The Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference recently kicked off in Islamabad, gathering key figures from various sectors to discuss pressing climate issues facing Pakistan. Despite being a small contributor to global emissions, Pakistan ranks among the countries most affected by climate change, highlighting the urgent need for strategic action.
During the first day, several experts emphasized the necessity of a “climate emergency.” Zafar Masud, chairman of the Pakistan Banks Association, advocated declaring this emergency not just as a statement but as a commitment to action. He also suggested forming a specialized bank focused solely on climate finance.
The Asian Development Bank highlighted that it has set aside $50 billion for developing a “regional Asian grid,” showcasing a commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Shauzab Ali, a principal project officer, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to improve air quality and emphasized the need for accurate data.
Dr. Murtaza Syed from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank pointed out the challenges developing nations face in accessing climate finance due to existing macroeconomic vulnerabilities. He argued that countries like Pakistan can’t rely solely on external funding and must mobilize internal resources.
Alain Beauvillard, from the Green Climate Fund, echoed the importance of coordination across sectors to push forward on climate initiatives. Meanwhile, Hamza Ali Haroon from CVF-V20 urged that plans must turn into actionable investments rather than gathering dust on shelves.
Looking back at the disastrous floods of 2022 and 2025, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the escalating frequency of such events, pointing out that the government had to decide against seeking international aid, believing local funding could be effectively used instead.
Meanwhile, the World Bank’s S. Adeel Abbas presented eye-opening statistics about climate financing gaps, stressing that while around $6.3 billion is needed for climate-related efforts, over $28 trillion was invested in long-term funding globally last year alone.
Climate Minister Musadik Malik drew attention to the fact that Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global emissions, even though it faces severe consequences. This disparity was further highlighted by UN official Mohamed Yahya, who noted that Pakistan’s situation exemplifies not just victimhood but potential solutions to global climate challenges.
At a grassroots level, Idrees Mahsud from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stressed the necessity for action at the district level to better prepare and respond to climate-induced disasters. He emphasized that climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction should work hand-in-hand for maximum effectiveness.
The conference serves as a vital platform where various stakeholders—from policymakers to community leaders—can exchange ideas, pushing for urgent collaborative action against climate change. By joining forces and sharing knowledge, Pakistan may carve out a path toward a more resilient future.
Source link
Climate Change
