Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Musadik Masood Malik, has called for global solidarity and action to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Speaking at an event on Sunday, Malik emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies.
“To combat climate change, we need to invest in resilient infrastructure, improved water management systems, enhanced disaster preparedness, and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture,” Malik stated.
Citing the devastating floods of 2022 that wreaked havoc across Pakistan, Malik highlighted that the country bears a disproportionate share of the climate burden. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan remains consistently ranked among the nations most vulnerable to climate change.
“Rising average temperatures, increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, and the alarming retreat of glaciers are clear indicators of an unfolding crisis that threatens our water security, agriculture, and overall economic stability,” he warned.
Discussing Pakistan’s commitment to climate mitigation, Malik said that the government is taking significant measures, including increasing the share of renewable energy to 60% by 2030, transitioning to electric vehicles, and promoting nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration.
However, he stressed that Pakistan cannot achieve these goals alone. “Developed nations need to fulfill their climate finance commitments, particularly through the operationalization of the loss and damage fund,” Malik added. “Mobilizing financial and technological support is essential for ensuring a just transition and building resilience among the most vulnerable populations.”
The minister’s call to action underscores the pressing need for international cooperation to address the global climate crisis, emphasizing that collective efforts are crucial to safeguard the future.
