Climate Change Project: Focus on AJ&K
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) faces severe climate change impacts, threatening its biodiversity and socio-economic stability. Despite being one of Pakistan’s coldest regions, with an average temperature of 30°C, AJ&K is experiencing alarming climatic shifts. Rural communities depend on agriculture, livestock, and forestry, while fisheries and aquaculture sustain those along the Neelum River. However, glacial retreat and erratic weather patterns increase the region’s vulnerability to climate catastrophes.
Current challenges include flash floods, landslides, heatwaves, storms, soil erosion, reduced crop yields, and wildfires, all of which endanger livelihoods and ecosystems. These impacts worsen social inequalities, particularly for women, by restricting income opportunities, limiting education, and increasing exposure to violence.
The Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms (CPDR) is tackling these challenges through its Climate Change Project, focusing on research, policy development, and public awareness. By engaging authorities, stakeholders, and civil society, CPDR fosters collective action to address these urgent issues.
In 2024, CPDR held discussions in Islamabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, and Muzaffarabad, attracting hundreds of participants and raising awareness. It also published two landmark reports: “Climate Risk Management in AJ&K” by Dr. Shaheen Akhtar and “Climate Change Gender Action Plan for AJ&K” by Ayesha Khan and Huzaifa Khan, which address gender-specific vulnerabilities and propose actionable solutions.
With more publications and initiatives underway, CPDR remains committed to protecting AJ&K’s environment, addressing socio-economic challenges, and building a resilient future for its communities.
CPDR’s events and reports have garnered significant attention in the national media, highlighting the urgency of climate change issues in AJ&K and the need for inclusive solutions. Below are a few notable links to media coverage:
- Gender-inclusive policies in AJK amid growing climate threats stressed – The News
- Managing climate risk in AJK – The News on Sunday (TNS)
- Dawn coverage on climate challenges in AJ&K
These articles emphasize CPDR's role in fostering dialogue, research, and policy development to address climate vulnerabilities in the region.
Climate Change Gender Action Plan for AJ&K (CCGAP)
The Climate Change Gender Action Plan for AJ&K (CCGAP) is a pioneering effort to address the gendered impacts of climate change in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Women, who are among the most vulnerable to climate risks, face heightened challenges such as limited access to resources, restricted mobility, and socio-economic inequalities. This report, co-authored by Ayesha Khan and Huzaifa Khan, bridges this gap by presenting a gender-responsive framework for climate action.
The study delves into the unique challenges faced by women in AJ&K, including the effects of climate-induced disasters on their livelihoods, health, and safety. It emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable climate policies that prioritize women’s empowerment and participation in decision-making processes.
Utilizing a participatory research approach, the report offers sector-specific recommendations, including women’s inclusion in disaster risk reduction, access to renewable energy, sustainable agricultural practices, and improved water and sanitation systems. By fostering gender equality, this action plan not only addresses climate vulnerabilities but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable development and social justice.
https://e.thenews.com.pk/detail?id=359224 – The News
https://www.dawn.com/news/1871499 – Dawn News
by: Ayesha Khan | Huzaifa Khan
Climate Change Risk Management in AJ&K
This comprehensive report examines the growing vulnerabilities of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) to climate-induced risks and disasters. Highlighting the region’s unique topography, which ranges from plains to mountainous terrain, the study sheds light on the increasing frequency of flash floods, glacial melting, erratic rainfall patterns, landslides, and other environmental hazards. It explores the cascading impacts of these events on local livelihoods, food security, water resources, and biodiversity.
It provides an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by AJ&K and evaluates the region’s preparedness to manage climate risks. It outlines critical gaps in existing disaster management frameworks and emphasizes the importance of integrating community-led climate adaptation strategies.
Through detailed research and stakeholder consultations, the study identifies actionable recommendations to strengthen resilience, including early warning systems, infrastructure development, capacity building, and sustainable resource management. This report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners committed to addressing climate challenges in AJ&K.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1209364-managing-climate-risk-in-ajk – The News on Sunday
by: Dr. Shaheen Akhtar