Globally, Pakistan is one of the top ten climate-vulnerable countries. Lack of sufficient technical and financial sources is making the situation worst to cope with, said Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam while talking to a four-member students’ delegation from Milan University of Italy. She said, “Pakistan is continuously facing the unprecedented climatic impacts – floods, intense rains, devastating heatwaves, melting glaciers and many other phenomena. It is a pressing issue needs quick action to address. The recent heatwave in June 2024 saw temperatures soar to record highs, critically impacting socio-economic sustainability”. Rural economy in the country is specially at stake due to unpredictable weather patterns. Crop and live stick productivity are badly disturbed there.

Great damage to infrastructure and living sources including food security causing displacement. Shifts in biodiversity and the health of key habitats such as mangroves, wetlands, and forests are continuously destroying the eco-systems. Apprising the delegation concerning the government’s policy measures for building the country’s climate resilience, Romina Khurshid said, “The present government has adopted various strategies, including flood management projects, improved water resource management, early warning systems. Initiatives to promote climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land use practices have also been weaved”. She said that the ministry is working with international organizations and donors to secure funding and technical assistance for climate adaptation and mitigation projects with the UN and various environmental NGOs to address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change.

Talking about community awareness and engagement in various climate risk mitigation initiatives of the government, she said, “Regular sessions are conducted to make them aware of the importance of reforestation, sustainable farming practices, and disaster management. Besides, education and awareness campaigns through media, schools and other channels were also being conducted time to time to inform and empower individuals to take climate action. Romina Khurshid said, “Pakistan will continue to engage with global partners for boosting climate action through implementation of the climate initiatives and advocating for the fair and effective climate action at the international stage”. The students thanked the PM’s climate aide Romina Khurshid and her team for informative briefing about the climate risks being faced by the country and the coping measures being taken by the present government for making Pakistan climate-resilient country.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan