Source : Dawn
Pakistan is experiencing serious consequences of climate change. Even though Pakistan emits less than 1% of emissions globally. The extreme rising temperatures, depleting Pakistan’s glaciers and flooding have lasting impacts on the ecosystems of Pakistan and economic stability. Pakistan’s previous climate politics have shifted from a climate victim narrative. It only based active global advances which addressing climate change. Climate driven policies became an forehead ornaments for Pakistan’s national policies. Therefore Pakistan climate diplomacy is advocating for climate justice and sustainable development. By actively participating in COP summits Pakistan is showing its determination for climate resiliency and leadership. This blog will summarize the journey of Pakistan as climate advocates. Specifically in relation to it’s dominant role in global climate negotiations. Moving from a high pollution country to a climate advocate. Now it is Pakistan’s hopes to be a teacher in a sustainable way to the democratic nations. Contribute to a sustainable future like an firing sword.
Pakistan Climate Risks
Pakistan has been identified as one of the top ten countries that are vulnerable to climate change. The 2022 floods in Pakistan resulted in $30 billion worth of damages. It heavily devastated the local lives. In which displacing millions. We see there is an extreme rise in temperatures like an burning fuel. The average temperatures in Sindh are continually increasing and exceeding 50°. Which are destroying agricultural fields. Provides high loss and devastation to Pakistan to have an agriculture based economy. On the other hand the glaciers that feed the rivers are melting. Which has changed systems of water supply and threatens food security The rain patterns have an dramatic change causing both droughts and floods. Therefore these factors have compounded already struggling economic and physical infrastructure.
Victim Of Climate Shifting Nature
Pakistan effectively has been a climate ‘victim’. The environmental change is heavily driven in country. We see climate shifting nature just like an forehead ornaments for Pakistan. Due to this there is an immense rise in climate politics in the country. Therefore now it does not accept the role of a passive victim and demanding accountability by leaders. Specifically from who insist that high income states should be held to a higher standard. Moreover in fact the concept of victimhood has driven its active discourse. Just with the intension to find a different place in the world. It validates its position by demanding justice for vulnerable states.
Source: Vecteezy
Pakistan Climate Diplomacy In Action
Pakistan is contributing to global climate negotiations. Specifically when it comes to engagement at COP summits. The country was able to achieve a historic success at COP27. Initially the loss and damage Fund. It supports the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Pakistan regularly seeks funding and technical assistance from developed countries. Pakistan’s diplomacy continues to increases the Global South’s voice. Consistent engagement enhances Pakistan’s influence in climate governance. This will help to improve its standing internationally.
Active Role In COP Summits
Pakistan has grown increasingly strategic activities. It display purposeful engagement with COP summits. For example At COP29 in Baku it expressed a clear mandate for climate justice. And actively demands for finance. The summit was led by highly influential Romina Khurshid Alam. The delegation was instrumental. It excellently summarized everything. Helps in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund. Moreover utilised it in an effective manner. Pakistan also called upon high emitting countries to adhere to their commitments made at the past summits. The Green Pakistan Upscaling Programme generated interest. Which raised awareness around the resilience it is trying to achieve. As always the challenge for Pakistan to sustain momentum at international summits is the complexity of domestic instability. But hopefully COP platforms will remain a pivotal strategic approach in Pakistan’s advocacy efforts.
Advocating For Climate Justice
Climate justice is the core of Pakistan’s advocacy. It always advocates for no emissions but will experience the impacts disproportionately. It is demanding that polluters pay for its adaptation and mitigation actions. The 2022 floods highlights the need for equitable finance. Pakistan is calling for a transparent climate finance mechanism. It also pit press that its leadership is based on the issues and concerns of vulnerable countries. This focus is also driving its push for global accountability.
Climate Resilience Activities In Pakistan
Pakistan is taking advantage of its own climate resiliency measures. Specifically in responding to climate threats. The Green Pakistan Programme is focused on promoting forest conservation and preparedness for disaster risks. While early warning systems and climate resilient infrastructure are a priority in the National Adaptation Programme. Therefore the country has entered partnerships with UNICEF to be able to define appropriate climate related policies for children. This process is complicated however by the realities of limited funding and political uncertainty. Local governance is critical to effective implementation of climate measures so building resilience at this level is needed.
Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals
Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals are guided which promotes climate action in economic growth. For example the 2022 solar auction that generated 600 MW is illustrative of progress towards clean energy targets. Agriculture is a major driver of the economy for example generating 21% of GDP but climate events including erratic monsoons. Which devastatedly have caused damage to the agriculture sector. On the other hand set in motion a climate risk policy direction. That advances climate friendly sustainable agriculture water-wise irrigation strategies like drip irrigation projects involving ACWA Power. However coal dependence is exacerbating emissions targets under CPEC and specifically the Thar coal project. Limited financing and institutional capacity also challenge implementing the SDGs.
Challenges to Pakistan’s Climate Leadership
Pakistan’s climate leadership faces major obstacles from ongoing political upheaval currently coping with a debt to GDP ratio that nears 80% and means that investments climate. Moreover powerful lobbies representing industry. Continue to resist concerns of climate and prefer short term profits over more climate-conscious practices. A related example is the Thar coal project which prioritizes energy security versus emissions. While environmental concerns escalate. Climate research is underfunded at just 0.2% of GDP significantly undermining evidence-based policymaking. Plus barriers on climate research due to dire funding limitations. Institutional weaknesses and fragmented governance with ministerial roles and responsibilities. Once they overlapping they do not help with multi-level governance.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s transformation from climate victim to global advocate represents a major paradigm shift. Through proactive climate diplomacy Pakistan advocates for justice and resilience. COP summits allow Pakistan to get resources to help. On the other hand address its demands for equitable climate finance. And transfer of clean technology. Regardless of the obstacles to the country’s development including lack of financing due to economic constraints and the realities of geopolitics. Pakistan continues to pursue sustainable development and climate action using innovative policies and renewable energy. While Pakistan’s leadership does not take the obvious reasons for developments for other vulnerable states absolutely seriously. This country shows how to make meaningful change through collaboration and join engagements. With the initiative to address climate vulnerabilities.
References
Related
