climate change. It utilised projected
climate scenarios, as well as data and community ac-
counts of past extreme climate events. In line with the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth
Assessment Report, in this assessment exposure is de-
fined as the degree of climate stress and is character-
ized as a change in climate conditions or variability,
including the magnitude and frequency of extreme
events. Sensitivity is defined by the extent to which
a system is affected, either positively or negatively, by
climate stimuli. Adaptive capacity relates to the ability
of a system to alter itself to adapt to actual or pre-
dicted climate stresses, or the ability to cope with the
consequences. Vulnerability is therefore a function of
exposure + sensitivity - adaptive capacity.
3.1 Methodology
Figure 3. Spatial segmentation of the Islamabad Capital Territory
72.5O
E
33.4O
N
33.5O
N
33.6O
N
33.7O
N
33.8O
N
33.9O
N
34.0O
N
34.1O
N
34.2O
N
34.3O
N
34.4O
N
72.6O
E 72.7O
E 72.8O
E
Grid 1 Grid 2
72.9O
E 73.0O
E 73.1O
E 73.2O
E 73.3O
E 73.4O
E 73.5O
E 73.6O
E
Fatheh Jang
Hassan Abdal Khanpur
Rawalpindi
Islamabad
Rawat
Murree
Haripur
Kakul Garhi Dupatta
Muzaffarabad
The vulnerability assessment segmented the Islam-
abad Capital Territory area into two large grids (see
Figure 3 below). Grid I corresponds to 33.5–34.0° N
72.5–73.0° E and Grid II corresponds to 33.5–34.0° N
73.0–73.5° E. Islamabad and Rawalpindi are located
within Grid II.
Figure 2: Assessment framework
Source: UN-Habitat
19. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 07
The assessment of Islamabad’s exposure focuses on
temperature and rainfall. In general, over 1991-2010,
temperatures across the Islamabad Capital Territory
rose at almost double the average global rate. Future
temperatures are expected to increase and become
3.2 Exposure more variable. Over recent decades, rainfall also in-
creased in Islamabad Capital Territory, though not uni-
formly due to increasing variability of hydro-meteoro-
logical events. Similarly, the frequency and intensity of
hydro-meteorological events are expected to increase
over upcoming decades. These trends can be seen in
Table 2 below.
Table 2. Mean temperature and precipitation in Islamabad Capital Territory
Figure 4. Change in annual average temperature in Islamabad 1961-2010
3.2.1 Trends in Temperature
Comparing temperatures over 1961-90 and 1990-
2010, it is clear that the Islamabad Capital Territory
has become warmer. This is particularly the case for
Grid II. While temperatures in both Grid I and Grid II
have warmed since the base period 1961-1990, Grid II
Jun - Sep
Oct - Nov
Dec - Mar
Apr - May
Year average
Monsoon
Post-monsoon
Winter
Pre-monsoon
1961 – 1990
29.1
19.4
12.7
25
21.3
1961 – 2010
29.1
19.6
13
25.4
21.6
1961 – 1990
737.3
47.1
251.9
101.1
1142.1
1961 – 2010
781.8
45.8
253.6
95.2
1176.3
has warmed more (see Figure 4 below). Over the time
period in the dataset, the average temperature has in-
creased by about 1° centigrade in Grid I and by more
than 3° centigrade in Grid II. The average temperature
for both grids shows a notable decline leading up to
1990 followed by a significant rise between 1990 and
2010.
Period Season Temperature Rainfall
Source: UN-Habitat
Source: UN-Habitat
(mean °C) (total mm)
1960
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
20.0
22.0
24.0
26.0
1963
1966
1969
1972
1975
1978
1981
1984
1987
1990
1993
1996
1999
2002
2005
2008
Grid 1
Grid 2
20. Cities and Climate Change Initiative08
Source: UN-Habitat
Source: UN-Habitat
Figure 5. Average annual precipitation in both grids over 1960-2010
3.2.2 Trends in Precipitation
During the period from1961 to 2010, quantities of
rainfall also increased. Over 1961-1990, rainfall in-
creased markedly in both grids, both in terms of annu-
al average and across almost all seasons in both grids
(with the exception of summer in Grid I). However,
over 1990-2010 the rate of increase in rainfall slowed
and in some cases even decreased slightly. In this way,
while the overall pattern is one of a moderate increase
in rain, the recent trend has been towards decreasing
rain. In addition, variability has increased significant-
ly in recent years. This means that within the context
of a slight overall increase in precipitation there can
be both extended dry spells, leading to droughts, and
more intense rainfall, which can lead to flood.
