At the COP29 Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for urgent climate justice and financial support for developing nations.
Addressing the global climate crisis, he highlighted the pressing need for $6.8 trillion in climate funding to help vulnerable countries adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Emphasizing that wealthier nations must honor their financial commitments, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of global cooperation to ensure equitable solutions for those most affected by environmental degradation.
“COP29 should make this understanding loud and clear that we will have to fulfil those financial pledges committed in COP27, COP28,” he said, stressing the importance of international support.
The summit, attended by representatives from around 200 nations, aims to mobilize extensive funding to support global efforts to transition to clean energy and adapt to a warmer planet. Discussions are focused on ensuring that climate financing reaches up to trillions of dollars, essential for projects worldwide to combat climate change effectively.
Pakistan’s climate vulnerability and domestic action
Reflecting on Pakistan’s experience with climate-induced devastation, PM Shehbaz expressed hope that other countries would not face similar tragedies, recalling the 2022 floods that severely impacted Pakistan.
“I would not want other countries to face the plight Pakistan faced back in 2022. Pakistan is a resilient, hard-working, and responsible nation. We are fully committed to being part of the global climate solutions,” he stated.
Highlighting Pakistan’s domestic climate initiatives, PM Shehbaz outlined the country’s commitment to producing 60% of its energy from renewable sources and shifting 30% of vehicles to electric by the end of the decade. He described these measures as part of “renewable energy revolution” underway in Pakistan.
Pakistan introduced a national adaptation plan last year and established its carbon market framework, setting the stage for impactful climate action. To meet these climate ambitions, he stated that international support is crucial.
Urgent need for climate justice and financial support
He emphasized the responsibility of high-emission countries to support those less responsible for emissions, remarking, “As the minus-one emitters, we should not brave the impact of emissions realized by others without even the tools to finance resilience. Without climate justice, there can be no real resilience.”
“We need urgent climate finance to tackle issues brought by environmental changes,” PM Shehbaz urged, underscoring that, despite national efforts, Pakistan cannot achieve these goals alone.
“Developing countries require $6.8 trillion in financing by 2030 to manage the impacts of climate change effectively.”
As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, Pakistan faces pressing challenges. The Global Climate Risk Index ranks Pakistan fifth in vulnerability, with the 2022 floods alone leading to over 1,700 deaths, affecting 33 million people, and causing economic damage exceeding $30 billion.