ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Friday warned that Pakistan’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) were under significant threat from climate change.

Speaking at a national meeting on SDGs, she stressed that despite contributing less than one per cent of global carbon emissions, Pakistan was the fifth most climate-affected country globally.

Highlighting the growing impact of global warming, the senior official pointed to frequent droughts, devastating floods, erratic weather patterns and loss of biodiversity. These challenges, she said, were severely disrupting key sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, health and education, putting the country’s SDG progress at risk, a statement issued here quoted the senior government official as saying.

“Frequent droughts and floods jeopardise food security and livelihoods across Pakistan,” she said, adding that the Constitution guaranteed every Pakistani the right to a clean and sustainable environment.

Recalling the catastrophic floods of 2022, which caused over $30 billion in damages, she underscored Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, saying rising inflation, high debt and dwindling foreign reserves exacerbate the economic strain.

Romina Alam emphasised that SDG-13, focusing on climate action, was pivotal to achieving other SDG targets. She called for integrating climate concerns into national policies, enhancing awareness and improving institutional capacities for climate change mitigation and disaster management.

Citing the World Bank’s Climate and Development Report, she said Pakistan required $348 billion in climate finance by 2030, to address adaptation and resilience needs, a figure far beyond its current resources.

Despite financial constraints, the adviser highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the Green Pakistan Programme, which aimed to sequester 149 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) through reforestation and biodiversity protection.

She also lauded the Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, projected to cut emissions by 23 MtCO2e by 2030, and the renewable energy policy, expected to save 70 MtCO2e. She claimed that her office was preparing key reports for international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and developing a national climate finance strategy.

Efforts like climate budget tagging, launching a Green Tech Hub and strengthening partnerships with global organisations were also underway to mobilise resources.

“Pakistan remains committed to addressing the climate crisis with determination and urgency, striving for a sustainable future for all,” the senior official said.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2024