Table 3. Precipitation in both grids over 1961-2010
169.3
99.1
Total annual rainfall shows an increase of around 99
mm for Grid 1, and 58.6 mm for Grid II. The high-
est recorded precipitation was 1557 mm in 1976, and
124.4
114.3
67.0
36.4
-57.6
-46.2
5.8
-4.3
146.2
73.3
101.2
48.2
61.5
48.9
8.2
-48.9
Annual
Monsoon
(JJAS
Annual
Monsoon
(JJAS
Annual
Winter
(DJFM)
Annual
Winter
(DJFM)
Annual
Summer
(AM)
Annual
Summer
(AM)
Annual
Post-mon-
soon
(ON)
Annual
Post-mon-
soon
(ON)
Grid 1 Grid 2
1961-1990
1961-2010
Annual
the lowest was 582 mm in 2009. This means that the
level of rainfall is highly unpredictable and can vary
greatly from year to year.
1960
200.0
400.0
600.0
800.0
1000.0
1200.0
1400.0
1600.0
1800.0
2000.0
1963
1966
1969
1972
1975
1978
1981
1984
1987
1990
1993
1996
1999
2002
2005
2008
Grid 1
Grid 2
(Linear) Grid 1
(Linear) Grid 2
21. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 09
Source: UN-Habitat
Source: UN-Habitat
Figure 6. Projected precipitation in Grid II through to 2040*
Table 4. Projected temperature changes for both grids 2020s-2080s
Annual mean
temperature trend in
degrees centigrade
3.2.3 Projected Change in Temperature
2010-2099
Temperatures are projected to continue to increase.
Both Grid I and II show almost identical projected
temperature change over the short and long-term fu-
ture. Over the short-term (until 2039), a temperature
change of 0.7°C and continued substantial deviation
around the mean are clearly identifiable. Over the
longer-term (until 2069), the projected temperature
change reaches 2.2°C. This is higher than the 2°C limit
that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
has identified as the point beyond which ecological
systems (and human systems by extension) may be-
come severely disrupted.
3.2.4 Projected Change in Precipitation
Rainfall projections for both grids show a slight annual
increases through to 2040. Projections also show in-
creasing variability. Projections through to 2100 show
a levelling off and possibly a slight decline in rainfall
relative to 2040 levels. The overall increase in average
rainfall, even if minimal, when coupled with increas-
ing variability and broader patterns of urban growth,
mean that urban flooding is likely to become an in-
creasingly severe problem.
0.7 2.2 1.8 0.7 2.2 1.7
2020s
(2010-2039)
2020s
(2010-2039)
2050s
(2040-2069)
2050s
(2040-2069)
2080s
(2070-2099)
2080s
(2070-2099)
Grid 1 Grid 2
A2 emissions
Scenario*
2010
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
2015
2020
2025
2030
2035
2040
y = 0.0075
x = 12.405
Change = 0.22mm
Precipitation(mm)
22. Cities and Climate Change Initiative10
3.2.5 Climate Extremes
Islamabad is also exposed to extremes of climate,
both in terms of temperature and rainfall . On 23 July,
2001, Islamabad received 620 mm of rainfall in 10
Table 5. Days of more than 100 mm of rain in Islamabad 2001-2012
Table 6. Then months of maximum rainfall over 2001-2012 in Islamabad
hours - the heaviest rainfall in 24 hours anywhere in
Pakistan during the past 100 years. Over 2001-2012,
there have been 7 days when over 100 mm of rain fell
(see Table 5).
Date Rainfall (mm)
Month Rainfall (mm) Month Rainfall (mm)
Similarly, there have been months of extreme rain fall.
The ten months of maximum rainfall over 2001-2012
are shown in Table 6.
24 July, 2001
18 February, 2003
4 September, 2003
7 August, 2004
6 July, 2008
3 September, 2012
13 July, 2006
July 2001
July 2008
July 2006
August 2006
July 2003
620
105
169
135
128
161
138
1039
531
510
416
407
Source: UN-Habitat
Source: UN-Habitat
August 2007
August 2002
September 2012
August 2004
July 2007
38
360
355
313
295
23. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 11
Table 7. Days when the temperature exceeded 44° centigrade in Islamabad
Date Rainfall (mm)
Along with rainfall, there have been extremes of tem-
perature. Over 1961-1990, the hottest temperature
recorded was 46°C in June 2005. Over 1993-2012,
there were eleven days when the temperature exceed-
ed 44°C.
