National State of Environment Report highlights worsening air quality, health risks and urgent need for stronger climate action
Pakistan’s air quality has reached dangerous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations recorded up to 15 times higher than the safe limit in some areas, according to findings from an unpublished National State of Environment Report (NSOER) set to be launched soon.
The findings were discussed during a consultation session jointly organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change in Islamabad.
The session focused on gathering youth input for the upcoming report, which comes nearly a decade after Pakistan’s last State of Environment Report was published in 2016. Unlike the previous edition, the upcoming report includes a dedicated youth perspective on environmental challenges.
Air pollution poses major health threat
According to preliminary findings presented during the consultation, levels of PM2.5, fine particulate matter considered highly harmful to human health, have remained alarmingly high, with some areas recording concentrations up to 15 times above safe limits.
The report noted that there has been little to no improvement in air quality conditions between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the continued impact of pollution on public health.
Citing global research, SDPI researchers said air pollution is reducing average life expectancy in Pakistan by an estimated 3.4 to 3.9 years, with South Asia among the regions most severely affected by deteriorating air quality.
Clean Air Policy could reduce emissions
Researchers highlighted that full implementation of Pakistan’s existing National Clean Air Policy could significantly reduce PM2.5 emissions.
According to the findings, effective enforcement of the policy could lower PM2.5 emissions by 36% to 38% by 2030 and potentially by 80% by 2050.
However, researchers noted that weak enforcement remains a major challenge in achieving these targets.
Youth engagement included in environmental report
Speaking at the consultation, Zainab Naeem, Associate Research Fellow and Head of Ecological Sustainability and Circular Economy at SDPI, said youth engagement would directly contribute to a standalone youth edition of the national report.
She said the initiative aims to provide young citizens with a formal role in shaping environmental policies and addressing challenges that will affect future generations.
Neelum Pari, Research Associate at SDPI, presented preliminary findings based on the internationally recognised DPSIR framework, which evaluates environmental issues through Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact and Response.
The framework helps researchers analyse environmental degradation from its underlying causes to the policy measures required for solutions.
Report highlights wider environmental challenges
Beyond air pollution, the upcoming NSOER covers twelve major areas, including water resources, agriculture, disaster risks, environmental health, governance and accountability.
The report also identifies challenges related to environmental compliance, legal enforcement, monitoring systems and financing gaps.
Researchers noted that differences in provincial data availability resulted in some regions, particularly Punjab, receiving greater representation due to stronger data collection systems within provincial Environmental Protection Departments.
Recommendations for climate action
The report proposes several measures to address Pakistan’s environmental challenges, including:
Strengthening legal enforcement mechanisms
Improving access to international climate financing, including the Green Climate Fund
Making wastewater treatment plants mandatory near industrial areas
Phasing out single-use plastics and promoting alternatives
Increasing investment in climate-smart agriculture
Supporting energy transition initiatives
Following the technical briefing, participants were divided into thematic working groups led by SDPI representatives Amna Urooj and Ihtesham ul Haq to identify youth-focused environmental priorities for inclusion in the final report.
The consultation was attended by climate experts, environmentalists, civil society representatives, academics, students and other stakeholders.