Path to climate adaptation to remain elusive without grant-based support: PM
1. Premier says Pakistan integrating climate resilience into energy, equity, connectivity, and development
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed that developing nations cannot achieve climate adaptation and green transformation without grant-based financial support, which is crucial for building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.
In a video message at a two-day international conference on Friday, the premier reiterated his call for a more predictable and flexible financial assistance mechanism to help developing countries combat the climate crisis.
Addressing the global gathering, he highlighted Pakistan’s "cruel paradox"—despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions, the country remains one of the most climate-affected, facing devastating floods, glacial melt, extreme heatwaves, and droughts.
Recalling the catastrophic floods of 2022, he noted that one-third of Pakistan was submerged, 33 million people were displaced, and 1,700 lives were lost. This disaster, he said, transformed climate change from a distant concern to an immediate crisis.
Commending the conference organizers for focusing on "one of the most pressing challenges of our times," PM Shehbaz acknowledged the presence of strong frameworks like the National Climate Change Policy 2021 and the National Adaptation Plan 2023 but stressed that policy alone is insufficient.
To bridge implementation gaps, he said his government has prioritized governance reforms, policy execution, and capacity-building initiatives.
He highlighted Pakistan’s homegrown transformation plan, Uraan Pakistan, integrating climate resilience into energy, equity, connectivity, and development through initiatives such as the 5Es and 5Cs.
Concluding his remarks, the prime minister urged collective action to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Pakistan for future generations.
Pakistan’s Climate Finance Strategy
Ranked among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan suffered a $30 billion loss in the 2022 floods, directly impacting 33 million people.
To address escalating climate threats, Pakistan unveiled its first National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) in November 2023, aimed at boosting climate-related investments.
The NCFS provides a structured roadmap focused on climate-proofing policies, defining institutional roles, and strengthening climate finance systems. Its three-pronged approach—whole-of-government alignment, diversified domestic resources, and innovative funding mechanisms—will play a crucial role in unlocking large-scale climate finance.
With transparency and accountability as core principles, the NCFS is underpinned by a three-tiered monitoring system to ensure all efforts align with Pakistan’s climate commitments and goals.
