Global and South Asian Environmental Challenges: An In-Depth Analysis of Balochistan’s Ecological and Socio-Economic Risks

Abstract

This study aims to examine global, regional, and provincial environmental challenges, with a specific focus on Balochistan, to identify key ecological risks and propose pathways for resilience. Environmental stress is unevenly distributed, and communities in the Global South face greater vulnerability to climate change, biodiversity loss, and weak governance. Balochistan exemplifies these challenges, where fragile ecosystems and socio-economic pressures converge, threatening food security, health, and livelihoods. A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed journals, books and conference proceedings published between 2018 and 2025. Sources were thematically analyzed across global, South Asian, and provincial contexts to identify patterns of risk and adaptation gaps. Findings highlight water depletion from over-extraction, desertification driven by overgrazing and deforestation, biodiversity loss, and increasing climate-induced disasters. Pollution and weak policy enforcement further worsen ecological and health conditions. Future strategies should integrate water management, sustainable agriculture, and climate-smart technologies, alongside governance reforms and community participation, to build resilience in Balochistan.