Pakistan has been facing severe climate change challenges in recent years. The country has been experiencing extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure. In the face of these disasters, the people of Pakistan have shown remarkable resilience and have continued to stand strong. This strength and determination have been recognized by Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change.
In a recent interview with IPS, Alam praised the resilience of the Pakistani people in the face of climate disasters. She acknowledged that despite the challenges, the people of Pakistan have not lost hope and continue to fight for a better future. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and their determination to overcome obstacles is truly commendable.
Alam also highlighted the government’s efforts to address the issue of climate change. She emphasized that the government of Pakistan is committed to taking concrete actions to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future. This commitment is reflected in Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, where the country has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030.
However, Alam also acknowledged that despite the government’s efforts, there is still a long way to go in achieving climate justice. She raised concerns about the unfulfilled promises by developed countries to provide financial and technological support to developing countries like Pakistan. This support is essential for developing countries to build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In the face of these challenges, Alam has put her faith in diplomacy to achieve climate justice. She believes that dialogue and cooperation between developed and developing countries are crucial to finding solutions to the global climate crisis. As the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change, Alam has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to bring the issue of climate justice to the forefront.
One such effort is Pakistan’s role in the international climate negotiations. Alam highlighted that Pakistan has been playing an active role in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations and has been advocating for the rights of developing countries. The country has been stressing the need for developed countries to fulfill their financial and technological commitments to support developing countries in their climate action efforts.
Moreover, Pakistan has also been working towards building regional alliances to address climate change. Alam mentioned that the country has been collaborating with neighboring countries, such as China and India, to strengthen regional cooperation on climate issues. These efforts have resulted in the signing of the Islamabad Declaration on Climate Change in 2015, which aims to enhance cooperation and exchange of knowledge and technology between South Asian countries.
Alam also emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in climate action. She stated that the private sector has a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable practices and investing in clean energy. The government of Pakistan has been providing incentives to businesses to adopt green practices, and Alam believes that this partnership between the public and private sector is crucial to achieving a low-carbon future.
In conclusion, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, remains optimistic and determined to work towards climate justice. She believes that with resilience, diplomacy, and collaborative efforts, we can build a sustainable future for Pakistan and the world. As a nation, we must continue to support and work towards climate action, as the survival and well-being of our communities depend on it.
