‘COP29 good opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its climate challenges’

Islamabad:The prime minister’s coordinator on climate change, Romina Khurshid Alam, on Wednesday stressed the importance of the upcoming 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) as a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its climate initiatives, challenges, and potential solutions.

During a meeting with development partners to prepare for the COP29, Romina highlighted the need for collaboration to meet climate diplomacy objectives, promote gender equality, and advance smart agriculture initiatives with private sector involvement. She said there was an urgent need to tackle climate change in Pakistan, which was one of the most vulnerable countries in the world.

‘Despite contributing less than one per cent to global carbon emissions, we [Pakistan] face severe consequences from climate disasters, including floods and droughts that have devastated our infrastructure and livelihoods. The 2022 floods alone caused over Rs24 billion in damages,’ she said. The aide to the PM called for input from development partners to enhance Pakistan’s participation in COP29 to secure increased climate finance for adaptation projects as well. She also stressed the importance of gender equality in climate action, referencing a successful recent regional parliamentarians meeting held in Islamabad focused on empowering women in the green economy. ‘Through these efforts, we aim to position Pakistan as a proactive player in global climate discussions and advocate for justice regarding loss and damage caused by climate change.’

Romina said she was actively seeking collaboration with Business 20 countries to develop regional solutions for climate and environmental challenges. Romina highlighted the importance of inclusive growth strategies that aligned with the B20’s overarching theme for 2024, ‘Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future.’ She said the theme encompassed various pillars aimed at addressing pressing global issues, including climate change and resource efficiency. The PM’s coordinator also emphasised the importance of engaging provincial governments in climate solutions, particularly highlighting the proactive measures taken by Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz.

‘Under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, Punjab has finalised its ‘Climate Change Policy & Action Plan 2024’ that aims to address critical climate issues such as smog and environmental degradation,’ she said.

Climate change secretary Aisha Humera emphasised the need for a concrete plan to tackle climate change challenges. The representatives of different international institutions and diplomatic missions also shared their ideas to make Pakistan’s participation in COP29 effective.