Pakistan is a developing country located in South Asia with a population of over 220 million people. The country has been facing numerous environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change. One of the significant environmental concerns that Pakistan is facing is its carbon footprint. In this article, we will provide an overview of Pakistan’s carbon footprint and its impact on the environment.
Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by an individual, organization, or country. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. The primary sources of GHG emissions in Pakistan are energy production, transportation, agriculture, and industrial processes.
According to the Carbon Brief Profile, Pakistan’s total GHG emissions in 2018 were 405 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e). This figure represents a 45% increase in emissions since 1990. The energy sector is the largest contributor to Pakistan’s carbon footprint, accounting for 62% of total emissions. The transportation sector is the second-largest contributor, accounting for 15% of total emissions.
Pakistan heavily relies on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. Coal is the primary source of energy in the country, accounting for 38% of total energy consumption. Natural gas and oil account for 29% and 32%, respectively. The use of fossil fuels in energy production is a significant contributor to Pakistan’s carbon footprint.
The transportation sector in Pakistan is also heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The majority of vehicles in the country run on petrol or diesel, which emit significant amounts of GHGs. The lack of public transportation infrastructure and the high cost of alternative fuels such as electric vehicles have hindered the transition to cleaner transportation options.
Agriculture is another significant contributor to Pakistan’s carbon footprint, accounting for 12% of total emissions. The primary sources of emissions in the agriculture sector are enteric fermentation (the digestive process of livestock), manure management, and rice cultivation.
Pakistan’s industrial sector is also a significant contributor to the country’s carbon footprint, accounting for 11% of total emissions. The primary sources of emissions in the industrial sector are cement production, iron and steel production, and chemical manufacturing.
The high level of GHG emissions in Pakistan has significant environmental and health impacts. The country is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including increased temperatures, droughts, and floods. These events have led to crop failures, water shortages, and displacement of people.
The high levels of air pollution in Pakistan also have severe health impacts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for over 60,000 premature deaths in the country each year. The burning of fossil fuels for energy production and transportation is a significant contributor to air pollution in Pakistan.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s carbon footprint is a significant environmental concern that requires urgent action. The country needs to transition to cleaner energy sources such as renewable energy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The government should also invest in public transportation infrastructure and promote the use of alternative fuels such as electric vehicles. Additionally, measures should be taken to reduce emissions in the agriculture and industrial sectors. By taking these steps, Pakistan can reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the impacts of climate change on its people and the environment.
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