UNVEILING CLIMATE CHANGE: EXPLORING NONTRADITIONAL SECURITY THREATS IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN

Abstract

Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), a region nestled in the northern part of Pakistan, faces an escalating threat from climate change, posing unprecedented challenges to its security landscape. This research explores the multifaceted dimensions of climate change as a non-traditional security threat in Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasizing its impact on environmental, social, and economic aspects. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and the melting of glaciers are leading to adverse consequences such as glacial lake outburst floods, altered ecosystems, and disruptions in water availability. The study highlights the need for an integrated and adaptive approach to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge, community resilience, and sustainable development practices. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity for regional cooperation and international collaboration to effectively mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change in Gilgit-Baltistan, recognizing the Trans boundary nature of environmental challenges, the complex interplay between climate change and nontraditional security threats in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering insights into the urgency of adopting comprehensive strategies to safeguard the region's environmental integrity, socio-economic stability, and overall security