Karachi's GHG emissions
Listen to article
Following Sindh's pioneering establishment of a Climate Change Directorate, Karachi has now demonstrated leadership by developing and releasing its Climate Action Plan (K-CAP). This initiative, while acknowledging the inherent challenges of implementation, signifies a crucial step forward.
The city's Mayor deserves commendation for this effort, which sets a precedent for local governance. The focus now shifts to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's (KMC) execution of the plan, as its success hinges on prioritised and effective actions. It's essential to recognise that this plan provides a critical baseline for analysing future greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends, demonstrating the courage required to publish such vital data.
A significant challenge lies in the widespread misunderstanding between air pollution and GHG emissions. While air pollution involves harmful contaminants in the lower part of the first layer of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases elevate to the upper part of the troposphere, intensifying heat retention.
In Karachi, while numerous attempts have been made to measure air pollution, these have often been limited to PM2.5 monitoring. In contrast, the KMC, supported by C40 (a global cities network) and UNDP Pakistan, has successfully quantified GHG emissions, publishing the results in their climate action plan. This achievement provides a 2022 baseline for Karachi's GHG inventory, enabling future assessments of emission changes. Previously, without a situational analysis, emission reduction was difficult; Karachi has now overcome that obstacle.
The K-CAP document provides a foundational GHG emissions inventory for Karachi for the year 2022, stating a total of 43.5 million metric tons (MMT) CO2-equivalent. This inventory identifies the key sectoral contributions, with Stationary Energy dominating at 67.5% (29.4 MMT-CO2e), followed by Waste at 18.7% (8.14 MMT-CO2e) and Transport at 13.8% (6.01 MMT-CO2e).
Within the Stationary Energy sector, manufacturing industries and construction account for the highest emissions (56.5%), followed by residential buildings (27%). The Waste sector's primary contributor is unmanaged solid waste disposal (59% of waste emissions), while on-road transportation is the major source within the Transport sector (99.7%).
Karachi's report on GHG emissions was made using a widely accepted method that tracks three main types of emissions: carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The study focused on emissions from buildings including all types of manufacturing concerns, vehicles and waste.
To measure the emissions, experts used a standard calculation tool. They gathered data on how much fuel (like natural gas, LPG, petrol, coal and diesel) was used in homes, businesses and vehicles, then estimated emission levels based on global guidelines. The report covers all of Karachi's districts and breaks down how different fuels contribute to pollution.
This BASIC-level inventory, while providing a crucial starting point for climate action, prioritises major emission sectors, notably stationary energy and waste, where unmanaged solid waste is a key contributor, and also includes emissions from domestic wastewater.
Notably, it excludes deforestation as a direct emission source, which aligns with the BASIC-level's focus and Karachi's primarily urban nature. The inventory's reliance on the globally accepted standards, methods and guidelines to calculate the GHG emissions of a mega city like Karachi enhances transparency and facilitates comparisons with other cities, aiding in prioritising mitigation efforts.
Future inventories at a BASIC+ or territorial level — more advanced methods - may include emissions from Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) and Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU).
Karachi's first-ever K-CAP marks a crucial step forward, yet key weaknesses at the mitigation side must be addressed to ensure real impact. While the report outlines GHG emissions with commendable ambition, its foundation (the data sources) lack transparency.
Where exactly did the numbers come from? How were fuel consumption, waste and industrial emissions measured? Without these details, confidence in the findings remains shaky. What was the reason to consider various varieties of all types of fossil fuel as of same quality and how the undocumented part of economy was treated while doing this exercise?
The inventory also takes a narrow view, omitting major emission sources like imported goods (clothing, electronics) and land-use changes. If Karachi plants thousands of trees but ignores deforestation's hidden carbon toll, can it claim true progress? Similarly, the 2022 emissions snapshot is useful, but without past trends, how do we gauge improvement?
Most concerning is the missing link between data and action. The report identifies manufacturing as the top emitter (56.5% of energy sector emissions), but will this directly translate into stricter factory regulations or renewable energy shifts? Without independent verification, even the best numbers risk becoming just paperwork.
KMC's effort is pioneering; but to move from promise to results, the next steps must be sharper: open data, broader emission tracking and clear policy ties. The city's fight against climate change deserves nothing less.
In conclusion, the GHG inventory management process for Karachi, as presented in K-CAP, provides a necessary and commendable initial assessment of the city's carbon footprint using a recognised methodology. However, enhancing the transparency of data sources and collection methods, expanding the scope of the inventory in future updates and establishing clear linkages between the inventory data and targeted climate actions would strengthen its utility as a tool for driving effective climate mitigation in Karachi.
