WHEN COP31 opens in Antalya today, governments will have to show that years of climate negotiations have produced more than ambitious targets and promises of financial help. Geopolitical tensions, an energy crisis, and strained finances in rich countries have dampened hopes of a breakthrough. The absence of an official US delegation after Washington’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has worsened matters. Meanwhile, the climate crisis is advancing faster than efforts to contain it. A new UN report warns that even if countries fulfil existing climate pledges, global temperatures could rise by 2.6°C this century. For Pakistan, already exposed to floods, extreme heat, and erratic rainfall, the question is what it can realistically secure from the talks. At COP29, developed countries committed to mobilising $300bn annually for developing nations by 2035. COP30 called for progress towards a broader goal of $1.3tr a year and for adaptation finance to be tripled by 2035. But promises of more money mean little if vulnerable states cannot access it.

For Pakistan, the priority should be to secure easier access to climate funds, more grants rather than debt-creating loans, and clear deadlines for financial contributions. It should seek support for practical measures to protect homes from flooding, secure water supplies, and improve early warning systems. By joining forces with other vulnerable countries, Pakistan could strengthen calls for better glacier monitoring, flood protection, and affordable climate technology. Its latest climate plan aims to cut projected emissions by 50pc by 2035, with 17 percentage points unconditional and the remaining 33 reliant on international support. This gives Pakistan grounds to seek investment in cleaner energy, transport, and agriculture. But it must also pursue reforms at home, while pressing for stronger global action to reduce emissions.

Pakistan’s preparations for COP31 offer an opportunity to put these priorities into practice. Its planned pavilion sessions in Antalya cover disaster preparedness, solar electrification, local adaptation, and climate investment projects. These discussions should lead to partnerships and investment proposals. Islamabad should identify priority projects and report publicly on commitments secured and money received. Provincial governments must be involved, as irrigation, land use, drainage, and emergency services are largely their responsibility. Local communities should help determine which projects receive priority funding. Pakistan must also address problems that international aid alone cannot solve, including construction on floodplains and poor enforcement of environmental rules. COP31 may produce modest advances rather than a sweeping agreement. But Pakistan can still make progress by presenting workable proposals and showing that the assistance it receives will benefit those most at risk.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2026