Islamabad’s sensitivity to climate change is linked to a
number of factors. These are:
3.3.1 Groundwater Level
Groundwater in Islamabad is being depleted. This is
linked to the unsustainable use of water, increased
ground water extraction and reduced water percola-
tion in soil due to urban expansion and increases in
population. On average, groundwater is depleting at
the rate of 1.7 metres per year. A maximum 20 metres
3.3 Sensitivity drop in groundwater level was noticed in Gulshanabad
Mohallah. The drop in groundwater level correlates
positively with the density of the distribution of wells
in the area.
This not only makes groundwater harder to extract
but also decreases the ability of ecosystems in and
around Islamabad and the Islamabad Capital Terrirory
to utilise groundwater for their survival. Meanwhile,
an extended dry season, especially coupled with in-
creasingly rapid extraction (and thus greater depth) of
groundwater means that ecosystems may struggle to
survive.
24 June, 2005
17 June, 2007
12 May, 2001
16 June, 2007
9 June, 2002
22 June, 2005
28 June, 2009
23 June, 2005
22 June, 2012
7 May, 2005
21 June, 2010
46.6
46.1
45.7
45.3
45.0
45.0
44.6
44.5
44.5
44.4
44.2
Source: UN-Habitat
24. Cities and Climate Change Initiative12
3.3.2 Economic Systems and Livelihoods
Due to substandard housing and a lack of basic urban
services, the urban poor are greatly affected by ex-
treme climate events linked to climate change. Also,
wage labourers and vendors find the duration of their
working day reduced during extreme weather events.
Similarly, collecting fuel (wood) and water for daily use
is made more difficult in extreme weather conditions.
The urban poor in Islamabad share common charac-
teristics which render them especially sensitive to cli-
mate change. These include:
• Living in marginal areas and slums such as the French
Colony, and settlements along streams and natural
drains such as those in sectors F-6, F-7, Bari Imam
and Saidpur Village;
• Inhabiting temporary settlements and transit camps
formed of internally displaced persons and refugees.
A total of 81,000 individuals live in slums, informal
settlements and transit camps in Islamabad;
• Commonly residing in areas without proper drinking
water and sanitation facilities.
A number of climate change hazards affect agricul-
tural production, which in turn has a negative impact
on wealth and livelihoods. About 50 per cent of the
rural population of Islamabad Capital Territory earn
their livelihood from livestock and dairy farming. Oth-
er sources of livelihood include the service sector, dai-
ly wage earners and real estate. Islamabad does not
have an irrigation network which means that farming
is dependent on rain. As a result, the rural population
of Islamabad Capital Territory practices subsistence
farming. This population will be the most severely and
immediately impacted by floods, droughts, heat stress
and declining air quality as all these hazards prevent
crops from growing and can kill existing crops and live-
stock. Such impacts on agricultural production have a
secondary impact on food prices in the urban area,
as decreased supply of food results in higher prices,
adversely impacting the poor, women and daily wage
earners. Similarly, cottage industries around Islam-
abad, which range from honeybee keeping to embroi-
dery and mainly employ the urban poor, are adversely
affected by electricity shortages. Education and health
facilities are also affected by extreme climate events.
3.3.3 Infrastructure and Urban Basic
Services
The quality and capacity of infrastructure and basic
services affect the sensitivity of people, communities
and institutions to climate change. Elements include:
• Drinking water supply
The quality of drinking water in Islamabad Capital
Territory varies greatly. In some areas drinking wa-
ter is contaminated by industrial and hospital waste.
Many drinking water sources are unfit for human
consumption.
• Drainage
The city has long relied on natural waterways, such
as streams, to provide drainage. However, because
waterways are increasingly disturbed and/or covered
over, drainage becomes an increasingly critical issue.
The frequency and intensity of floods is likely to in-
crease because streams in the catchment area of the
Nullah Lai are being disrupted by commercial and
residential development.
• Sanitation
Sanitation in the urban areas of Islamabad is better
than in the rural areas. However, sanitation in the
slums and transit camps located in Zones I and II is
poor and worsens during the monsoon.
• Solid waste
More than 80 per cent of municipal solid waste is
collected by the Capital Development Authority. A
significant proportion of the city’s solid waste is col-
lected and sold to the cement industry for use as
fuel.
• Transportation
Land in Sector I8 was originally designated as the
site for a central transport terminal, including rail
and road transportation and warehousing, has been
consumed for residential purposes. This has de-
prived the city of an essential transportation facility.