The absence of specific data on deforestation as a direct emission source in a predominantly urban context is understandable at the BASIC-level, but future expansion to include land-use change could provide a more holistic view.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
PM vows strategic response to India's water threat
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced plans to expand country's water storage capacity in consultation with all the provinces, emphasising that Pakistan's response to India's provocations, especially regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), would "be more strategic and collaborative". Addressing a representative Jirga in Peshawar, the prime minister said that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) had been receiving 1% share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) since 2010 to fight terrorism, adding that the funding would continue until complete elimination of the menace. The prime minister began his speech with paying tribute to the K-P people for their patriotism and bravery in the fight against terrorism. He told the Jirga he had come to Peshawar to listen to the public grievances and to resolve them. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to securing its water rights under the IWT. He called for urgent measures to enhance the country's water infrastructure to ensure that the rights of the provinces were safeguarded. He said that India could not deprive Pakistan of its rightful share of water or suspend the IWT unilaterally. Pakistan has the right to every drop under the treaty," he declared. "Now, we will take steps to store water in the country to counter India's threats," he said. He called for expanding the existing water storage capacity and accelerating work on major projects, such as Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams. "A decision on water issue will be taken by inviting all provinces for discussions on how to increase water reserves, so that India's malicious designs are buried," he said. NFC Award Shehbaz said that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had spoken about reviewing the NFC award. He announced that he would form a committee on K-P's share in the NFC award and the province's issues would be resolved in collaboration with the provincial government, and military officials. The prime minister told the Jirga that more than Rs700 billion funds had been given to K-P during different periods. "The first agenda item of the NFC Award in 2010 was anti-terrorism efforts in K-P," Shehbaz recalled. "All provinces fully agreed to giving 1% to K-P for the fight against terrorism," he added. "That decision was just and appropriate, as K-P has remained the frontline province in the war against terrorism," he said. "These funds were released to strengthen police force, develop CTD [Counter-Terrorism Department], and enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies," he added. "K-P will continue to receive funds until the complete elimination of terrorism," he added. However, he noted that Balochistan, despite facing similar security challenges, had not received that much financial support under the NFC - an issue he suggested might needed reassessment. Escalation with India Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the Pakistani Armed Force had taught an unforgettable lesson to India in the recent May 7-10 confrontation and warned New Delhi that any repeat of aggression would invite a strong and uncompromising response from Islamabad. Shehbaz said the enemy's ambush in the night between May 6 and 7 killed and injured innocent Pakistanis. "[In response] What the Pakistan Army taught India under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir is a lesson they will never forget," he said. "[Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi's government is licking its wounds after a crushing defeat and it is in an angry and hysterical state. Sometimes they threaten to shoot, other times to cut our water off. If India makes any move again, they will be taught the same lesson." The prime minister termed K-P a vital province that has historically supported Pakistan and promised to address the concerns of its people. "They have rendered sacrifices that history will never forget. Whenever Pakistan was in need, you put aside all differences and stood united for Pakistan," he said. The Jirga was attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, K-P Chief Minister Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and other political and military leaders as well as tribal elders. Earlier, the participants offered Fateha for both civilian and military personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation. Self-reliance Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting on the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and other matters related to water resources in Islamabad. He said that building new dams was crucial to enhance water storage capacity, ensure water supply for agriculture, and prevent floods. He said that the country's self-reliance was linked to affordable electricity, and its agriculture, which required increased water storage and efficient water usage. He directed for prioritising the completion of projects like Diamer-Bhasha Dam to establish an effective system for energy production and abundant water storage. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
CM makes pitch for K-P role in talks with Kabul
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has demanded that the K-P government be made a part of peace talks with neighboring Afghanistan, warning that excluding the province would render the negotiations incomplete. Addressing a jirga in Peshawar, K-P Chief Minister Gandapur extended felicitations to the entire nation over a befitting response to Indian aggression, saying that PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, despite being unjustly imprisoned, united the entire nation against Indian hostilitiesproving himself a true leader. Expressing his gratitude to Imran Khan and his supporters, Gandapur said their unwavering stance was instrumental in defending Pakistan. "Despite political differences, we have forged national unity for the sake of the country's sovereignty and integrity," he said. The chief minister also called on the federal government to avoid imposing taxes on the erstwhile FATA and PATA regions, arguing that the local population is not financially capable of bearing such burdens. "These areas have been severely affected by the war on terror and require significant investment," he emphasized. Highlighting the sacrifices of people from merged districts, the chief minister urged the federal government to fulfill all promises made to them. He demanded immediate release of compensation money for people displaced from these regions and called for an end to drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing civilian casualties. He also demanded immediate inclusion of the merged districts' share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. "We are not asking for another province's share — we're demanding our rightful due," he said. The chief minister further urged the federal government to release all pending dues owed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including net hydel profit and the province's full share in tobacco cess. "These are the rightful entitlements of our people," he asserted. In his address, the chief minister urged the reinstatement of the traditional jirga system to sustainably resolve disputes in the merged districts. He also demanded Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's inclusion in peace talks with neighboring Afghanistan, warning that excluding the province would render the negotiations incomplete.
