Pakistan taking steps to integrate climate resilience into national planning – official

A street vendor carries umbrellas as he waits for customers along a road during a rain shower in Lahore on January 19, 2022. (AFP/File)
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  • PM’s coordinator on climate change mentions disaster risk financing for resilience against environmental challenges
  • Climate-induced weather events have raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s food security and agricultural exports

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam said on Saturday the government had taken steps to integrate environmental resilience into national planning, hoping it would also contribute to sustainable economic progress in the country.

Climate change has emerged as a critical issue for Pakistan, which, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, faces extreme weather patterns, including floods, droughts and heatwaves.

The country is still recovering from the devastating 2022 monsoon, with concerns are mounting over possible flash floods and hill torrents during the ongoing rainy season.

“The government is committed to incorporating climate considerations into all aspects of national development to ensure sustainable future growth and resilience to environmental challenges,” Alam was quoted as saying by state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan.

She said national adaptation plans, environmental policies and water management strategies must be aligned to effectively address climate risks.

The prime minister’s coordinator emphasized the need for climate and disaster risk financing to build resilience against the increasing threats posed by environmental challenges.

Extreme climate-induced weather events have caused billions of dollars in damages in Pakistan, raising serious concerns about food security and agricultural exports, prompting the government to take measures to address these challenges.