By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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In a recent address at the “Road to Climate Resilient Pakistan: Curtailing the Carbon Footprints” event organized by Islamic Relief and the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF).
The Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon emphasized the urgency of tailored resilience strategies to combat the impacts of climate change in Pakistan. “New climate crisis seems to emerge continually. Climate financing is vital to enhance community resilience against future shocks. Carbon pricing is a viable solution for transitioning to a low-carbon economy,” shared Leslie.
The event, graced by Chief Guest Senator Sherry Rehman, shed light on Pakistan’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions. High Commissioner Scanlon stressed the importance of climate financing in enhancing community resilience against future shocks and advocated for carbon pricing as a viable solution for transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Senator Sherry Rehman underscored the need for innovative solutions tailored to Pakistan’s unique dynamics, emphasizing that resilience strategies cannot be one-size-fits-all. She highlighted Pakistan’s capacity for transitioning away from fossil fuels and expressed skepticism about recycling as an effective solution to combat plastic pollution.
The event featured an insightful panel discussion moderated by media personality Ms. Sidra Iqbal, comprising representatives from international humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, civil society, and state institutions. Panelists proposed solutions to mitigate the impact of rising carbon footprints and stressed the essential pillars needed to address these challenges effectively.
Key stakeholders, including Mr. Asif Sherazi, Country Director of Islamic Relief Pakistan, and Mr. Bilal Anwer, CEO of NDRMF, highlighted the urgent need for inter-sectoral cohesiveness, strengthened resilience, and enhanced adaptive capacities to tackle climate change. Mr. Yong Ye, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank Pakistan, emphasized the opportunities for innovation and growth presented by climate change mitigation efforts.
The event concluded with a unified call for government leadership, robust policies, and increased climate financing to secure a sustainable future for Pakistan. As Pakistan strives to build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities, collaboration among national and global actors remains paramount in addressing this critical issue.
