PM Sharif urges global leaders to fulfill climate pledges

BAKU: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the urgent need for global action on climate change, calling for immediate and collective efforts to safeguard the environment for a sustainable future.

Addressing the COP-29 Climate Action Summit on Wednesday in Baku, he called for adherence to commitments made at COP-27, COP-28, and the Paris Agreement over a decade ago.

He emphasised Pakistan’s proactive approach in combatting climate change and urged developed nations to support vulnerable countries like Pakistan.

Prime Minister Sharif extended congratulations to Azerbaijan’s president for hosting the summit and emphasized the significance of understanding climate change’s impact.

“Many nations worldwide face the detrimental effects of climate change, with Pakistan being among the most affected,” he said.

Referring to Pakistan’s experience in 2022, he recounted the catastrophic floods that claimed nearly 1,700 lives, devastated thousands of acres of crops, and displaced millions. The floods also destroyed school buildings, costing Pakistan an estimated $30 billion in damages.

Sharif highlighted the story of Ikramullah, a student from Qilla Saifullah in Balochistan, whose village, home, and school were destroyed in the floods.

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He shared how the Pakistani government offered him top-tier educational opportunities at Lawrence College in Murree, dramatically transforming his life.

The prime minister warned that failing to act on climate change would lead to increased losses and destruction. He reminded global leaders of their financial commitments made at COP-28, stressing that countries like Pakistan should not endure disasters alone.

Although Pakistan contributes less than 0.5 per cent to global emissions, it is disproportionately affected by climate-induced disasters, he noted.

He also advocated for “climate justice,” emphasizing that Pakistan continues to make significant efforts to combat climate change, including working on a national carbon market framework and investing in alternative energy sources.

“The government aims to increase the share of clean energy to 60 per cent in the country’s energy mix over the next few years and to transition 30 per cent of vehicles to electric technology,” he said.

The prime minister reiterated that developing nations alone cannot meet the demands of climate resilience. He urged the global community to extend support in grants rather than loans, as most developing nations cannot bear the additional debt burden.

Stressing the importance of fulfilling financial promises made at COP-27, COP-28, and the Paris Agreement, Sharif said: “We have identified the causes and solutions for climate change. The time has come for immediate action.”

He said that environmental protection must be prioritised as an emergency to secure a safe future for all.