Rethinking The Governance Paradigm for Dealing with Climate Change in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the particular governance requirements dealing with the threat of climate change induced disaster given their as yet, essentially unpredictable nature. In this regard it will explore two inter-connected issues with regard to dealing with climate change. The first is the need for better national collaboration, between the ministries both at the federal and provincial level as well as between the center and the provinces, as climate requires a whole-of-government approach. Secondly, the need to rethink the social contract with a view to empowering the local government. Significant research has been done in this area which highlights that in case of disaster, the first and best responders are the local departments. Dealing with man-made climate change, requires a not just urgent reaction but out of the box solutions. This means that the current governance mechanism is not sufficiently equipped to deal with this challenge. The need to devolve power to the much-neglected local government level and given that Pakistan has a large and diverse terrain with multiple climatic zones, it is important to address the local concerns. This paper aims to explore how through anticipatory governance, Pakistan can deal with this essentially unpredictable phenomenon. This paper employs a descriptive qualitative methodology and consultation of secondary research. It offers possible outcomes/ implications to improve the governance structure with better collaboration between the different tiers of government, given that Pakistan is a federation where many of the subjects are devolved to the provinces, as well as the various ministries at federal/ provincial levels. It has also investigated the implications for better management of climate change induced disasters through empowering the local government.