As a result, the city lacks a mass transit system and
is totally dependent on private vehicles, taxis and
minivans. However, government plans are currently
underway to build an elevated bus rapid transit sys-
tem.
• Housing
Housing in slums, temporary settlements and other
informal densely-populated areas is particularly sen-
25. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 13
sitive to flooding. In many cases, the poor are driven
to areas that are likely to flood because these areas
are cheap or unoccupied. However, in severe floods,
such as that of 2001, even residents of planned ur-
ban areas within and outside the Nullah Lai’s imme-
diate lower basin are likely to be affected.
3.3.4 Health and Education
The increasing number of respiratory, skin and eye
diseases, as well as water-borne diseases, such as di-
arrhoea, malaria and dengue, in Islamabad suggest
the increasing impact of climate change on human
health. Areas with weak health infrastructure (such as
the rural periphery of Islamabad) are often the most
seriously affected. Similarly, extremes of temperature
are increasing the incidence of health problems like
heat stroke and dehydration leading to death and an
increased social and economic burden on the poor.
Increases in the frequency and severity of extreme
weather events such as storms increase the risk of
dangerous flooding, mostly in the Nullah Lai and its
basin areas as far as Rawalpindi.
The impacts of climate change on human health de-
pend on many factors. These include the effective-
ness of a community's public health and safety pro-
grammes; the behaviour, age, gender, and economic
status of the individuals affected; the sensitivity of
populations; the extent and length of exposure to cli-
mate change hazards; and society's overall ability to
adapt to change. Extreme weather events are causing
injury and in some cases death. During a heat wave,
children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and the
poor are most at risk. Climate extremes are also lead-
ing to a reduction in the availability of fresh food and
water. Further, extreme climate events are interrupting
communication, utility, and health care services.
In education, schools in slums and poor settlements
lack resilient buildings and proper infrastructure.
During extreme weather events, teaching is disrupted
and children are not able to complete the curriculum
and courses as planned. As a result, educational devel-
opment is likely to be affected especially in the poorest
and most flood-prone areas. This is due to a number
of factors – access to school and scheduled classes
being the most obvious, but also increased rates of
disease, poorer nutrition and lower family livelihoods
also affect educational attainment.
3.4 Adaptive Capacity
While significant gaps in adaptive capacity remain,
people and institutions in Islamabad have effectively
adopted some adaptation measures to protect them-
selves against the adverse effects of extreme climate
events and climate change more generally. These are
outlined below.
3.4.1. Adaptive Capacity of Municipal
and Local Development Institutions
At the institutional level, different development man-
agement agencies exhibit a range of adaptive needs
including:
• Capital Administration Development Division is a
newly established institution. Currently, the agen-
cy’s staff lack the required capacity to deal with
the effects, impacts and adaptation and mitigation
measures of climate change. There is no unit within
the agency dedicated to climate change.
• Capital Development Authority does not have a sec-
tion addressing the impacts and effects of climate
change. However, following the 2005 earthquake
and Marriot fire, the Emergency and Disaster Man-
agement Directorate was established in 2008. The
Directorate seeks to be a fully equipped, proactive
disaster mitigation and response unit. The Capital
Development Authority has also recently launched
a sophisticated Urban Search and Rescue team.
The Capital Development Authority staff have not
been properly trained to address climate change in
Islamabad. Similarly, Capital Development Authori-
ty legislation, such as building bylaws and planning
regulations, do not consider climate change.
• Islamabad Capital Territory Administration lacks a
technical unit dedicated to climate change issues
and environmental management more broadly. The
major institutional challenges which Islamabad Cap-
ital Territory Administration faces include a lack of
technical capacity to develop and enforce building
controls and town planning regulations and a lack
of technical capacity to deal with climate change
and environmental challenges.
26. Cities and Climate Change Initiative14
3.4.2 Adaptive Capacity at the Household
and Community Level
A number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
in Islamabad work with communities to create
community-based organisations (CBOs) which are
tasked with specific activities. One such NGO, the Na-
tional Rural Support Programme, has formed 7,600
CBOs. These CBOs train local communities on issues
relating to natural resource management, including
water management. They also develop drinking water
supply schemes such as hand pumps and tube wells
for domestic use and irrigation. However, CBOs and
NGOs have had less involvement in public health is-
sues and capacity to adapt in this area remains limited
due to a lack of healthcare facilities. In this way, lo-
cal communities have the capacity to form groups to
monitor water level in the Nullah Lai.
