ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination on Wednesday discussed Pakistan’s role in global climate diplomacy, with an emphasis on the upcoming COP 29 conference besides focussing on key initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental resilience.

The committee met here with Munaza Hassan in the chair to address pressing environmental challenges and bolster coordination between federal and provincial authorities.

The Ministry of Climate Change briefed the committee on the ongoing provincial efforts in crucial areas such as agriculture water management, urban resilience and disaster risk reduction.

The committee underscored the need for stronger collaboration with provinces to ensure effective climate action, particularly in waste management and environmental protection.

Discussions also covered major national projects like the “Living Indus” initiative and glacier monitoring programmes. Committee members inquired about the Ministry’s coordination with provincial authorities to guarantee seamless execution of these initiatives.

The ministry reassured the committee that they, along with the recently established Climate Change Authority, were working actively to improve coordination, with further plans to strengthen these efforts.

The committee commended the increase in Pakistan’s mangrove cover and the progress of the Green Pakistan Programme, which had seen plantation of 2.2 billion trees.

However, they called for more detailed reports on tree plantation activities and urged more action on critical issues such as lake conservation and support for disaster-prone regions.

As COP 29 approaches, the ministry presented its plans to highlight Pakistan’s climate efforts on the global stage, focusing on themes like climate justice, financial strategies, and renewable energy.

The committee expressed interest in the ministry’s global engagement strategy and Pakistan’s leadership in climate justice and energy transition discussions.

Additionally, the committee reviewed “The Pakistan Environmental Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” which was introduced by MNA Nuzhat Sadiq. The bill’s consideration was deferred until the next meeting.

The session was attended by members of the National Assembly, including Tahira Aurangzeb, Aqeel Malik, and several others, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2024