PM Imran Khan calls for swift climate action

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has called upon the world community to simultaneously take on raising ambition for climate action, building resilience and adapting to the inescapable impacts of climate change.  

In an article on the World Economic Forum’s Country Strategic Dialogue on Pakistan 2020, the prime minister said that climate change is one of the defining global challenges faced by our generation. It has far-reaching adverse economic, social and political impacts.

“The world is witnessing unprecedented floods, severe droughts, increasing heat waves, spreading wildfires and fierce cyclonic activity and all these pose a clear and present danger for humanity,” he wrote, adding that developing countries remain disproportionately affected by its negative impacts.

He said it is also vital that developing countries are supported with enhanced climate finance, appropriate technology transfer and supportive capacity building.

PM Imran Khan said that Pakistan remains fully committed to play a leadership role in addressing the issue of climate change and making a shift towards a “Clean and Green” Pakistan through a well-articulated climate change agenda consisting of a number of on-the-ground flagship initiatives.

The prime minister said that on the energy side, Pakistan remains committed to realizing the untapped renewable energy potential and to shift our energy mix to 60 percent clean energy by 2030. He said Pakistan carved out a silver lining through “Green Stimulus” aimed at nature protection and creation of green jobs.

“On climate adaptation, Pakistan remains a vulnerable country without a choice. Our climate adaptation needs range from $7 billion to $14 billion per annum, as we are compelled to undertake adaptation measures in response to climate triggered disasters,” he added.

During the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, we have created around 85,000 COVID safe green jobs which are planned to be scaled-up to 200,000 by December 2020.

“Climate change is undoubtedly the most threatening issue of our time and an issue without a vaccine. There is no short-cut solution to enhanced, cooperative and coordinated global climate action,” he said.

He added that Pakistan stands ready and committed to not only play its role in furthering global efforts to combat this menace but also lead the way with real on-the-ground solutions.