Climate Change and Water Crisis in Balochistan: Causes, Effects, and Pathways to Resilience

Abstract

This paper gives a full picture of the serious and complicated climate change and water problem that Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is facing. It goes into detail on the main climatic and non-climatic drivers, the terrible effects on the environment, the economy, and public health, and it lists important ways to adapt and reduce the damage. Even while Balochistan doesn't contribute much to global greenhouse gas emissions, the province is especially vulnerable to extreme weather, unpredictable rain, and rising temperatures. This climate stress is made worse by unsustainable water extraction methods, problems with the way the government works, and unfair past practices in water allocation. These problems are causing groundwater to run out and water shortages to spread. The crisis has had a huge effect on farming, people's lives, and public health. It has also caused people to move because of climate change and made political tensions worse. Recent policy efforts, including the Balochistan Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Policy and FAO-supported programs, provide a strategic framework, but they will only function if they are carried out well, institutions are reformed, and resources are shared fairly. The research makes it clear that Balochistan needs integrated, multi-sectoral, and well-governed actions right away, together with a focus on climate justice, in order to create long-term resilience and make sure that the future is water-secure and sustainable.