Faiza Tehseen

Increasing green energy production can help Pakistan reduce its reliance on fossil

fuels and achieve carbon neutrality, Deputy Director Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, Muhammad Atif Majeed told WealthPK. “The growing carbon footprint is disturbing the country’s environment, economy, and public health. Pakistan is one of the top 10 countries which are most affected and vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the country has committed that it will reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% by 2030. Fifteen percent emissions would be reduced unconditionally, while 35% are conditional to the availability of climate finances,” he said. Pakistan aims to generate at least 60% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, up from the current 4%. The said goal can be achieved through solar, wind and hydroelectric power projects. By promoting these renewable energy sources, carbon emissions in the energy sector could be reduced substantially.

Pakistan also has an enormous potential for nature-based solutions to climate change in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land use (AFOLU) sector. To support this transition, incentives are necessary to be introduced at the government level. These may include tax breaks, subsidies, and streamlined permitting processes for green energy projects. The government can also help in getting assistance from the organizations providing financial assistance related to the green energy projects. Transition to green energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and create economic opportunities. Talking to WealthPK, Muhammad Saleem, Media spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, said, “To combat climate impacts, carbon neutrality and green energy production have emerged as an unprecedented goal across the globe.

A shift towards cleaner energy sources will reduce the pollution levels, improve air quality and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.” As Pakistan moves on the green economy trails with a commitment to tap carbon neutrality, it would be better positioned to attract international investments, grants, and partnerships. The country’s efforts in this concern will help it earn a reputation internationally and open windows of financial and technological support from the international organizations focussed on climate action plans. Saleem said, “Aligning with the global climate goals is necessary for Pakistan to secure favourable trade agreements, especially with the environmentally conscious markets. Experts and policymakers agree that green energy production is vital for the nation to meet its ambitious environmental goals and address the climate change challenges.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk