EVOLVING CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE: EXPLORING NON-TRADITIONAL SECURITY RISKS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN

Abstract

Climate change is an emerging global challenge that has profound implications for human security. In regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, a remote and environmentally fragile area in northern Pakistan, the impacts of climate change extend beyond traditional environmental concerns to encompass non-traditional security risks. This study will explore the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change in Gilgit-Baltistan, focusing on water security, food insecurity, displacement, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The rapid melting of glaciers, increased frequency of GLOFs, and errant weather patterns are changing the very ecology of the  region by raising the risks to livelihoods and infrastructure. It aggravates the socio-political tensions of resource competition and also adds migration pressures that might destabilize the region. This study, therefore, tries to explore the relationship between environmental degradation and non-traditional security risks in Gilgit-Baltistan through a multidisciplinary approach. This study, therefore, brings into focus the need to address the particular vulnerabilities of Gilgit-Baltistan in order to ensure long-term stability and resilience in the face of changing climate challenges. It does this by looking into local and regional dynamics and giving insights into policy strategies to reduce such risks.