Six indicators can be used to further understand the
adaptive capacity of households and communities, as
set out in Table 8.
Wealth
Technology
Information
Infrastructure
Institutions
Social
Environment
• 21 per cent of Islamabad’s population live below poverty line
• Access to finance is limited
• 72 per cent of households have access to mobile phones
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is used in limited cases for urban planning
and natural resources management
• 86 per cent of Islamabad’s population are literate
• Regular monitoring of water levels of relevant waterways
• Dissemination of information through formal and informal channels
• Community groups have limited access to formal information
• 54 per cent of households have access to piped water
• Lack of flood management infrastructure in place
• Limited transport and road infrastructure in place, especially in informal settlements
• Some early warning systems in place
• 7,600 CBOs in operation
• Some information exchange between government institutions and CBOs
• Lack of widespread understanding of climate change amongst civil society
• 80 per cent of women are literate
• Some public health provided via mobile clinics, especially in rural areas
• Women’s groups play an important role in flood response efforts
• Poor general quality of natural environment
• Increased erosion along the banks of waterways
Indicator Characteristics (mm)
Table 8. Adaptive capacity at the household level in Islamabad
Source: UN-Habitat
27. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 15
Hotspots
04
This section synthesises the preceding exposure, sensi-
tivity and adaptive capacity sections by identifying the
most climate vulnerable locations in Islamabad and
Rawalpindi. It does this by pinpointing the locations
that are the most exposed to climate hazards, have
the highest sensitivity and lowest adaptive capacity.
While the hotspot section considers all hazards, it fo-
cuses on flood-prone areas along the Nullah Lai and
its tributaries.
In Islamabad, major hotspots are mainly located in
unplanned settlements which have developed along
streams that are prone to flooding. Most houses built
in unplanned settlements – mainly slums – from local
materials such as mud, stone and wooden logs. How-
ever, the number of houses constructed from brick is
increasing. Slums are severely impacted during flood
events. Heavy rains and floods damage slum houses
and cause injury and death. Along the Nullah Lai, pop-
ulation density can exceed 4,400 people/km2. Four
major hotspots have been identified, as follows:
• Mera Jaffar is the largest slum in Islamabad. There
are 24 slums across Islamabad, totalling 81,000 res-
idents; 28,500 of these live in the Mera Jaffar slum.
The slum is located downstream of Jodh Kas, one of
the Nullah Lai’s major tributary streams.
• Muslim Colony is a slum of labourers working on Is-
lamabad’s largest hospital construction project (Pa-
kistan Institute of Medical Sciences). Muslim Colony
is situated near streams feeding into Rawal Lake,
4.1
4.2
Major Hotspots in
Islamabad
Major Hotspots in
Rawalpindi
the primary source of drinking water for the resi-
dents of Rawalpindi. Muslim Colony is the second
largest slum in Islamabad with 15,000 residents.
• 100 Quarters is a slum which had developed around
100 quarters built by the Capital Development Au-
thority for low-paid employees. It is located along
the Saidpur Kas stream, which feeds into the Nullah
Lai. The settlement has over 6000 residents.
• French Colony is a slum built for Christian labourers
at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences con-
struction site. It is located on the banks of the Kani-
tawali Kas, a stream which feeds into the Nullah Lai.
It has a population of 6,000 residents.
Rawalpindi is located in the downstream catchment
basin of the Nullah Lai. Rawalpindi’s population den-
sity around the Nullah Lai is about 4,200 people per
km2 (2012). Due to land scarcity, people have even
constructed their houses on the bed of Nullah Lai.
Floods start when water levels of the Nullah Lai ex-
ceed 5.5 metres. The Tehsil Municipal Administration
sounds a siren over low-lying areas when the water
level reaches the alert level of 4.8 metres. Those most
affected by flooding in Rawalpindi live in slum and
low-lying areas. Annually, some 400,000 people are
affected by floods in the city. Five major hotspots have
been identified as follows:
• Katarian Bridge is located at the administrative
boundary between Rawalpindi and Islamabad and is
28. Cities and Climate Change Initiative16
the place where the Nullah Lai tributaries of Saidpur
Kasi, Kanitwali, Badarwali Kasi and Tenawali Kasi
enter Rawalpindi. In 2011 the Nullah Lai at Karian
Bridge burst its banks when floodwater exceeded
5.1 metres. In 2012, the streambed was deepened
by 3 metres by the authorities to reduce flood risk.
