Researchers have issued a stark warning about the imminent threat of rising sea levels to coastal settlements across Sindh, presenting new evidence at a major climate conference that concluded in the city on Tuesday.
According to a report by AKU today, the findings were a focal point of the two-day IGHD Annual Conference on Climate Change and the Built Environment, an event organized by the Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) in partnership with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Pakistan.
Experts at the gathering also shed light on critical adaptation shortfalls in unplanned urban areas, which are grappling with extreme heat, water scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure. Concurrently, new data revealed the increasing strain on public health systems, which are facing a surge in climate-related illnesses with limited capacity to respond.
Amidst the dire warnings, the conference showcased potential solutions, including innovative, climate-resilient housing prototypes piloted in Matiari and other parts of interior Sindh. These designs incorporate features to withstand both earthquakes and extreme heat, alongside community-driven adaptation models that successfully merge indigenous knowledge with scientific data.
In his address as the Chief Guest, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, emphasized the crucial role of the younger generation. ‘The Future is with the young people… who believe the world can be changed,” he urged, calling for opportunities for students and researchers from institutions like LUMS, Aga Khan University, and Jam Shoro University to apply their knowledge of new technologies.
Professor Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, the Founding Director of IGHD, underscored the importance of translating research into tangible outcomes. ‘The research shared over these past two days demonstrates what is possible when communities, scientists, and policymakers work together,’ he stated. ‘Our goal now is to translate this evidence into action across Pakistan.’
The event culminated in a national policy panel discussion, which brought together prominent figures from government, academia, and international development. The panel formulated a set of priority recommendations aimed at developing climate-resilient infrastructure, housing, and health systems throughout the country.
Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of the Aga Khan University, affirmed the institution”s dedication to the cause. ‘AKU is committed to advancing climate research that directly informs practice and policy,’ he remarked, noting that the multidisciplinary insights from the conference will be pivotal in bolstering Pakistan”s climate readiness for years to come.