Climate Resilient Education System in Pakistan: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

This study examines the challenges and potential solutions for developing a climate-resilient education system in Balochistan, the most vulnerable province of Pakistan. A mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques, is used to gather statistical insights and in-depth qualitative data for a deep understanding of the issue. The stratified sampling technique is used to select a sample of school administrators, teachers, and students and the purposive sampling technique is utilized to choose a sample of government officials, NGO representatives, and community members. Structured questionnaires are used to get statistical insights from school administrators, teachers, and students. At the same time, interviews and focus group discussions are held to gather in-depth qualitative data from government officials, NGO representatives, and community members. Quantitative data is analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, and T-test. Thematic analysis is used to analyze qualitative data. Content analysis also is used to examine official reports and other documents. The study's findings revealed the education system in Balochistan faces multiple challenges in fostering climate resilience. The challenges include insufficient integration of climate change into national education policies and plans, limited coverage of topics on climate change and its impacts in curricula, absence of disaster-resistant school infrastructure, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in schools, lack of Disaster Risk Reduction plans, inadequate community engagement and participation, and the lack of adequate financial resources. Based on findings, recommendations are proposed to enhance resilience in the education system, including the integration of climate change into national education policies and plans, comprehensive inclusion of climate change topics in national curricula, development of plans to retrofit and upgrade existing school infrastructure, and allocation of sufficient financial resources for the development and implementation of disaster risk reduction plans.