Five major Pakistani cities have been ranked among the world’s 10 least climate-resilient urban centers, according to a new assessment by Singapore-based geospatial analytics firm AlphaGeo.
The cities included in the ranking are Hyderabad, Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi. Their positions highlight the growing climate risks facing major urban areas across Pakistan.
The assessment examined 72 major cities around the world and compared their ability to withstand and adapt to climate-related threats. Pakistan had five cities among the 10 cities ranked as the least resilient.
Hyderabad was placed second on the global list, making it the highest-ranked Pakistani city in terms of climate vulnerability. Multan followed in third place.
Lahore was ranked fifth, while Faisalabad secured seventh position. Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, was placed eighth on the list.
India’s Ahmedabad occupied the top position as the world’s most vulnerable city in the assessment.
The findings highlight the increasing challenges faced by cities exposed to extreme heat, flooding, water stress and other climate-related pressures. Rapid urban growth can further increase these risks when infrastructure and planning fail to keep pace with changing environmental conditions.
For Pakistan, the ranking is particularly significant because many of its major cities regularly face environmental and weather-related challenges. Extreme temperatures, urban flooding, water shortages and air pollution can place additional pressure on communities and public infrastructure.
Karachi faces its own set of climate challenges due to its large population, coastal location and extensive urban development. Lahore and Faisalabad also face increasing pressure from heat, pollution and water-related concerns.
Cities such as Multan and Hyderabad can be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because of their climatic conditions. Rising temperatures can increase health risks while also placing greater demand on electricity and water resources.
Climate resilience refers to the ability of a city and its communities to prepare for, withstand and recover from climate-related disruptions. Strong infrastructure, effective urban planning, reliable water systems and emergency preparedness can all contribute to greater resilience.
The AlphaGeo assessment puts renewed attention on the need for climate-focused urban planning in Pakistan. Investments in infrastructure and environmental protection could help cities better prepare for future climate risks.
The ranking also provides an important warning for policymakers as Pakistan continues to experience the effects of a changing climate. Strengthening drainage systems, expanding green spaces, improving water management and preparing for extreme weather could become increasingly important for major urban centers.
With five Pakistani cities appearing among the 10 least climate-resilient cities in the assessment, the findings underline the scale of the challenge facing the country’s urban areas.
The results are likely to add to calls for stronger climate adaptation policies and long-term planning. Building more resilient cities could help reduce the economic, environmental and social impact of future climate-related events.
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