Bridging the Climate Literacy Gap: Challenges and Opportunities in Pakistan’s Education System

Abstract

The Ministry of Climate Change in Pakistan is formulating plans to integrate climate change education into the national curriculum at all levels, from schools to universities with the objective of enhancing awareness among the younger generation regarding the growing threat posed by climate change. Given the significant risks that climate change poses to Pakistan’s natural environment, water and food security, the Ministry intends to engage with provincial authorities to advocate for the subject's formal inclusion in educational institutions. In alignment with this initiative, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes that education is a vital component of the global response to climate change. It not only raises a deeper understanding of climate change and its impacts but also promotes climate literacy among public, encourages behavioral transformation, and equips individuals to adapt to climate-related challenges. The question of this study is How vulnerable is Pakistan to climate-related catastrophes?  The methodology employed in this research includes document analysis of secondary sources. It is found that Pakistan is highly at risk of climate change and stands at number sixth facing the impacts of climate change.