AS the world confronts escalating climate change impacts, 2025 begins with a grim reality: 2024 was the hottest year on record, with wildfires, floods and heatwaves becoming the new normal. Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump’s second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement sends shockwaves through international climate efforts, severely affecting vulnerable nations like Pakistan. For Pakistan, the Paris Agreement was more than a global pact: it was a lifeline. Despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts, from glacial melts threatening water security to catastrophic floods. The 2022 floods, which submerged one-third of the country, demonstrated the deadly consequences of unchecked global warming. Trump’s withdrawal undermines the hope the agreement offered, signalling a retreat from global climate responsibility and leaving nations like Pakistan to navigate the crisis with reduced support. Trump justifies his exit by claiming the Paris Agreement is “unfair” to the US, yet climate change knows no borders. The wildfires devastating California are tied to the floods and heatwaves ravaging South Asia. Rising seas threaten coastal areas in Karachi just as they do in Miami. The US’s retreat risks emboldening other nations to reduce their commitments, creating a domino effect that further weakens global action. For South Asian countries already struggling with intensified monsoons and droughts, such abandonment is a profound betrayal.
Pakistan faces mounting challenges: water insecurity, agricultural vulnerability, urban heatwaves and rising sea levels threaten not only ecosystems but also economic stability. Yet, the U.S. withdrawal presents an opportunity for self-reliance and regional collaboration. Pakistan must pivot from waiting for global powers to act and chart its own course, leveraging the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a foundation for a green transformation. CPEC has already made strides in infrastructure and energy projects, with solar parks and wind farms signalling the potential for renewable energy investments. To unlock the full potential of CPEC, Pakistan must move to “CPEC 2.0,” prioritizing sustainability and green development. With China’s expertise and financial resources, Pakistan can expand solar, wind and hydropower projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality and create green jobs.
Imagine a Pakistan where rural communities use affordable solar panels, urban centres rely on electric buses and trains and agriculture thrives through climate-smart practices. This vision is not only possible but necessary. Pakistan’s rural areas and growing urban centres represent vast opportunities to pioneer sustainable solutions. Investments in energy efficiency, smart grids and green infrastructure can transform Pakistan into a leader in climate resilience for the Global South. Agriculture, which employs nearly 40% of Pakistan’s workforce, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Shifting rainfall patterns and extreme weather events jeopardize food security and rural livelihoods. To safeguard this sector, Pakistan must adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, such as precision irrigation, drought-resistant crops and agro-forestry. Nationwide reforestation efforts, like the Billion Tree Tsunami, can expand to include coastal mangrove restoration, enhancing resilience to rising seas while serving as carbon sinks.
Political will, innovation and international collaboration are key to Pakistan’s climate strategy. While Trump’s withdrawal leaves a leadership vacuum, it also presents an opportunity for countries like Pakistan, alongside China and other like-minded nations, to take charge. At international platforms like COP meetings, Pakistan must push for the fulfilment of climate finance commitments from developed countries and hold them accountable for their historical emissions. Regional collaboration within South Asia is also crucial, as shared challenges such as water management and disaster preparedness demand collective solutions. Innovation will be pivotal. Pakistan’s growing tech sector offers immense potential for transformative solutions. Artificial intelligence can optimize water use in agriculture, while blockchain can enhance transparency in carbon trading. Public-private partnerships should fund research and development in clean technologies, turning adaptation challenges into economic opportunities. By fostering innovation, Pakistan can become a leader in climate resilience.
Education and awareness are vital for long-term change. Climate literacy campaigns must engage not just urban elites but also grassroots communities, empowering citizens to adopt sustainable practices. A society that understands climate change’s urgency will be crucial in driving policy changes and supporting climate initiatives. Despite the setbacks caused by Trump’s withdrawal, this moment presents an opportunity for Pakistan to redefine its role on the global stage. The stakes are too high to wait for international consensus. By embracing “CPEC 2.0,” implementing climate-smart policies and fostering innovation and education, Pakistan can turn its vulnerabilities into strengths. This is not just survival but a chance to lead by example, inspiring other nations to act. The fight against climate change is no longer a distant challenge; it’s an immediate reality. From the Himalayas to the Indus, Pakistan stands at the crossroads of crisis and opportunity. By taking bold action, Pakistan can secure its future and contribute to a global movement for a liveable planet. Let the world’s retreat be Pakistan’s resolve to act.
—The writer is a policy advocate and researcher. She is a Public Policy Master’s graduate of King’s College London.
(soha.nisar@yahoo.com)