Climate Change in South Asia: The Cost of Geopolitical Tension

• In Event: The Politics of Climate Change in South Asia

Abstract

Two facts about climate change are undeniable. First, South Asia remains one of the most critically vulnerable regions to climate change. Second, climate change is, by its very nature, a transnational problem. It stands to reason, then, that South Asian countries would stand to gain a great deal by cooperating on climate. Geopolitical constraints, however, have stymied whatever little cooperation has existed on this issue. This paper argues that geopolitical tensions in South Asia, principally between India and Pakistan, are hugely detrimental to region-wide practices of mitigation and adaptation. The paper specifically describes what potential measures against climate change are obviated in the midst of diplomatic isolation. A thaw in Indo-Pak relations is urgently required for South Asia to make progress tackling climate change at the regional level.

Author

• Ahsan Ishaq Butt