Pakistan’s Increasing Threat of Deforestation: Climate Impacts and Reforestation Efforts in 2024
Deforestation in Pakistan has become a growing threat to both the environment and the country’s efforts to combat climate change. With forest cover already alarmingly low—approximately 5.1% of the total land area—the country is facing an uphill battle against the rapid loss of forests due to illegal logging, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. As forests are destroyed, Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change worsens, particularly through the loss of carbon sequestration, increased soil erosion, and reduced natural disaster mitigation, such as flood control.
Pakistan’s deforestation rate is high, and the country is considered to be in a “Green Emergency”: Pakistan’s deforestation rate is estimated to be 5.7%, which is below the recommended 25% cover. However, the Lahore High Court (LHC) stated in 2019 that Pakistan’s deforestation rate is the highest in the world, with an average annual loss of 27,000 hectares of natural fores.
Deforestation is among the biggest contributors to climate change, affecting around ten million hectares of land every year.
Brazil, South America – 1,695,700 hectares of deforestation. With an average deforestation rate of 1,695,700 hectares between 2015-2020, Brazil has lost more forestry than any other country. One of the main contributors to Brazil’s high level of deforestation is climate change, as changes in rainfall and temperature can affect the growth of forestry.
India, Asia – 668,400 hectares of deforestation. The country with the second highest levels of deforestation is India which has lost 668,400 hectares of forestry over recent years. As the country with the second largest population in the world, India has had to compensate for the increase in residents – this has come at a cost in the way of deforestation. With a difference of 284,400 hectares in forestry loss between 1990 and 2020, India has seen the biggest increase in deforestation.
Indonesia, Asia – 650,000 hectares of deforestation. Indonesia completes the top three list of countries with the highest deforestation rates, totalling around 650,000 hectares of forestry loss between 2015-2020. Indonesia is recognised as one of the world’s biggest palm oil producers. Palm oil has so many uses that you might not even be aware of, but one thing that is widely known is the detrimental impact that palm oil production has on deforestation.
Despite global campaigning to raise awareness about deforestation, some countries are still yet to take action. Below are the top three countries which have shown the biggest increase in deforestation levels between 1990-2020.
India, Asia – Deforestation increase of 284,400 hectares. Making its second appearance in this deforestation report, with a difference of 284,400 hectares, is India. Despite their increased levels of deforestation, this country is committed to restoring its forests, with plans to re-establish over 20 million hectares of land by 2030!
Zambia, Africa – Deforestation increase of 153,460 hectares. The African country of Zambia is next on this list, as it has the second biggest increase in deforestation when looking at the difference between the average figures from 1990-2000 and 2015-2020. Between this time frame, Zambia has gone from a deforestation rate of 36,250 hectares to a much higher 189,710 hectares.
Tanzania, Africa – Deforestation increase of 74,000 hectares. With an increase in deforestation of 74,000 hectares Tanzania completes this top three list. Tanzania has recently hit the headlines as it has been revealed that a lot of its forestry is being chopped down to cater for the charcoal industry; it is likely that this is one of the reasons for its high position in this ranking.
1. Impacts of Deforestation on Climate
Deforestation has a significant impact on the climate in Pakistan and around the world, including:
v Climate change
Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, so when they are cut down, the carbon dioxide is released.
v Rainfall
Deforestation can lead to less rain in areas with fewer forests. Trees help control the water cycle, and without them, there is less water in the atmosphere that can return to the soil.
v Soil erosion
Trees help the soil absorb water and maintain fertility, which provides nutrients for biodiversity. Without trees, soil can wash away, leading to land degradation and flooding.
v Landslides
The absence of trees during heavy rainfall can increase the risk of landslides.
v Desertification
Deforestation can lead to desertification.
v Food supply
Deforestation can reduce the amount of food available for animals and humans.
v Health
Deforestation has been linked to an increase in human diseases.
v Industries
Deforestation can negatively impact industries that rely on the benefits of forests, such as tourism and agriculture.
v Rural population
Deforestation can negatively impact the rural population that relies on forests for their livelihoods
v Increased flooding:
Deforestation reduces the ability of forests to absorb rainfall, leading to more severe floods, especially during monsoon seasons.
v Loss of biodiversity:
The destruction of forests impacts the habitats of many species, contributing to biodiversity loss, particularly in regions like the Himalayan foothills and northern areas.
