Key Indicators:
T&T Energy Sustainability, T&T GHG intensity, T&T energy intensity, T&T use of low-carbon energy, Renewable energy regulation, Energy efficiency regulation, Pollution and Environmental Conditions, Particulate matter (2.5) concentration, Level of water stress, Red List Index, Forest cover loss, Proportion of safely treated domestic wastewater flows, Clean ocean water, Preservation of Nature, Number of environmental treaty ratifications, Adequate protection for nature, Total protected areas coverage, Average proportion of all key biodiversity areas covered by protected areas
Note: This pillar measures the travel and tourism sector’s energy sustainability the general sustainability of an economy’s natural environment and the protection of natural resources. It consists of the T&T Energy Sustainability, Pollution and Environmental Conditions, and Preservation of Nature sub-pillars.
Nature is essential to the travel and tourism sector, contributing over 80% of its value through natural resources and attractions.[173] The T&T Development Index 2024, places Pakistan at 112 out of 119 economies,[174] with a score of 3.64 highlighting significant challenges in the area environmental sustainability. In the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024, the country is ranked 179 out of 180 economies, with a score of 25.5.[175] This shows a decline from its 2022 ranking of 176th, where it scored 24.60.[176]
The sub-pillar, T&T Energy Sustainability has improved, ranking 101 with a score of 3.28 (1-7 scale). However, the data for T&T GHG intensity is currently ranked 113 (with a score of 2.43). The indicator T&T energy intensity is ranked 82 with a score of 4.58 and T&T’s use of low-carbon energy currently ranks 46 with a score of 2.77 (& 6.94 % of the total).
The indicators regulations for renewable energy and energy efficiency are ranked 88, with a score of 3.52, and 83 with a score of 3.16, respectively. This suggests a stronger framework for clean energy and responsible energy use across sectors, including tourism.
In 2022-2023, the PMLN government advanced several energy projects, including the Karot and Azad Pattan Hydropower Projects, and refurbished Mangla Dam to boost its capacity. The government also introduced an Anti-theft law to prevent energy pilferage and updated the National Flood Protection Plan. For 2024-2029, the government promises to improve health and environmental outcomes by increasing renewable energy share to over 10%, enhancing grid connectivity for renewable zones, and establishing a fund for clean energy initiatives.[177]
The sub-pillar Pollution and Environmental Conditions present a complex picture with both areas for improvement and positive developments. The overall ranking for this sub-pillar is 114 with a score of 3.48. Air quality remains a concern, with a high ranking of 112 for Particulate matter (2.5) concentration (current value is 62.60 µg/m³). Air pollution poses a significant health threat,[178] with Pakistan ranking 178 out of 180 in the EPI 2024 and scoring just 6.4.[179]
Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) in Pakistan reduces life expectancy by an average of 3.3 years, with some regions experiencing a loss of over 5 years. All of Pakistan’s population lives in areas exceeding WHO air quality guidelines. Meeting WHO standards could significantly improve life expectancy in major cities.[180]
Similarly, water scarcity persists, as evidenced by the unchanged ranking of 110 for the Level of Water Stress (value: 116.31). Pakistan faces extreme water stress, withdrawing 162% of its renewable water resources when factoring in environmental flow requirements, as reported by SDG indicator 6.4.2 (2021) from UN-Water.[181] Data from WRI’s Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas indicates that Pakistan faces “high water stress,” withdrawing about 40% of its water supply due to growing agriculture, industry, and population growth demands.[182] This severe strain on water resources threatens development and risks severe shortages by 2025, exacerbated by overdrawn groundwater and inadequate water management.[183] Many decision-makers also lack the necessary expertise to effectively address these challenges.[184]
However, encouraging trends emerge in species conservation and forest preservation. The Red List Index, a measure of extinction risk, has improved to 71 with a score of 5.02. The most significant improvement lies in Forest Cover Loss, with a substantial decrease reflected by the ranking 8 and a score of 6.98 (value: 0.01%). From 2001 to 2023, Pakistan lost 9.94 kha of tree cover, a 1.0% decrease since 2000, resulting in 2.88 Mt of CO₂ emissions.[185] In 2023 alone, the country lost 148 ha of tree cover, adding 60.2 kt of CO₂.[186] Approximately 4.1% of this loss was due to deforestation.[187] The “Green Pakistan Upscaling Programme Phase-1,” led by the Ministry of Climate Change, aims to combat forest cover loss. By June 2023, the program covered over 1.62 million acres with more than 15,000 plantation sites, working towards its target of 2,068.86 million plants.[188]
In Pakistan, 38% of domestic wastewater is safely treated, as reported by SDG indicator 6.3.1 (2022).[189] This reflects ongoing challenges in wastewater management infrastructure, with the proportion of safely treated wastewater flows remaining unchanged at rank 73 with a score of 3.29. This underscores the need for significant improvements in wastewater management practices and infrastructure.
On a more positive note, the Clean Ocean Water indicator shows progress, ranking 83 with a score of 3.62. The current score of 43.62 (out of a possible 100) reflects an improvement from the previous value, indicating some success in maintaining the health of Pakistan’s ocean waters.
The country is ranked 78 in the sub-pillar Preservation of Nature with a score of 4.1. There are positive developments in some key indicators. Environmental treaty ratification has seen significant improvement, with Pakistan ranking 59 and a score of 5.76 (& a value of 23 0-29 best). Pakistan is a signatory to and has ratified various Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), including conventions on forestry, biodiversity, climate change, chemicals, and hazardous wastes. Key agreements include the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Paris Agreement, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. As a result, Pakistan is committed to implementing these international environmental instruments.[190] This indicates a growing commitment to international agreements that safeguard the environment.
Similarly, the ranking for Total Protected areas as a percentage of total land area is 79, with a value of 9.79% and a score of 2.18. The ranking for Adequate Protection for Nature is 61, with a score of 4.04. Additionally, the indicator, the average proportion of key biodiversity areas covered by protected areas ranks at 85, with a score of 3.09.
In conclusion, while Pakistan faces considerable environmental and energy-related challenges, ongoing improvements in nature preservation and clean energy frameworks signal a commitment to addressing these issues. To improve Pakistan’s overall environmental performance and its appeal as a worldwide tourism destination, it will be imperative to continue efforts to improve air quality, water management, and energy sustainability.