Effects of Climate Change on Pakistan's National Security and Economy: An Examination of Hard Power Dynamics

Abstract

The recent devastating flood in Pakistan has had a severe impact on the nation's
economy, exacerbating its vulnerability to natural disasters. Climate change has
emerged as a significant threat to Pakistan's military strength, a crucial component of
its hard power capabilities. Economic and military prowess are the twin pillars of hard
power projection. The consequences of climate change are evident in Pakistan's GDP
contracting by 10 percent, dealing a substantial blow to its economic resilience. This
economic downturn, in turn, hampers investments in essential military hardware,
affecting military capabilities. Pakistan's agricultural sector, vital to its economy, faces a
dual challenge from climate change. It suffers immediate damage from severe weather
events affecting crops and long-term declines in agricultural production. This has a
cascading effect on the economy and food security. As global geopolitical rivalries
intensify, nations like India are modernizing their military arsenals with advanced
systems. Pakistan must increase its military budget to keep pace. Failure to do so would
have profound consequences for national security.