Islamabad: Climate change is often discussed in terms of crop losses, shrinking water resources, heatwaves and floods. However, one of its least explored consequence is its impact on traditional handicrafts and craftsmanship.
Across South Punjab, where generations of artisans have kept centuries-old traditions alive with their hands, climate change is quietly rewriting a cultural legacy.
Unpredictable weather, scorching heat, prolonged droughts and devastating floods are not only disrupting traditional handicrafts but also threatening the rural livelihoods and rich cultural identity woven into every craft.
From the pottery of Multan to the date palm handicrafts of Muzaffargarh, the reed mats woven along canal belts, the wooden furniture crafted by village carpenters, and the traditional quilts stitched by rural women, artisans are increasingly facing challenges linked to extreme temperatures, irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and declining availability of natural raw materials.
Potters including Gulam Hussain and Imam Bakhash, from Chak No 34/W.B of district Vehari, explain, the unusually high temperatures cause clay to dry too quickly before shaping is complete, leading to cracks and higher production losses.
Similarly, sudden humidity changes during the monsoon season also affect the firing process, resulting in damaged pottery and increased fuel consumption.
They maintained that their young kids were not interested in pot making and preferred to seek jobs in countries of middle east. For decades, the village remained highly popular for clay pots.
Similarly, artisans Bashir and Akram, resident of Nawabpur village, who produce baskets, mats and household items from reeds and grasses report that wetlands and canal banks no longer provide the same quantity or quality of raw material.
They remarked that reduced water availability and prolonged dry spells had affected the growth of these plants, forcing craftsmen to purchase expensive alternatives or abandon the trade altogether.
Women including Sameena, Shamim Bibi and some others of Basti Nau- Abad , engaged in making handicrafts from date palm leaves face a similar situation. In many villages of Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, DG Khan Layyah and adjoining areas, families traditionally earned supplementary income by weaving hand fans, storage baskets and decorative items.
However, recurring heat stress, pest attacks and water shortages have affected date palm health, reducing the availability of quality leaves required for these products.
Carpenters Suhail Bhutta from village Syed Wali Khoi, (Multan) and Muhammad Hussain Pathan of Chak 220/EB (Vehari), also describe climate-related difficulties.
They remarked, “intense heat and fluctuating humidity alter the moisture content of timber, causing excessive shrinking, expansion and cracking” .
Similarly , many native trees including Sheshan, Keekar are also losing ground because of diseases, triggered from climate change, they claimed. Furniture requires additional seasoning and maintenance, increasing production costs while reducing customer confidence in handmade products.
Repeated climate shocks reduce household incomes is forcing families to prioritize essential expenses over purchasing handcrafted goods. Similarly, younger generations, witnessing uncertain earnings from traditional occupations, increasingly seek employment in urban areas, thus leaving fewer apprentices to inherit centuries-old skills.
Environmental expert Malik Adnan, a PhD scholar, believe that biodiversity loss further compounds the crisis. Many indigenous trees and plants that once supplied wood, dyes and medicinal materials are becoming less abundant due to changing climatic conditions, land degradation and unsustainable resource use. As these natural resources disappear, the associated craftsmanship also weakens.
Climate change creates a double burden for artisans. Production costs rise because raw materials become scarce and transportation becomes more expensive after floods or extreme weather events. At the same time, consumer demand often declines during periods of economic stress, squeezing already modest incomes.
Despite these challenges, several artisans are attempting to adapt. Some artisans have started using improved clay preparation techniques, rainwater harvesting, better storage methods for raw materials and plantation of indigenous species around their villages.
Social figure and Chairman Young Pakistanis Organization (YPO) Naeem Iqbal Naeem however commented that protecting traditional craftsmanship should become part of country’s broader climate adaptation strategy.
He recommend financial support for artisans, restoration of wetlands, plantation of indigenous trees, skill development programmes, improved market access and climate-resilient management of natural resources that sustain handicraft production.
For South Punjab, the loss of handicrafts would represent far more than an economic setback. These crafts embody local history, identity, creativity and inter generational knowledge.
Protecting traditional artisans from climate risks is, therefore, not merely an environmental responsibility but also an investment in safeguarding country’s cultural heritage and rural economy.
