Pakistan contributes less than one per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases blamed for causing global warming, yet its 200 million people are among the world’s most vulnerable victims of the growing consequences of climate change.
The same point was raised very rightly by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres whilst addressing a session of sustainable development and climate change in the federal capital on Sunday. Since developed and industrialized nations are mainly responsible for global warming and climate change, greater responsibility also rests with them to come forward in a big manner and help the developing countries such as Pakistan to better cope with their adverse impact as faltering amounts to risking life of millions of peoples. These countries should help the developed ones in building adaptability and climate resilient infrastructure. In Pakistan, the changing weather patterns have already taken a heavy toll both in terms of human and economic losses over the last few years. The nation is facing ever-rising temperature, drought and flooding that threaten health, agriculture and water supplies. These calamities pose a serious risk to the economic development and food security of Pakistan. Since the country is now co-chairing Green Climate Fund, our authorities should put in all-out efforts to secure maximum funds out of it to steer the country out of high vulnerability towards a climate resilient society. Present government is really being hailed worldwide for embarking upon a massive forestation campaign. Apart from accelerating work on this mega project, it is important that we also invest in important projects with the support of international community that help us deal with the issues such as flooding and famine. Then, most importantly, the industrialized nations must fulfil the commitments vis-à-vis limiting the rise in temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this they need to reduce their greenhouse emissions by 45pc from 2010 levels and aim towards zero net emissions by 2030. We are confident that the UN Secretary General will continue to use his good offices to remind them their responsibility towards the survival of the planet.
