Surviving Climate Disasters: How Communities Adapt to Extreme Weather

Climate disasters are primarily linked to changes in weather conditions, resulting in droughts, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, which lead to irreparable damage and loss. Anthropogenic activities have primarily changed climatic patterns, severely affecting their intensity and frequency.

The past few decades have witnessed extreme natural disasters affecting the entire world, from the melting of glaciers to the floods in Houston (2017) and the wildfires in Australia (2019). The US experienced over 20 different types of disasters, resulting in a financial loss of almost $1 billion (UN report).

Pakistan has also experienced a climate crisis. In 2022, floods affected one-third of the country, resulting in the displacement of 33 million people. The worst has already happened, but life goes on. The communities that have survived climatic disasters have adapted their lifestyles to cope with extreme conditions. (Improving Energy Resilience in Pakistan Can Avert 175,000 Child and Adult Deaths, n.d.)

Adaptations for survival

The first thing that requires attention for survival is food. The change in weather or climate has a direct impact on farming, as weather conditions are no longer reliable. Rainfall intensity and frequency are changing, as are drought occurrences and the duration of prolonged summers. This indicates that the weather cannot be relied upon, making it challenging for farmers to determine the optimal planting and harvesting timelines. In this regard, farmers have adopted more efficient farming methods.

1. They plant seeds that can survive with less water.
2. They are using sprinklers and drip irrigation methods.
3. They cultivate various crops to improve soil quality.

The above-mentioned strategies are adopted by farmers in Kenya, along with the use of technology, such as various apps, to verify the weather and compare prices being offered in the market, which helps them plan more effectively (Gebre et al., 2023)

Similarly, farmers in California have also shifted their priorities and are now farming only those crops that require minimal water. It is obvious that these changes are basic; however, they are doable for the locals and are having a real impact. (Bland, 2023).

READ MORE: WHY WOMEN AND CHILDREN SUFFER THE MOST FROM CLIMATE DISASTERS?

Redesigning Cities

The lack of design for extreme weather conditions makes cities more vulnerable to climate disasters. Because cities are crucial as hubs of innovation and employment, and urbanization increases their population density, it is essential to redesign them consciously to protect more lives.

In the Netherlands, water plazas are being installed in areas that were built below sea level. The “water plazas” are filled with water in the event of heavy rain, which prevents flooding. Following the same idea, green roofs and pavements with channels are part of the infrastructure (Dai et al., 2017)

New York City has taken a similar approach. After the hurricane caused severe flooding in certain parts of Manhattan (2012), they introduced the “Big U” project, a large-scale effort to build a protective sea wall around Lower Manhattan. The project also included new parks and green spaces, blending flood protection with areas for people to enjoy. (Bb_Admin, 2025)

Community efforts matter

As climate change continues to impact lives worldwide, many communities are taking the lead with their own locally driven solutions to build resilience and protect their futures. These grassroots efforts demonstrate the power of collective action in the face of environmental challenges. In the case of Pakistan, a developing country, the community has taken charge responsibly and taken serious initiatives:

1. Access to clean water remains a daily struggle in several parts of the country, particularly in rural areas. To tackle this, organizations like the Paani Project have been working on innovative water solutions. They have introduced solar-powered wells and rainwater harvesting systems, providing reliable access to clean water and reducing the burden on women, who are often responsible for fetching it (Paani Project, 2023).
2. In cities like Karachi, rising temperatures are making life increasingly difficult. One inspiring initiative, the Clifton Urban Forest, launched in 2021, is reintroducing nature to the city. Using the Miyawaki method, a technique that promotes the growth of fast-growing, dense forests, the project aims to plant over a million trees. The result? Cooler temperatures, better air quality, and new habitats for wildlife, all while creating peaceful green spaces for people to enjoy (Clifton Urban Forest, 2022).
3. With natural disasters becoming more frequent and intense, preparation is key. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) has been training local volunteers through its Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs). These teams learn how to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, from administering first aid to utilizing early warning systems, ensuring their communities are prepared when it matters most (AKAH, 2022).
4. Farmers across Pakistan are also adapting to shifting weather patterns. Many are adopting climate-smart practices, such as drip irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and agroforestry. These methods help conserve water, improve food security, and make farming more sustainable in the face of increasingly unpredictable rainfall (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2021).

While grassroots efforts are crucial, the success of large-scale climate adaptation in Pakistan largely depends on support from the government and relevant institutions.

Policy Development: The government has taken important steps by introducing key frameworks such as “the National Climate Change Policy and the National Disaster Management Plan.” These policies demonstrate a pressing need for climate action. However, turning these plans into reality, real-time challenges remain a significant hurdle (Government of Pakistan, 2021).

International Aid: Global organizations have also acknowledged the stakes. For instance, UNICEF (2023) emphasizes the urgency of building resilient energy infrastructure in Pakistan, highlighting that this could prevent over 175,000 deaths by 2030 and potentially generate economic gains of nearly $296 million over the next two decades.