Part of the problem is that solid waste and illegally
built houses have reduced the width of the Nullah
Lai.
• Ratta Amral Bridge is a bridge near the point where
Dhok Ratta Nullah meets the Nullah Lai. The sur-
rounding area regularly floods, in part due to a trib-
utary stream which flows to Bhoosa Godown Ratta.
• Gawalmandi Market is located near Gwal Mandi. It
is a commercial area of Rawalpindi with many car
workshops and shops selling car parts and batteries.
Harmful lubricants and electronic waste pollute the
waters of the Nullah Lai from this site. Serious flood
events affect commercial activities in the area.
• Aryan Muhalla is an area where serious floods occur.
It is located between Gunj Mandi Bridge and Railway
Bridge. The tributaries of Arya Nullah, Dhok Rata,
Nullah Lai and Dhok Charaghdin pass through the
area. At this point the force of flood water increases
substantially due to the convergence of a number of
streams with the Nullah Lai. In 2001, the flood wa-
ters were so high that they breached the third floor
of some nearby buildings.
• Soan Camp is located at the confluence of the Nullah
Lai and Soan River, which carries water from three
major tributaries, namely the Nikki Lai, Pir Wadhai
Kas and Dhok Ratta Nullah, as well as six further
drainage and sewage channels. In addition, the Nul-
lah Lai carries raw sewage and untreated effluents
which poses a significant health risk. In this way, the
Soan River becomes heavily contaminated, despite
being used downstream for irrigation and drinking
purposes.
Main Road
Road
Administrative Boundary
Nullah Boundary
River
Houses / Buildings
Railway
Bridge
HOTSPOT
9
HOTSPOT
HOTSPOT
HOTSPOT
HOTSPOT
HOTSPOT
3
HOTSPOT
4
HOTSPOT
5
HOTSPOT
8
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
RAWALPINDI
RAWALPINDI
N
Figure 7. Climate change hotspots in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Source: UN-Habitat
29. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 17
Conclusion - Proposed
Adaptation Projects
05
The findings of this report demonstrate that Islamabad
faces both short and long term challenges as a result
of hydro-meteorological hazards that are being made
worse by climate change. These challenges are both
primary impacts, such as damages and threats to life
that occur as a result of flooding, and more secondary,
knock-on effects, such as a threats to food security
and nutrition as a result of changing conditions in sur-
rounding agricultural areas.
The following is a list of possible actions that can be
undertaken in Islamabad and the Islamabad Capital
Territory. This list is not definitive, and because no sin-
gle action can increase resilience to climate change,
the actions presented here need to be seen as part
of a programmatic response to the challenges posed
by climate change. Inevitably however, resource con-
straints will mean that not all of these priority actions
can be undertaken, so a prioritisation exercise is nec-
essary and should be the next major step after this
assessment. Where possible, the actions presented
in this report are ‘no-regret’ or ‘low-regret’, mean-
ing that, if implemented, they will still benefit the
city even if no change in climatic conditions were to
occur. In addition, the adaptation options presented
here are designed to avoid ‘mal-adaptation’, whereby
resilience to climate change is not increased or vulner-
ability is shifted from one location or group of people
to another.
The actions presented here are based on the findings
of the assessment and have been discussed with city
level stakeholders. However, the report does not sug-
gest that the projects need to implemented in the
form that they are presented here; city officials may
wish to break down the projects and implement their
component parts. Ideally a more comprehensive Cli-
mate Change Action Plan is developed.
5.1 Proposed Projects for
Waste, Sanitation,
Rainwater and Carbon
Sequestration
Project 1: Solid waste management in urban and
rural areas
Implementing agency: Capital Development Au-
thority
Description: The project seeks to develop effective
systems for the effective management of domestic,
hospital and industrial waste. This objective would be
achieved by collecting solid waste from urban and ru-
ral areas and segregating it into organic and inorganic
waste components, developing an integrated site for
the segregation of waste, and using biogas technolo-
gy and composting for waste processing.
Project 2: Community-level sanitation in rural ar-
eas
Implementing agency: Islamabad Capital Territory
Administration
Description: The project aims at proper management
of domestic waste water based on bio-remediation
and sand filter methods at the community level. The
project will ensure that wastewater is managed by a)
collecting grey water from the village in a stabilisation
pond; b) transferring the water from the stabilisation
pond to a series of ponds through sand filters; c) pu-
rification of water in the ponds using fungi and other
30. Cities and Climate Change Initiative18
impact of soil conditions on carbon sequestration. This
is an essential component of any strategy to mitigate
the emissions of greenhouse gases.
