Despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan faces severe consequences from climate disasters, including floods and droughts that have devastated infrastructure and livelihoods, said Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) while addressing a meeting of development partners regarding preparation for 29th COP of UNFCCC here on Wednesday. She said, “COP29, is a proper platform for the country to showcase its strength and potential to meet the climatic impacts. It is crucial to achieve climate diplomacy goals, gender equality promotion, and advance smart agriculture initiatives. In this concern strong ties with Business 20 (B20) countries will also play an important role”. Romina Khurshid underscored the urgency of addressing climate change in Pakistan, which ranks among the most vulnerable countries globally. The floods in 2022 alone caused over 24 billion PKR in damages. To secure increased climate finance for adaptation projects, an input from development partners will strengthen the cause.

She 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. The role of engaging provincial governments in climate solutions must be focused. The initiative of Punjab provincial Government titled "Climate Change Policy & Action Plan 2024” that aims to address critical climate issues – environmental degradation, is an exemplary effort, added Romina Khurshid Alam. Addressing the said meeting Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Aisha Humera Ch shared insights to ensure Pakistan's preparedness and success at the upcoming COP 29 summit. The development partners from different international institutions also shared their ideas, initiatives, to make Pakistan's participation in COP29 more effective. Representatives of development partners including international institutions, diplomatic missions and officials of climate change ministry attended the meeting.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan