ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Thursday claimed that emissions in Pakistan were down by 9 percent.

“The government as a party to the Paris agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has performed its role to support the global efforts in combating climate change. We are elated to submit an updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which is inclusive and represents national consensus to accelerating the transition to net-zero and a climate-resilient economy,” said the PM’s aide at a press conference here.

The current submission showcased progress in climate action that ranged from policy and programmes on nature-based solutions to technology-based interventions, he said.

“Pakistan, recognising the role of nature in climate adaptation and mitigation has developed robust natural capital restoration efforts including Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (TBTTP), Protected Areas Initiative (PAI), etc. These programmes have also served as a way to enhance livelihood opportunities for the most vulnerable including women and youth,” he told the media.

Besides, Pakistan had introduced a number of policy actions focused on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from high emission sectors like energy and industry.

The focus of the government climate actions during the decade ahead was decided by the current climate-induced vulnerabilities aiming to achieve reduced poverty and ensure stable economy. The current submission was informed by recent policy development in the country in NDC sectors and some ambitious decisions taken by the pro-climate leadership to enhance the country’s resilience and de-carbonize the economy.

According to the PM’s aide, Pakistan intended to set highly ambitious conditional target of its projected emissions by 2030. To reach the target, Pakistan aimed to shift to 60pc renewable energy, and 30pc electric vehicles by 2030, and completely banning imported coal.

“Moreover, Pakistan seeks to expand nature based solutions by implementation of TBTTP, Recharge Pakistan, and Protected Areas Initiative (PAI). Pakistan’s emissions as per 2018 are 489.87 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) and Billion Tree Afforestation Project (BTAP) and Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme will sequester CO2 around 500 MtCO2e by 2040, if implemented fully, he said.

Pakistan required strengthening its scientific and technical capacities to reach the set transition targets. Pakistan’s financial needs still remained high given the country’s vulnerability to climate change and capital intensive transition to de-carbonize the economy, he said adding, “Pakistan envisages enhancing the access to international climate finance to deliver the contributions, and also considers employing the instruments on enhanced ambition provided in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.”

Pakistan had already identified market and non-market-based approaches to help diversify the funding sources including nature performance bonds, green/blue bonds, carbon pricing instruments, etc.

“Pakistan inspires the private sector to play a crucial role in implementing its climate ambition across sectors and the development of nature-based solutions that address Pakistan’s mitigation and adaptation potential,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2021