5.2 Proposed Projects for
Energy Conservation
Project 6: Energy conservation of buildings
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration,
Climate Change Division and National Energy Conser-
vation Centre
Description: The project seeks to decrease ener-
gy consumption in domestic, commercial and public
buildings. This will be achieved by implementing a
range of energy conservation measures such as re-
viewing and updating building bylaws in order to in-
troduce energy conservation measures, undertaking
energy audits and retrofit large buildings and promot-
ing the use of energy saving light bulbs in buildings
and street lights.
Project 7: Energy conservation in tube wells
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and
National Energy Conservation Centre
Description: The project seeks to conserve energy in
tube wells. The components of the proposed project
include: a) undertake energy audits and retrofit tube
wells; b) put in place photovoltaic cells and biogas for
water pumping; c) install new energy efficiency tube
wells; and d) introduce a pro-poor water metering sys-
tem.
Project 8: Energy conservation in industrial sector
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and
National Energy Conservation Centre
Description: The project seeks to promote energy
conservation measures in the industrial sector. The
project includes the following components: a) under-
bio-remedial measures; and d) piping the purified wa-
ter from the ponds to agricultural land for irrigation
purposes.
Project 3: Bio-engineered recycling and reuse of
grey water
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority and Islamabad Capital Territory Administration
Description: The project seeks to activate the cur-
rently dysfunctional effluent treatment plants, as
well as install new plants for discharging and treating
semi-treated water from hospitals and laboratories be-
fore it passes into the Nullah Lai. The project will also
aim at the recycling and reuse of grey water from resi-
dential, commercial and industrial sources.
Project 4: Rainwater harvesting and ecosystem
management
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority and Islamabad Capital Territory Administration
Description: This project seeks to harvest rainwater
for better ecosystem management. Under this proj-
ect catchment ponds would be built at suitable plac-
es such as in Sector F9 park, the natural depressions
found in the greenbelt and other green spaces for the
retention of water. Inverted wells and surface ponds
could be built. Rainwater harvesting systems in res-
idential, commercial and public buildings would be
established and the water would be used mostly for
growing plants and other domestic uses.
Project 5: Study of carbon sequestration in
Margalla Hills National Park
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration
and Climate Change Division
Description: Further to a initial study of carbon se-
questration in the national park undertaken by the
Government of Pakistan in conjunction with UN-Hab-
itat, additional research is required. It is recommend-
ed that the following issues and parameters are also
studied: carbon and nitrogen concentration, ergoster-
ole and fungal biomass, carbon storage, humus mor-
phology and meso-fauna biodiversity. The final results
of this project may provide information regarding the
31. Islamabad, Pakistan - Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment 19
take energy audits for boilers, compressors, chillers,
steam systems, ovens, dryers, kilns, furnaces, electric
systems; b) retrofit these facilities for energy conser-
vation; c) undertake power factor improvement in the
industrial sector; d) promote energy-efficient industri-
al units including brick kilns; and e) build combined
effluent treatment and industrial plants and use the
organic waste for energy generation.
Project 9: Energy conservation in energy trans-
mission systems
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and
National Energy Conservation Centre and Islamabad
Electric Supply Company
Description: The project seeks to reduce transmission
losses of electricity and natural gas. The project com-
ponents include a) efficient transmission of electricity
and reduction of transportation losses; b) power factor
improvement; and c) reduction of natural gas leakage.
Project 10: Energy conservation in the transport
sector
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and
Islamabad Electric Supply Company
Description: The project seeks to promote energy
conservation measures in the transport sector. The
project components include
a) introducing multi-buses, a circular railway and/or a
rapid or mass transit system;
b) introducing bike lanes;
c) promoting computerised vehicle maintenance and
reconditioning;
d) providing training and equipment for vehicle emis-
sions testing and road worthiness and certification;
e) introducing hybrid vehicles;
f) building parking stories for plazas;
g) introducing tracker technology for effective traffic
management; and
h) introducing scientific methods for traffic manage-
ment.
5.3 Proposed Projects for
Planning, Institutions
and Policy
Project 11: Streamlined planning at the federal,
district and local levels
Implementing Agencies: Climate Change Division
and provincial planning and development departments
Description: The project seeks to improve planning
and coordination on climate change between feder-
al, district and local levels. The project would achieve
enhanced planning at local levels and would enable
all levels of government to translate national climate
change and climate change-related policy directives
into local action. Possible actions could include a)
training for local officials; b) further planning exercises
conducted in new target areas; and c) creating climate
change offices or departments at subnational levels
of government with dedicated officers to ensure that
adaptation and resilience building measures are main-
streamed into all local government planning.
