Areas and population groups in Pakistan most exposed to combined effects of climate change, food insecurity and COVID-19

This rapid review looks at areas and population groups in Pakistan most exposed to the combined effects of climate change and natural disasters, food insecurity and malnutrition, and COVID-19. There are strong interlinkages between the effects of climate change and natural disasters in Pakistan, food insecurity, and exposure to COVID-19. Areas/groups at risk of one will often be at risk of the others as well, demonstrating the complexities and multifaceted nature of vulnerability, risk and exposure. In areas exposed to natural disasters, for example, there are likely to be higher levels of food insecurity. 

This review concludes that key population groups especially at risk are the poor and landless, and women. The poor, in particular, lack the capacity to adapt or recover from climate change impacts and natural disasters, face difficulties in accessing adequate food, and often live/work in conditions which promote transmission of COVID-19.