A recent survey conducted in collaboration with the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and commissioned by the Global Methane Hub reveals that the people of Pakistan are proactively advocating for enhanced climate action. Covering responses from 17 countries, this research is particularly striking in its findings from Pakistan, where an impressive 87% of respondents are on board with taking serious measures against climate change. Specifically, 80% support initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions, which are known to play a significant role in exacerbating global warming.
Digging deeper into the data, we find that 51% of individuals in Pakistan expressed strong backing for broad climate initiatives, while 44% specifically favor targeted methane reduction strategies. This proactive stance places Pakistan among the leading advocates for climate action in the region, alongside countries like Indonesia and the Philippines.
A staggering 96% of surveyed participants admitted that climate change is a real and pressing issue, and 71% attributed its primary causes to human activities. This level of public awareness reflects a growing global consciousness about the environmental challenges we all face today.
Water and air quality emerged as major concerns for many respondents, with 61% citing water quality as their top priority, 58% expressing worry about air quality, and 57% pointing to climate change itself as a critical issue.
Marcelo Mena, the CEO of the Global Methane Hub, aptly pointed out the urgency of the situation: “Communities feeling the most heat—literally—are the most vocal about climate action. Cutting methane is one of the fastest ways to cool temperatures, and people understand that.” This essence of community-driven action isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reflection of everyday lives that are marked by extreme weather and environmental degradation.
The survey found overwhelming support for integrating methane reduction goals into Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline how countries plan to meet their climate commitments. More than three-quarters of respondents were in favor of such reforms. When it comes to specific sectors that require attention, the support is robust:
– 79% support methane reductions in the energy sector
– 79% support such measures in agriculture
– 77% are in favor of focusing on waste management
Dr. Naveed Arshad, Director of the LUMS Energy Institute, highlighted the urgent need for actionable climate solutions in Pakistan. He stated, “Communities across Pakistan are already experiencing extreme heat, floods, and poor air quality. This survey is a wake-up call for measuring emissions, raising awareness, and implementing sector-wise reforms.” His words resonate deeply for individuals and communities who bear the brunt of climate-related challenges in their daily lives.
When asked about who bears the responsibility for environmental damage, many Pakistanis pointed their fingers at large oil and gas companies, waste management organizations, and agricultural producers. There’s a recognition that these sectors, along with national governments, hold the keys to making meaningful progress against the climate crisis.
Through the lens of this survey, it’s clear: the people of Pakistan are ready to act, understand the stakes, and are looking for accountability from those in positions of power. The path forward demands not just recognition of the problem, but collaborative and effective solutions that can lead to a sustainable future—a future everyone can believe in and work towards together.