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Karachi's GHG emissions
Listen to article Following Sindh's pioneering establishment of a Climate Change Directorate, Karachi has now demonstrated leadership by developing and releasing its Climate Action Plan (K-CAP). This initiative, while acknowledging the inherent challenges of implementation, signifies a crucial step forward. The city's Mayor deserves commendation for this effort, which sets a precedent for local governance. The focus now shifts to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's (KMC) execution of the plan, as its success hinges on prioritised and effective actions. It's essential to recognise that this plan provides a critical baseline for analysing future greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends, demonstrating the courage required to publish such vital data. A significant challenge lies in the widespread misunderstanding between air pollution and GHG emissions. While air pollution involves harmful contaminants in the lower part of the first layer of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases elevate to the upper part of the troposphere, intensifying heat retention. In Karachi, while numerous attempts have been made to measure air pollution, these have often been limited to PM2.5 monitoring. In contrast, the KMC, supported by C40 (a global cities network) and UNDP Pakistan, has successfully quantified GHG emissions, publishing the results in their climate action plan. This achievement provides a 2022 baseline for Karachi's GHG inventory, enabling future assessments of emission changes. Previously, without a situational analysis, emission reduction was difficult; Karachi has now overcome that obstacle. The K-CAP document provides a foundational GHG emissions inventory for Karachi for the year 2022, stating a total of 43.5 million metric tons (MMT) CO2-equivalent. This inventory identifies the key sectoral contributions, with Stationary Energy dominating at 67.5% (29.4 MMT-CO2e), followed by Waste at 18.7% (8.14 MMT-CO2e) and Transport at 13.8% (6.01 MMT-CO2e). Within the Stationary Energy sector, manufacturing industries and construction account for the highest emissions (56.5%), followed by residential buildings (27%). The Waste sector's primary contributor is unmanaged solid waste disposal (59% of waste emissions), while on-road transportation is the major source within the Transport sector (99.7%). Karachi's report on GHG emissions was made using a widely accepted method that tracks three main types of emissions: carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The study focused on emissions from buildings including all types of manufacturing concerns, vehicles and waste. To measure the emissions, experts used a standard calculation tool. They gathered data on how much fuel (like natural gas, LPG, petrol, coal and diesel) was used in homes, businesses and vehicles, then estimated emission levels based on global guidelines. The report covers all of Karachi's districts and breaks down how different fuels contribute to pollution. This BASIC-level inventory, while providing a crucial starting point for climate action, prioritises major emission sectors, notably stationary energy and waste, where unmanaged solid waste is a key contributor, and also includes emissions from domestic wastewater. Notably, it excludes deforestation as a direct emission source, which aligns with the BASIC-level's focus and Karachi's primarily urban nature. The inventory's reliance on the globally accepted standards, methods and guidelines to calculate the GHG emissions of a mega city like Karachi enhances transparency and facilitates comparisons with other cities, aiding in prioritising mitigation efforts. Future inventories at a BASIC+ or territorial level — more advanced methods - may include emissions from Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) and Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU). Karachi's first-ever K-CAP marks a crucial step forward, yet key weaknesses at the mitigation side must be addressed to ensure real impact. While the report outlines GHG emissions with commendable ambition, its foundation (the data sources) lack transparency. Where exactly did the numbers come from? How were fuel consumption, waste and industrial emissions measured? Without these details, confidence in the findings remains shaky. What was the reason to consider various varieties of all types of fossil fuel as of same quality and how the undocumented part of economy was treated while doing this exercise? The inventory also takes a narrow view, omitting major emission sources like imported goods (clothing, electronics) and land-use changes. If Karachi plants thousands of trees but ignores deforestation's hidden carbon toll, can it claim true progress? Similarly, the 2022 emissions snapshot is useful, but without past trends, how do we gauge improvement? Most concerning is the missing link between data and action. The report identifies manufacturing as the top emitter (56.5% of energy sector emissions), but will this directly translate into stricter factory regulations or renewable energy shifts? Without independent verification, even the best numbers risk becoming just paperwork. KMC's effort is pioneering; but to move from promise to results, the next steps must be sharper: open data, broader emission tracking and clear policy ties. The city's fight against climate change deserves nothing less. In conclusion, the GHG inventory management process for Karachi, as presented in K-CAP, provides a necessary and commendable initial assessment of the city's carbon footprint using a recognised methodology. However, enhancing the transparency of data sources and collection methods, expanding the scope of the inventory in future updates and establishing clear linkages between the inventory data and targeted climate actions would strengthen its utility as a tool for driving effective climate mitigation in Karachi. The absence of specific data on deforestation as a direct emission source in a predominantly urban context is understandable at the BASIC-level, but future expansion to include land-use change could provide a more holistic view.
