Environmental Pakistan

Environmental Degradation and its Effects : Spotlight
on Pakistan
Dr. Shuaib Salamata
a
College of Aeronautical Engineering, National University of Sciences and
Technology, Risalpur, Pakistan
Abstract
This research paper investigates environmental degradation in Pakistan, with

a focus on the causes, effects, and solutions related to deforestation, soil ero-
sion, air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. The paper also
examines the current policies and governance related to environmental pro-
tection in Pakistan and provides recommendations for improvement. Ad-
ditionally, case studies of successful environmental protection initiatives in
Pakistan are explored to provide insights into effective solutions to environ-
mental degradation. The research highlights the importance of taking action
to address environmental degradation and provides suggestions for future
research and action. Through this paper, readers gain a comprehensive un-
derstanding of the environmental challenges facing Pakistan and potential
solutions to mitigate their impact.
Keywords: Environmental Degradation, Deforestation, Pollution, Erosion
1. Introduction
Environmental degradation is a significant challenge that the world faces

today. The depletion of natural resources, deforestation, air, water and land
Preprint submitted to Journal XXX March 10, 2023

pollution, climate change, and other environmental problems have raised se-
rious concerns regarding the sustainability of human societies. Pakistan is
one of the countries that is most vulnerable to environmental degradation.
The rapid growth of population, urbanization, and industrialization has re-
sulted in increased levels of pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and other
environmental problems. This paper aims to provide an overview of environ-
mental degradation in Pakistan and its impacts on the country’s economy,
health, and social well-being.
2. Literature Review
2.1. Causes of Environmental Degradation in Pakistan
There are several causes of environmental degradation in Pakistan, in-

cluding industrial pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change.
Industrialization and urbanization have resulted in an increase in pollution
levels, with industries emitting harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide,
sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. The agriculture sector is also a significant
contributor to pollution due to the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides,
which contaminate water sources and soil.
Deforestation is another significant cause of environmental degradation
in Pakistan. Forests are essential for maintaining the natural balance of
ecosystems, regulating the climate, and providing valuable resources such as
timber and non-timber forest products. However, in Pakistan, deforestation
rates have increased due to illegal logging, land-use changes, and forest fires.
Soil erosion is also a major issue in Pakistan, particularly in the rural
areas where agriculture is the primary source of income. Overgrazing, land-
2
use changes, and poor farming practices have contributed to soil erosion,
leading to the loss of fertile land and reduced agricultural productivity.
Climate change is another critical factor contributing to environmental
degradation in Pakistan. The country is vulnerable to extreme weather
events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have increased in
frequency and intensity due to climate change. These events have severe
implications for the country’s infrastructure, agriculture, and human health.
2.2. Effects of Environmental Degradation on Pakistan
The effects of environmental degradation in Pakistan are far-reaching, af-

fecting the country’s economy, health, and social well-being. Pollution and
deforestation have resulted in reduced agricultural productivity, leading to
food insecurity and increased poverty levels. Soil erosion has also led to
reduced agricultural productivity, affecting the livelihoods of rural commu-
nities.
Air pollution is a severe health concern in Pakistan, with the World Health
Organization (WHO) estimating that outdoor air pollution is responsible for
approximately 60,000 premature deaths annually. The use of fossil fuels,
particularly in the transportation and power sectors, is a significant contrib-
utor to air pollution. Water pollution is also a major issue, with inadequate
sanitation facilities and industrial pollution contaminating water sources and
leading to the spread of waterborne diseases.
Environmental degradation has also resulted in social implications, par-
ticularly for marginalized communities. Poor air quality and water pollution
disproportionately affect low-income communities, while deforestation and
land-use changes have resulted in the displacement of populations.
3
2.3. Research Landscape on Environmental Degradation in Pakistan
Several studies have been conducted on environmental degradation in

Pakistan, highlighting the severity of the issue and the need for action. A
study by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources found that
water availability in the country is decreasing due to population growth,
increasing demand, and climate change. Another study conducted by the
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency found that air pollution levels
in major cities, including Lahore and Karachi, are exceeding the WHO’s
recommended limits, leading to severe health consequences.
Studies have also been conducted on the impacts of deforestation in Pak-
istan. One study found that deforestation is contributing to soil erosion, re-
duced water availability, and loss of biodiversity. Another study highlighted
the importance of forests for the livelihoods of indigenous communities and
the need for their participation in forest management.
In response to environmental degradation in Pakistan, several initiatives
have been taken by the government and non-governmental organizations.
The government has implemented policies and regulations to address pollu-
tion and deforestation, including the National Forest Policy and the National
Clean Air Program. Non-governmental organizations such as the World Wide
Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute
(SDPI) have also been working to raise awareness and promote sustainable
development practices.
4
3. Conclusions
The research paper will delve into the causes, effects, and solutions to en-
vironmental degradation in Pakistan, focusing on deforestation, soil erosion,
air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. The paper will also exam-
ine the current policies and governance related to environmental protection
in Pakistan and provide recommendations for improvement. Case studies of
successful environmental protection initiatives in Pakistan will be explored
to provide insights into effective solutions to environmental degradation. By
the end of the paper, readers will have a deeper understanding of the envi-
ronmental challenges that Pakistan faces and potential solutions to address
them.
4. Outline for the Remaining Paper
1. Literature Review
(a) Causes of environmental degradation in Pakistan
(b) Effects of environmental degradation on Pakistan’s economy, health,
and social well-being
(c) Research conducted on environmental degradation in Pakistan
2. Deforestation in Pakistan
(a) Causes of deforestation
(b) Effects of deforestation on soil erosion, climate change, and biodi-
versity
(c) Solutions to deforestation
3. Soil Erosion in Pakistan
(a) Causes of soil erosion
5
(b) Effects of soil erosion on agriculture and water availability
(c) Solutions to soil erosion
4. Air Pollution in Pakistan
(a) Causes of air pollution
(b) Effects of air pollution on health and the environment
(c) Solutions to air pollution
5. Water Pollution in Pakistan
(a) Causes of water pollution
(b) Effects of water pollution on health and the environment
(c) Solutions to water pollution
6. Climate Change in Pakistan
(a) Causes of climate change in Pakistan
(b) Effects of climate change on water resources, agriculture, and food
security
(c) Solutions to climate change
7. Policy and Governance
(a) Current policies and governance related to environmental protec-
tion in Pakistan
(b) Challenges and limitations of the policies
(c) Recommendations for improvement
8. Case Studies
(a) Examples of successful environmental protection initiatives in Pak-
istan
(b) Lessons learned from the case studies
9. Conclusion
6
(a) Recap of the causes and effects of environmental degradation in
Pakistan
(b) Importance of taking action to address environmental degradation
(c) Suggestions for future research and action

Environmental Pakistan

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Environmental Pakistan

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Environmental Pakistan

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Environmental Degradation and its Effects : Spotlight

This research paper investigates environmental degradation in Pakistan, with

Environmental degradation is a significant challenge that the world faces

Preprint submitted to Journal XXX March 10, 2023

2.1. Causes of Environmental Degradation in Pakistan

There are several causes of environmental degradation in Pakistan, in-

2.2. Effects of Environmental Degradation on Pakistan

The effects of environmental degradation in Pakistan are far-reaching, af-

Several studies have been conducted on environmental degradation in

4. Outline for the Remaining Paper

You might also like