Pakistan’s Vision for a Climate-Friendly Future

AsfandYar Khan

Among all those transnational issues that emerged after the Cold War, climate change is the foremost important non-traditional security issue that has several implications for traditional security paradigms. Though it has been internalized with regimes working on climate governance, the issue remains a bone of contention between North and South. Starting from the Kyoto Protocol till the struggling outcomes of the Paris Agreement, states tend to find common ground on the issue of climate governance. The debate regarding the provision of money for the settlement of loss bear by 3rd world states took 30 years to mature as now the global north finds it in their best interest to release money to the states that are badly ridden by climate change. This development came on stage during the COP28 meeting in Dubai. The note to ponder here is whether that is a step towards a better climate or it’s a politico-economic stunt played by the global north to further the state interest under economic diplomacy.

Additionally, it is worth questioning that is this release of aid is followed by a certain vision or if it is just money that is somehow a price of the loss that has been done. We know the global debate on climate change and governance is multifaced. To some it’s a political slogan to gain political support, for others it is an opportunity to securitize the climate threat. But given this recent development one thing is clear and it signs for the defeat of the narrative that says that Climate change is a myth. Pakistan has championed the cause of climate change over the past few years. This policy agenda has a unique capacity for Pakistan as it enjoys comprehensive trust from almost all sections of society. Furthermore, Pakistan has escalated this issue with much-needed attention by launching programs like Million Tree projects. Additionally, Pakistan stands among those states that have been successful in fulfilling promises of lowering carbon emissions, and tree plantation thus aiming for the achievement of a 2-degree temperature for the globe.

Pakistan has been lauded as a state that has championed the cause of climate change not only by the use of rhetoric but also by taking firm steps in the shape of reducing carbon emissions, laws on forest management, etc. Regarding climate change, the most important step forward that the Pakistani state tends to pursue is the use of alternative renewable energy sources. Pakistan has demonstrated an intense dedication to environmentally friendly growth and tackling important issues by actively striving to make significant contributions in several areas. The nation’s initiatives in renewable energy are one noteworthy sector. Pakistan has contributed significantly to international efforts to tackle climate change by lowering its dependency on petroleum and coal and increasing its investments in wind and solar energy projects. Pakistan’s commitment to clean energy options is demonstrated by the creation of projects like the Quaid-e-Solar Park, which will help to create a more environmentally friendly energy mix in the future. Pakistan has placed a high priority on environmental preservation and afforestation in addition to adopting renewable energy.

A landmark project in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Project symbolizes the country’s dedication to reforestation and ecosystem restoration. Pakistan intends to plant one billion trees to prevent deforestation, improve carbon sequestration, safeguard biodiversity, and advance sustainable development. In addition, the nation actively engages in international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, demonstrating its dedication to coordinated worldwide action against climate change. Through cooperative endeavors, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of optimal methodologies, Pakistan assumes a shared duty in tackling the worldwide environmental predicament. In the future, Pakistan can build on these beneficial contributions by increasing the proportion of renewable energy sources in its energy mix and diversifying it even more. To support a robust and sustainable energy infrastructure, the government might incentivize private sector investments in clean energy technologies. The shift to a low-carbon economy can be sped up by fortifying laws and regulatory structures that encourage the expansion of renewable energy.

Pakistan has the potential to enhance its reforestation and environmental conservation efforts by incorporating environmentally friendly methods into land-use planning and expanding on successful initiatives. A sense of shared accountability can also be fostered and the effect of conservation efforts can be increased by supporting community engagement and awareness activities. Concludingly Pakistan’s positive steps in renewable energy, preserving forests, and domestic collaborations highlight a firm commitment towards a vibrant and sustainable future. Establishing these efforts by accepting innovative ideas and robust policy measures will be decisive for leading the country toward a climate-friendly and climate-resilient road.

The writer is a student of MPhil Strategic Studies.