Pakistan Hosts International Climate Change Conference to Tackle Urgent Challenges

The recent International Conference on Climate Change, held in Islamabad, brought together over 90 experts from 11 countries, including representatives from the UN, the World Bank, and the corporate sector, to focus on increasing climate resilience and adaptation in Pakistan. This two-day event, hosted at the Jinnah Convention Center, aimed to foster collaboration on strategies to address the ongoing climate crisis while promoting economic growth and reducing the negative effects on the most vulnerable communities.

With the presence of experts from Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Climate Change and the government of Punjab, the conference underscored the importance of collective action. Experts from South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, also participated in the discussions.

Key highlights included remarks from Justice Mansur Ali Shah, senior judge of Pakistan's Supreme Court, who warned about the rapidly melting Hindu Kush Himalaya glaciers that Pakistan heavily depends on. Additionally, former State Bank of Pakistan Governor Shamsad Akor emphasized the urgent need for financial resources to address the mounting climate-related challenges in the country.

Pakistan, which contributes less than 1% of global emissions, is among the top five countries most vulnerable to climate change. The nation has already faced devastating floods, droughts, and heatwaves that have severely impacted its economy. According to experts, Pakistan needs an estimated $40 billion to $50 billion annually until 2050 to effectively manage the climate crisis and mitigate its effects.

The conference serves as a crucial platform for exploring solutions to help Pakistan navigate these challenges, with a focus on international collaboration, adaptation strategies, and climate finance.