ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Thursday emphasised the critical challenge that climate change posed globally, with Pakistan being one of the most affected countries.

She said this during her meeting with a delegation of students from Milan University, Italy, which called on her at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and discussed the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on Pakistan.

A statement issued here by the ministry said the meeting provided the students with insights into the socio-economic effects of climate change on Pakistan and the government’s efforts to build climate resilience.

Ms Khan said Pakistan ranked among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, facing increasingly frequent and severe weather events, such as unprecedented floods, intense monsoon rains, devastating heat waves, rapid glacial melting and glacial lake outburst floods.

She noted that June 2024 heat wave brought record-high temperatures, severely impacting public health and agriculture.

Ms Alam also pointed out that the intensifying floods were displacing thousands, damaging infrastructure and disrupting livelihoods, particularly in rural areas.

“For a resource-poor country like Pakistan, managing these climate challenges is a significant hurdle due to the frequency and scale of the events, coupled with limited financial and technical resources,” she remarked.

Addressing the impact on agriculture, the official explained that unpredictable weather patterns and extreme temperatures were negatively affecting crop yields and food security. The new normal in Pakistan includes crop failures and reduced productivity, leading to rising food prices and economic strain on rural communities.

The disruption of local ecosystems and biodiversity due to changes in temperature and precipitation was also a key concern. Romina Alam mentioned that key habitats like mangroves and wetlands, vital for environmental protection and livelihoods, were under threat.

In response to these challenges, the government was implementing various adaptation strategies. These included flood management projects, improved water resource management, and enhanced early warning systems. Additionally, initiatives to promote climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land use practices were underway to strengthen the sector’s resilience.

The official also discussed efforts to secure funding for these initiatives, noting collaborations with international organisations and donors. The ministry is working with the UN and environmental NGOs to secure technical assistance for climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

Community engagement and awareness were central to these efforts, with local communities increasingly involved in disaster preparedness, reforestation, and sustainable farming practices, she said adding that education and awareness campaigns were being conducted through various channels to empower individuals to take climate action.

The PM’s aide stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to global climate action and its engagement with international partners to advocate for fair and effective climate initiatives.

The students expressed their gratitude for the informative briefing and praised Pakistan’s commitment to global climate action, calling it an inspiring example for other countries to follow.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2024