Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis

IntroductionThe study addresses the critical gap in climate policy implementation and public education in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region highly vulnerable to climate change but underrepresented in research and policy discourse. While national climate policies exist, their translation into localized acti...

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Main Authors: Fozia Fatima, Sabir Ali, Hamad Raza, Fuad Ahmad Siddiqi, Salar Ali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Climate
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fclim.2025.1527694/full
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author Fozia Fatima
Sabir Ali
Hamad Raza
Fuad Ahmad Siddiqi
Salar Ali
author_facet Fozia Fatima
Sabir Ali
Hamad Raza
Fuad Ahmad Siddiqi
Salar Ali
author_sort Fozia Fatima
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionThe study addresses the critical gap in climate policy implementation and public education in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region highly vulnerable to climate change but underrepresented in research and policy discourse. While national climate policies exist, their translation into localized action remains ineffective due to logistical, financial, and institutional barriers.MethodsThis research aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive mixed-method analysis to assess policy shortcomings and develop targeted educational interventions. The methodology follows a four-phase approach: first, a bibliometric analysis of over 100 peer-reviewed articles and policy documents identifies research trends, gaps, and key contributors. Second, semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including community leaders, religious scholars, and local policymakers, reveal educational needs and awareness levels regarding climate change. The third phase involves the documentation of environmental awareness initiatives at the University of Baltistan, providing empirical evidence on existing efforts. Finally, using a Design-Based Research strategy, an educational course tailored to the socio-cultural context of Gilgit-Baltistan is developed and evaluated.ResultsFindings highlight a severe lack of interdisciplinary collaboration in Pakistan’s climate research, with Gilgit-Baltistan often overlooked in national studies. Public awareness, particularly among youth and religious leaders, is insufficient, necessitating educational programs that integrate local knowledge and practical climate action strategies. Additionally, weak policy implementation in remote regions due to governance constraints underscores the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and sustainable financial support.ConclusionThe study concludes that empowering local communities through targeted education and inclusive policymaking is essential for fostering climate resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan. It calls for urgent policy adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and structured climate education programs to ensure sustainable environmental stewardship in the region.
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spelling doaj-art-2c1fb0ceac154160925511a5b0a1b56e2025-08-20T02:10:42ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Climate2624-95532025-03-01710.3389/fclim.2025.15276941527694Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysisFozia Fatima0Sabir Ali1Hamad Raza2Fuad Ahmad Siddiqi3Salar Ali4Department of Health Professions Education, National University of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, PakistanDepartment of Educational Development, University of Baltistan, Skardu, PakistanLyallpur Business School, GC University, Faisalabad, PakistanDepartment of Health Professions Education, National University of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, PakistanDepartment of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Baltistan, Skardu, PakistanIntroductionThe study addresses the critical gap in climate policy implementation and public education in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region highly vulnerable to climate change but underrepresented in research and policy discourse. While national climate policies exist, their translation into localized action remains ineffective due to logistical, financial, and institutional barriers.MethodsThis research aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive mixed-method analysis to assess policy shortcomings and develop targeted educational interventions. The methodology follows a four-phase approach: first, a bibliometric analysis of over 100 peer-reviewed articles and policy documents identifies research trends, gaps, and key contributors. Second, semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including community leaders, religious scholars, and local policymakers, reveal educational needs and awareness levels regarding climate change. The third phase involves the documentation of environmental awareness initiatives at the University of Baltistan, providing empirical evidence on existing efforts. Finally, using a Design-Based Research strategy, an educational course tailored to the socio-cultural context of Gilgit-Baltistan is developed and evaluated.ResultsFindings highlight a severe lack of interdisciplinary collaboration in Pakistan’s climate research, with Gilgit-Baltistan often overlooked in national studies. Public awareness, particularly among youth and religious leaders, is insufficient, necessitating educational programs that integrate local knowledge and practical climate action strategies. Additionally, weak policy implementation in remote regions due to governance constraints underscores the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and sustainable financial support.ConclusionThe study concludes that empowering local communities through targeted education and inclusive policymaking is essential for fostering climate resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan. It calls for urgent policy adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and structured climate education programs to ensure sustainable environmental stewardship in the region.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fclim.2025.1527694/fullbibliometric analysisempowering climate actioneducationpolicy analysissemi-structure interviews
spellingShingle Fozia Fatima
Sabir Ali
Hamad Raza
Fuad Ahmad Siddiqi
Salar Ali
Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis
Frontiers in Climate
bibliometric analysis
empowering climate action
education
policy analysis
semi-structure interviews
title Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis
title_full Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis
title_fullStr Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis
title_full_unstemmed Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis
title_short Empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in Gilgit-Baltistan: a comprehensive mixed method analysis
title_sort empowering climate action through policy analysis and education in gilgit baltistan a comprehensive mixed method analysis
topic bibliometric analysis
empowering climate action
education
policy analysis
semi-structure interviews
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fclim.2025.1527694/full
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