Impacts of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on the Natural Environment of Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to explore environmental risks imposed by the developmental projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (pinyin: Zhōng bā jīngjì zǒuláng). CPEC is helping Pakistan with energy, economic, and infrastructural development and it is also highly addressing the damage to the natural environment. The natural environment has immense importance for the growth and stability of a country. It is further attached to fundamental elements such as biodiversity, acid rain, glaciers, thunderstorms, agriculture, ecosystems, water resources, and tourism. Although climate change is a global phenomenon, and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor works as a catalyst to address climatic concerns in Pakistan. Through the energy projects of CPEC tons of CO2 are emitted daily which is considered a major cause of ozone depletion according to the global index. Pakistan has witnessed heavy flooding, heat waves, increasing temperature, a decline in biodiversity, and glacier melting for a decade. Economic development at the cost of environmental loss is not suitable for it. Securing the natural environment and natural resources should be the major concern of Pakistan.