International Survey Reveals Pakistanis Support Actions to Address Climate Change

An international survey conducted across 17 total countries, including Pakistan, was commissioned by
the Global Methane Hub to gauge public support for climate change solutions, particularly efforts to
reduce methane pollution. In Pakistan, the survey was conducted in collaboration with LUMS.
According to the survey, 87% of Pakistanis support action to reduce the impacts of climate change, with
51% expressing strong support. 80% back efforts specifically aimed at reducing methane emissions,
including 44% who strongly support such measures.
In Pakistan, public awareness of climate change is remarkably high: 96% of respondents affirmed their
belief in climate change, with 71% attributing it to human activities—a figure that aligns with global trends.
Among environmental concerns, water quality was ranked as the top issue, with 61% expressing strong
concern, followed by air quality at 58% and climate change at 57%.
“Communities that are feeling the most heat—literally—are also the most vocal in calling for climate
action,” said Marcelo Mena, CEO of the Global Methane Hub. “Cutting methane is one of the fastest
ways to bring temperatures down, and people know it. It’s not just science—it’s a direct response to what
they’re experiencing on the ground.”
Amid increasing threats from heatwaves, floods, and worsening air pollution, 44% of Pakistanis
expressed strong support for methane-specific climate action. Among the four Asia-Pacific countries
surveyed, Pakistan, the Philippines (43%), and Indonesia (59%) all demonstrated a strong demand for
policy action on methane, positioning the region as a leader in climate advocacy.
“Communities across Pakistan are already living through the harshest effects of climate change, from
extreme heat and floods to droughts and toxic air. Evidence from secondary sources suggests that the
country emits significant levels of methane, driven by a large agriculture sector, unmanaged waste, and
an aging gas network. This survey is a timely wake-up call, underscoring the need to measure emissions,
raise awareness, and implement targeted, practical solutions,” said Dr. Naveed Arshad, Director of LUMS
Energy Institute and Professor at LUMS.
Pakistanis blame large oil and gas companies, waste management corporations, and agricultural
producers most for environmental harms. In a separate question, respondents identified oil and gas
companies, waste management organisations, and international government systems as the actors most
capable of effectively addressing climate change.
Vast Majority of Pakistanis Support Action on Methane Pollution, Blame Industry for Harms
More than three in four Pakistanis said they support climate action plans – defined as “Nationally
Determined Contributions” – that include a specific methane emissions reduction target. Support was
similarly strong for methane reduction measures across key sectors:
? Energy sector: 79% support
? Agriculture sector: 79% support
? Waste management sector: 77% support