Trees: Nature’s Silent Climate Warriors

By Syed Shams Uddin Gilgit-Baltistan’s Tree Crisis: Only Five Trees per Person—and the Future of Pakistan’s Glaciers at Stake In a world where the average number of trees per person is estimated at 422, Pakistan’s situation is nothing short of an ecological emergency—with a mere five trees per individual. Yet even more alarming is the intra-national disparity, where Gilgit-Baltistan—home to the largest glacial reserves outside the polar regions—stands at the frontline of this looming disaster. Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan’s Hydrological Lifeline Under Threat Gilgit-Baltistan is not merely a mountainous frontier—it serves as the hydrological backbone of Pakistan. This region is home to more than 7,000 glaciers, which collectively feed the Indus River system and sustain nearly 80% of the country's agriculture and drinking water supply. However, these glaciers—so vital to Pakistan’s environmental and economic future—are now facing unprecedented threats. The key culprits include rampant deforestation, unplanned construction, unregulated tourism, and, most alarmingly, the accelerating impacts of climate change. A recent Media Lens report dated July 5, 2025, underscores the severity of the crisis. It recorded an alarming temperature of 48.5°C in Chilas, located in the Diamer region of Gilgit-Baltistan—the highest ever recorded in the area, breaking all previous records. This is not just a local warning—it is a national emergency demanding immediate attention and action. The region’s already sparse forests are vanishing, and with them go the natural protections that once buffered the glaciers. Trees regulate temperature, retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, and shield glaciers from direct solar exposure. Without them, glacial melt accelerates, destabilizing the entire river system and increasing the frequency of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and landslides. The Dangerous Domino Effect Fewer trees mean hotter local climates, which in turn speed up glacial retreat. Soil erosion and flooding become more frequent due to the loss of root networks. Urban heat islands emerge, even in high-altitude towns, making life difficult and unsustainable. The natural balance between mountain ecology and human livelihood collapses. All of this, stemming from the fact that Pakistan—and especially Gilgit-Baltistan—is drastically underforested. Local Flora Can Turn the Tide Despite the bleak picture, nature has already provided solutions—we must only recognize and act upon them. According to botanists and environmental experts, many native and drought-resistant species already exist within both the lower and upper ecological zones of Gilgit-Baltistan. These hardy, resilient plants have evolved to survive with minimal water and in harsh conditions, making them ideal candidates for mass afforestation campaigns. One such example, cited by Professor Sher Wali Khan, is a local plant known in Shina as “nirkoh.” This highly drought-resistant species thrives across the region and could be instrumental in greening both arid and semi-arid zones of GB. If properly propagated and protected, nirkoh and other such native species could form the backbone of a region-wide reforestation strategy, tailored to the local climate and geography. The key lies in popularizing these plants, investing in community-based nurseries, and involving local youth and schools in plantation drives. These species, unlike many imported or ornamental trees, require less water, are naturally pest-resistant, and preserve the local ecosystem. A National Security Concern Disguised as an Environmental Issue This is no longer just about beautifying landscapes—it is about national survival. The health of the forests in Gilgit-Baltistan directly affects: Pakistan’s water security Agricultural stability downstream Climate resilience across the Indus Basin The safety of millions from floods and droughts The Pakistani government’s Ten Billion Tree Tsunami is a bold and visionary step, but it must not remain confined to ceremonial photo-ops. It must be strategically implemented in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, with full commitment, scientific backing, and local participation. In the present era, many nations use drone technology to spreading seeds across mountains and inaccessible areas - something the provimncial government of Gilgit-Baltistan may seek as part of the campaign. Call to Action: Every Tree Counts Protect existing forests from illegal logging and land encroachments. Promote native, drought-resistant species like nirkoh in every afforestation campaign. Create incentives for community forest guardianship, especially among local schools and women’s groups. Integrate environmental education into the curriculum to ensure the next generation knows what’s at stake. Five Trees per Person Cannot Sustain a Nation When a country faces the double challenge of low forest cover and climate-vulnerable glacial zones, every sapling planted becomes an act of national service. The five trees per person statistic is a warning bell. For Gilgit-Baltistan, it is a code red. If we fail to plant now, we will pay dearly later—in floods, in droughts, in displacement, and in loss. But if we act today—guided by science, rooted in local knowledge, and driven by urgency—we can still turn the tide. Let us green the mountains before they turn to dust.