An international climate awareness survey has revealed overwhelming support among Pakistanis for immediate action to combat climate change. With climate threats becoming increasingly visible across the country, the findings indicate a broad public mandate for stronger environmental policies.

Key Findings

  • 87% of Pakistanis support taking action to reduce the effects of climate change, with over half expressing strong support.
  • 80% support the reduction of methane emissions, with 44% strongly supporting measures to reduce methane specifically.
  • 96% of respondents recognize climate change as real, while 71% believe it is caused by human activity.

These statistics align with a growing global trend of climate awareness, particularly in countries highly affected by extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and air pollution.

Public Priorities

When asked to identify their top environmental concerns, Pakistanis responded:

  • Water quality – 61% ranked it as the most pressing issue
  • Air quality – 58% expressed concern
  • Climate change – 57% selected it as a key priority

These concerns reflect the day-to-day realities faced by millions, especially in urban centers and flood-prone rural areas. Contaminated water, poor air quality, and unpredictable weather patterns have become defining features of Pakistan’s environmental landscape.

Accountability and Expectations

Survey participants held various sectors accountable for climate degradation. These include:

  • Oil and gas companies
  • Waste management systems
  • Agricultural practices
  • Government institutions

There is widespread public support for climate regulations in these sectors, with nearly four out of five Pakistanis supporting methane reduction in agriculture and energy industries, and a similar level of support for tackling emissions from waste.

Why Methane Matters

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming. It traps heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide in the short term. Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest and most effective strategies for curbing temperature rise. In Pakistan, methane primarily originates from agriculture, landfills, and an aging natural gas infrastructure.

Call for Policy Action

The results of this survey send a clear message to policymakers:

  1. Accelerate methane reduction strategies in agriculture, energy, and waste sectors.
  2. Prioritize water and air quality in national climate plans.
  3. Incorporate public opinion into climate education and awareness campaigns.
  4. Design evidence-based, locally adapted policies that respond to citizens’ environmental concerns.

With such a strong mandate from the public, the time is ripe for bold, urgent climate leadership.

Conclusion

The vast majority of Pakistanis not only recognize climate change as a serious threat but also demand immediate and meaningful action. Support for methane reduction is particularly strong, as is concern over water and air quality. These findings offer policymakers a rare opportunity to align public policy with public will, ushering in a new era of environmental responsibility and sustainability in Pakistan.