Project 12: Certification and registration of re-
al-estate developers and enforcement of build-
ing codes
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Plan-
ners and Pakistan Engineering Council
Description: The project seeks to achieve cli-
mate-smart construction practices in Islamabad. The
project would be achieved by
a) updating the building code and strengthening its
enforcement;
b) creating a registry of real-estate developers (for res-
idential, commercial and industrial buildings); and
c) certifying real-estate developers who build accord-
ing to international green and resilient standards,
such as ‘LEED’.
Project 13: Supporting the development of pub-
lic-private partnerships (PPP)
Implementing Agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority
32. Cities and Climate Change Initiative20
Project 16: Adaptation in healthcare
Implementing Agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and
Ministry of Health
Description: The project seeks to reduce the incidence
of climate-related disease and improve healthcare and
treatment, including access to treatment. The pro-
posed project would include a) establishing measures
to prevent the breeding and spread of mosquitoes; b)
setting up mobile health units to deliver basic treat-
ment services to outlying areas that have poor health
coverage; c) partnering with local healthcare NGOs to
improve healthcare services; and d) improving labora-
tory and analytical facilities.
Project 17: Flood Protection
Implementing agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and
Capital Administration Development Division
Description: The project seeks to reduce the impacts
of floods especially floods that occur as a result of
storms and heavy rain. This proposed project is large
and broad in scope, and will consider the following
types of activities
a) improving drainage;
b) improving bank protection – especially along the
Nullah Lai and its tributary streams; and
c) improving urban planning to prevent proliferation
of settlements in flood prone areas.
5.5 Medium- to Long-term
Considerations
The following points should be considered for medi-
um- to long-term adaptation:
• Review institutional planning capacity of city au-
thorities to undertake mitigation and adaptation
measures in the long-term. For long-term gains the
government must review the institutional planning
capacity of Capital Development Authority, Islam-
Description: The project seeks to improve basic ur-
ban services through the implementation of PPPs. This
would require a regulatory framework that supports
and encourages the development of PPPs in a trans-
parent manner. Once completed, pilot PPPs would be
implemented in selected areas in key service sectors
such as waste management.
5.4 Proposed Projects in
Other Sectors
Project 14: Ecosystem based adaptation and man-
agement for Islamabad
Implementing Agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and
Capital Administration Development Division
Description: The project seeks to improve ecosystem
health in Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory and
the Margalla Hills National Park. The project would be
large in scope and have a number of different compo-
nents, in recognition of the challenges of ecosystem
management and preservation that Islamabad faces.
A number of activities should be considered including
protecting remaining natural vegetation in Islamabad
and the Islamabad Capital Territory through regulation
and effective and enforced planning and protecting
existing ecosystems, including Zone III and the Margal-
la Hills National Park so that they retain their character
and biodiversity and continue to provide ecosystem
services, including the acquisition and protection of
land, where necessary, as well as other measures.
Project 15: Reducing pollution from brick kilns
Implementing Agencies: Capital Development Au-
thority and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency
Description: The project seeks to reduce pollution
from the brick kiln industry. The project includes the
following components a) undertaking environmen-
tal impact assessments of brick kilns; b) promoting
the use of efficient combustion technologies; and c)
demonstrating the benefits of environmentally clean
brick kilns through pilot projects.
34. Cities and Climate Change Initiative22
HS Number: HS/100/14E
ISBN Number (Series): 9789211324006 ISBN
Number (Volume): 9789211326383
www.unhabitat.org
UN-Habitat’s Cities and Climate Change Initiative promotes enhanced climate
change mitigation and adaptation in developing country cities. This document is
an initial output of the Cities and Climate Change Initiative activities in Islamabad,
Pakistan. This abridged report is based on the report titled: “Climate Change Vul-
nerability Assessment of Islamabad”.
Starting with a brief background of the city, this report addresses Islamabad’s
climate change situation from a comprehensive vulnerability perspective that fo-
cuses on exposure to climate change hazards, socio-economic sensitivities and
the adaptive capacities of the city and its stakeholders. Based on this analysis the
report identifies vulnerable people, places and sectors and provides preliminary
climate change adaptation options.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme
P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
E-mail: infohabitat@unhabitat.org