Abstract

Pakistan faces a complex intersection of climate change, maternal and child health, and extreme heat, demanding urgent action. The continuous combustion of fossil fuels and exploitation of natural resources drive climate change, posing severe global threats. The resulting impacts, such as extreme heat events, rising sea levels, and intensified weather phenomena, heighten the vulnerability of nations. In this context, Pakistan, ranked as the 5^th most climate-vulnerable country, stands out in the South Asian landscape, experiencing climate-related challenges across economic and human development aspects, including variations in precipitation, heatwaves, floods, and glacial melt. Extreme heat has emerged as a growing threat to community well-being, exacerbating health conditions and facilitating disease transmission, with maternal and child health vulnerabilities exacerbated. Furthermore, the intersectionality of climate change, gender, and cultural factors amplifies challenges, with pregnant women, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status, facing heightened vulnerability due to gender inequities, restricted resources, and cultural norms. Addressing these challenges necessitates urgent climate policies and funding, with a specific focus on pregnant women and infants. Prioritizing women in interventions is essential, considering resource disparities and gender imbalances. Swift and comprehensive efforts on a global scale are imperative to mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Keywords:Climate change; Heatwaves; Fossil fuels