International mechanisms also channel financial backing. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1.4 billion loan under its Climate Resilience Initiative to help Pakistan bolster its adaptation strategies (IMF, 2024). This funding is a lifeline, yet it also raises concerns about long-term debt sustainability.

Challenges to Adaptation

Despite commendable efforts, multiple barriers continue to impede progress on climate adaptation in Pakistan

Funding Limitations

Much of the international financial assistance is offered as loans rather than grants, which adds to the nation’s debt and strains its economy (IMF, 2024).

Political Instability

Inconsistent governance and frequent political transitions often result in shifting priorities, making it challenging to implement effective long-term climate adaptation strategies (Khan, 2023).

Limited Public Awareness

Many communities remain unaware of climate change risks and adaptive measures, which reduces their engagement and slows down collective action (UNICEF, 2023).

The Road Ahead To enhance climate resilience

To enhance climate resilience, Pakistan needs a comprehensive and inclusive strategy:

Empowering Communities

Strengthening local institutions and actively involving communities in planning and decision-making can make adaptation efforts more relevant and sustainable.

Raising Awarenes 

Educating the public through campaigns and outreach programs can improve understanding and encourage the adoption of climate-resilient behaviors.

Strengthening Partnership

Collaboration among government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international donors is crucial for mobilizing the resources and expertise required for effective climate action.

FAQ’s

How are communities adapting to climate disasters worldwide?

Communities are adopting climate-smart farming, redesigning cities with flood defenses, and creating local emergency response teams. These strategies reduce risks from floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Grassroots projects show that collective action can make adaptation practical and effective.

What climate adaptation strategies are farmers using?

Farmers are turning to drought-resistant seeds, drip irrigation, and diversified crops to cope with unpredictable rainfall. Many also use mobile apps to track weather and market trends. These steps secure food supplies while protecting soil and water resources.

How are cities preparing for extreme weather events?

Cities like New York and Amsterdam are redesigning infrastructure to withstand floods and storms. Solutions include sea walls, water plazas, and green roofs that absorb rainwater. Such innovations make urban areas safer while improving quality of life.

What role do community initiatives play in climate resilience?

Local initiatives, such as Pakistan’s Clifton Urban Forest and solar-powered water wells, are transforming vulnerable areas. These projects reduce heat, improve water access, and protect biodiversity. Grassroots efforts empower people to fight climate challenges together.

Why is global support important for climate adaptation?

Developing countries face funding gaps, political instability, and lack of awareness in adapting to disasters. International aid and partnerships help bridge these barriers. Global collaboration ensures vulnerable nations can build sustainable, climate-resilient futures.

Conclusion

Surviving climate disasters is not just enduring the cruelty of an unforeseen natural disaster; instead, it means learning, evolving, and supporting one another through uncertainty. As climate change reshapes our planet, it also reveals our capacity for empathy, innovation, and collective strength.

When a country or community grapples with devastating floods, suffocating heatwaves, and shrinking water resources, its people are showing extraordinary courage and creativity.

From the fields of Punjab, the slums of Karachi, the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the deserts of Thar to the wildfires of Australia, communities are adapting, innovating, and surviving. They deserve the world’s attention, not just for aid, but for admiration and support because their fight is not just for their survival but for a shared, sustainable future for all.

References

Improving energy resilience in Pakistan can avert 175,000 child and adult deaths. (n.d.). UNICEF South Asia. https://www.unicef.org/rosa/press-releases/improving-energy-resilience-pakistan-can-avert-175000-child-and-adult-deaths

Gebre, G. G., Amekawa, Y., Fikadu, A. A., & Rahut, D. B. (2023). The adoption of climate change adaptation strategies by farmers and their effects on food security in Kenya have been studied. Climate Risk Management, 40, 100495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2023.100495

Bland, A. (2023, May 10). Mangoes and agave in the Central Valley: California farmers try new crops to cope with climate change. CalMatters. https://calmatters.org/environment/climate-change/2023/05/california-farmers-climate-change/

Dai, L., Wörner, R., & van Rijswick, H. F. M. W. (2017). Rainproof cities in the Netherlands: Approaches in Dutch water governance to climate-adaptive urban planning. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 34(4), 652–674. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1372273

Bb_Admin. (2025, February 21). AdaptNYC – NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. https://climate.cityofnewyork.us/initiatives/adaptnyc/

Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. (2022). Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). https://www.akdn.org

Clifton Urban Forest. (2022). About the project. https://cliftonurbanforest.com

Food and Agriculture Organization. (2021). Climate-smart agriculture in Pakistan. https://www.fao.org

Paani Project. (2023). Water access initiatives. https://www.paaniproject.org

Government of Pakistan. (2021). National Climate Change Policy. Ministry of Climate Change.

International Monetary Fund. (2024). Pakistan: Climate resilience fund approval. https://www.imf.org

Khan, M. A. (2023). Political instability and climate policy in South Asia. Journal of Environmental Governance, 18(2), 112–129.

UNICEF. (2023). Building climate-resilient systems in Pakistan. United Nations Children’s Fund.