2. Reforestation Efforts in 2024
Pakistan has several reforestation efforts, including the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme and the WWF-Pakistan’s Rung Do Pakistan initiative:
l 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme
A four-year project launched in 2019 by the Pakistani government to plant 10 billion trees by 2023. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Climate Change and the Provincial and territorial Forest and Wildlife departments. The project is intended to help, counter climate change and improve safety and wellbeing for people. However, some critics believe the project is unsustainable and a waste of resources.
l Rung Do Pakistan
A tree plantation campaign by WWF-Pakistan that aims to increase Pakistan’s forest cover. The campaign contributes to national initiatives like the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami and international goals like The Bonn Challenge. The campaign aims to reduce greenhouse gases, create habitats for biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and provide jobs for marginalized workers.
The 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme is based on the Billion Tree Tsunami, a 2014 initiative launched by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The Billion Tree Tsunami was a successful project that gained international recognition.
By mid-2024, the program has reportedly planted over 1.5 billion trees, with efforts ongoing to restore degraded landscapes and boost forest cover. This initiative builds on the earlier Billion Tree Tsunami project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was praised internationally for its success in increasing forest area.
² Community Involvement and International Support:
International organizations like the World Bank, WWF, and UNEP have supported Pakistan’s reforestation initiatives, providing technical and financial assistance. The programs have also encouraged local communities to participate in tree planting and forest preservation.
Reforestation is a critical means of addressing the environmental and social problems of deforestation. China’s Grain-for-Green Program (GFGP) is the world’s largest reforestation scheme.
3. Challenges to Reforestation in both developed and developing countries
Reforestation faces many challenges in both developed and developing countries, including:
Cost: Reforestation can be expensive. Sustaining large-scale reforestation programs requires ongoing financial and institutional support.
l Planning and execution: Reforestation can be difficult to plan and execute.
l Weather, pests, and weeds: Reforestation success is dependent on weather, pests, and weeds.
l Maintenance: Reforestation requires continued maintenance.
l Time: Reforestation is time consuming.
l Land use: The opportunity cost of reforestation is often higher than the current land use.
l Climate change: Climate change can lead to deforestation, water scarcity, land degradation, and health issues.Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns may threaten the survival of newly planted trees, making reforestation more challenging.
l Agricultural expansion: Agriculture is the main cause of deforestation, causing 80% of forest degradation.
l Population growth: Population growth can strain environmental resources like land, forests, and water.
l Resource depletion and degradation: Agricultural practices can lead to the loss of fertile soil and other resource depletion.
l Soil and water resource depletion: Continuous cropping on the same land can reduce soil nutrients and crop yield.
l Intensive crop cultivation: Intensive agriculture can damage soils and waters, and is a major driver of deforestation and wildlife loss.Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain:
l Illegal logging: Weak enforcement of environmental laws allows illegal logging to continue in many areas.
4. Pakistan’s Reforestation Efforts in 2024
By mid-2024, Pakistan has planted over 1.5 billion trees across various regions, with a focus on both afforestation (establishing new forests) and reforestation (restoring damaged forests).
u Key achievements include:
a. Forest Restoration: Efforts are underway to rehabilitate damaged forests in northern areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where forest cover is crucial for flood prevention and climate resilience.
b. Mangrove Forests: Pakistan has made significant strides in restoring mangrove ecosystems along its coastal areas, notably in Sindh. Mangroves act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
c. Community Engagement: The government has actively engaged local communities, encouraging them to participate in tree planting initiatives, which helps sustain the long-term success of these projects. Schools and local governments have also been involved in small-scale planting projects, boosting public awareness.
Despite these efforts, illegal logging, deforestation for agricultural land, and the impacts of climate change—such as droughts and heatwaves—pose challenges to Pakistan’s reforestation ambitions. The survival rate of newly planted trees remains a concern in some areas.
5. Global Reforestation Efforts in 2024
Globally, several major reforestation and afforestation initiatives have continued to gain momentum in 2024, aiming to combat biodiversity loss and mitigate climate change:
a) The 30×30 Initiative: This global pledge aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. By 2024, multiple countries have increased their protected areas, contributing to global conservation goals, though challenges remain in enforcing these protections.
b) The Bonn Challenge: This global effort seeks to restore 350 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2030. By 2024, over 210 million hectares have been committed to restoration under this initiative. Countries like Brazil, India, and Kenya have made substantial contributions, focusing on reforestation projects to improve biodiversity and livelihoods.
c) The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030): Launched by the UN, this initiative seeks to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation worldwide. In 2024, global projects aimed at restoring ecosystems have gained traction, with significant involvement from international NGOs and governments. Progress has been made in Africa and Southeast Asia, where large-scale forest restoration projects are underway
6. Conclusion
These global efforts align with Pakistan’s national reforestation goals, and Pakistan has positioned itself as a leader in tree-planting initiatives in the developing world. However, global reforestation success still depends on financial support, sustainable forest management, and policy enforcement to ensure the protection of newly restored ecosystems.