Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most critical crises in today’s world. In the Global South, where livelihoods are largely dependent on agriculture, climate change has had and will continue to have a devastating effect on critical sectors such as agriculture, ultimately negatively impacting food security as well.
As the fifth most populous and one of the youngest countries in the world, Pakistan currently has the largest population of young people ever recorded in its national history. Since young people form the biggest segment of society, they are also at the biggest risk of the effects of climate change and related challenges. While Pakistan’s youth bulge has the potential to be one of its greatest assets, especially when it comes to mitigating climate risk, inaction, especially in terms of meaningful engagement of young people, can result in a vicious cycle of low economic growth and human development. It is critical therefore to harness the potential of youth to address looming threats such as those of climate change. Pakistan must adopt a climate compatible development pathway by engaging youth through various opportunities, enabling the transformation of the youth bulge into a youth dividend.
This research takes a deeper look into the perceptions, attitudes, challenges and readiness of youth in Pakistan around climate vulnerability and their action plan for the impending threats.