Pakistan has over 13,032 glaciers across the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan mountain ranges. This makes its northern region the largest reservoir of glaciers outside the polar regions. However, climate change has put these glaciers and their surrounding habitats at significant risk, with 10,000 glaciers reported to be receding.

This alarming information was shared at an event discussing the Global Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) project. The GLOF project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and supported by the Green Climate Fund. The project focuses on addressing climate vulnerabilities in the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The project aims to protect communities from the impacts of GLOFs. In collaboration with Cirrus Pakistan, the initiative includes awareness sessions at various universities and colleges in GB and KP.

Dr. Allah Ditta, Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in combating climate change. “Collective efforts in engaging our youth through such initiatives will pave the way for innovative solutions to combat the severe impacts of climate change in our region,” he said.

Sumaira Gul, a student from Karakoram International University's Chilas (Diamer) campus, highlighted the urgency of investing in climate-centric solutions. “The severity of the situation has encouraged me to participate in this hackathon, hoping to contribute to sustainable solutions that will protect our communities and environment,” she added.

UNDP’s GLOF-II project operates in 16 valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan and eight in KP. It empowers communities to identify and manage risks associated with GLOFs and other climate change impacts, strengthens public services to mitigate disaster risks, and enhances community preparedness and disaster response.

The project also promotes sustainable livelihood options in the target areas, focusing on women's participation to ensure food security and livelihoods. 

The concerted efforts of these initiatives are crucial in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, safeguarding Pakistan’s natural heritage, and protecting vulnerable communities.