Pakistan and US have agreed to make mutual efforts for addressing climate change, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Climate change.
The decision was taken in the recent virtual inaugural session of the U.S.-Pakistan Climate and Environment Working Group which was conducted on Monday, September 20.
While addressing the virtual session, Malik Amin Aslam, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change, appreciated the efforts of both US and Pakistan for climate action, saying that the US government’s role in protecting the planet earth from climate change was indispensable. The incumbent government of Prime Minister Imran Khan was committed to contribute and support global climate action at all levels for environmental sustainability and human survival.
“The global community has acknowledged the leadership role of Prime Minister Imran Khan in tackling the challenge of climate change and implementing some of the ambitious afforestation and forest regeneration programs in Pakistan. It is due to this acknowledgment that resulted in hosting of World Environment Day on 5th of June this year in Pakistan”, added Mr. Aslam.
Major Initiatives of Pakistan for Climate change:
During the session, Mr. Aslam also highlighted the Pakistan government’s efforts for climate change till now, which include:
- Clean Green Pakistan
- Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program
- Protected Areas Initiative
- Nature Performance Bonds
- Recharge Pakistan
- E-Vehicle Policy
He further added that the success of all these projects and programs are contingent upon the provision of adequate and sustainable financing by the developed countries for the effective implementation of these initiatives.
U.S. Chargé d’ affaires affirms all-out support and partnership with Pakistan
U.S. Chargé d’ affaires Angela Aggeler also addressed the joint working group session, in which she affirmed America’s complete support and cooperation with Pakistan to cope with the causes and impacts of climate change. In addition, she applauded the efforts that Pakistan has made in climate adaptation and land use through initiatives including the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami and Clean Green Pakistan.
During her speech, Chargé d’ affaires Aggeler conveyed that President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry have put climate change at the center of U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
Angela Aggele said, “By 2030, the United States will target reducing emissions by 50 to 52 percent compared to 2005 levels, on the way to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest.”