Climate Change Vulnerability, Water Insecurity and Poverty in Urban Cities: The Case of Karachi and its Implications for Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030

Abstract

While numerous studies have explored sustainable development issues at a national level, this research takes a focused approach by examining the interconnected dynamics of human security and sustainable development within the context of Karachi. Specifically, the study investigates prevailing challenges related to water insecurity, climate adaptability gaps, and pockets of poverty. Given Karachi's pivotal economic role in Pakistan, the study's premise is that the interplay of these three major human security issues could impact Pakistan's prospects of achieving upper-middle-class status by 2030. The research builds upon prior studies concerning the aforementioned issues in Karachi. Moreover, the study employs expert interviews to delve deeper into the underlying causes of the lack of climate resilience, climate change impacts, water insecurity, and poverty. The analysis presented in this paper aims to elucidate the root causes of these challenges in Karachi, contextualizing them within the broader framework of Pakistan's human security and sustainable development agenda. By adopting a multifaceted approach that intertwines human security and sustainable development, this research strives to contribute a nuanced understanding of Karachi's complex issues. It underscores the importance of addressing these challenges comprehensively to strengthen the human security outlook in the city meanwhile paving the way for the city's sustainable development and on a broader level Pakistan's sustainable developmental agenda 2030.