Climate Change scholarship on Lahore: A thematic review

Abstract

Climate change has become a major challenge for rapidly growing cities, particularly in the Global South. Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, faces increasing climate-related risks, including rising temperatures, smog, the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, air pollution, groundwater depletion, and urban flooding. This review examines the existing literature on climate change in Lahore by analysing key research themes, methodological approaches, and policy discussions. Using a thematic review approach, the study synthesises evidence from published academic studies and relevant policy documents. The findings show that rapid urbanization, land use change, weak environmental governance, and ineffective policy implementation have increased the city’s climate vulnerability. Recent research has improved understanding through geospatial technologies and interdisciplinary studies. However, intersectional studies on climate change in Lahore that seek to explore variables such as class, gender, age, and disability are needed to fulfil the important gaps that remain in climate governance and adaptation. This review also identifies these gaps and highlights the need for stronger institutions, evidence-based planning, and inclusive climate policies to improve urban climate resilience in Lahore.