Climate Risk Management in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Managing Climate Risk in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
A comprehensive 28-page report by Dr. Shahed Akhtar, published by the Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms (CPDR), delves into the climate crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This pioneering study highlights the severe impact of climate change on the region, which relies heavily on agriculture and natural resources. Increased temperatures, melting glaciers, deforestation, urbanization, erratic rainfall, and population growth have heightened the frequency and intensity of natural disasters like floods, landslides, and droughts.
Key issues identified include the inadequacy of flood forecasting and early warning systems, leading to unpreparedness among vulnerable communities. The report stresses the urgent need for robust early warning mechanisms, as AJK currently relies on generalized and often inaccurate alerts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
AJK has experienced significant deforestation, losing 400 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2021, exacerbating environmental degradation and increasing risks of landslides and floods. The report also highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and vulnerable groups, calling for a gender-responsive approach to climate action.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) faces challenges such as a knowledge gap in disaster risk reduction and a lack of coordination among departments. The report recommends mainstreaming climate change in planning processes, enhancing institutional capacities, and improving early warning systems.
The report concludes with ten solid recommendations for building a climate-resilient AJK, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive studies to guide policymakers and stakeholders in combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for the region.