ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the international community to support Pakistan in tackling the escalating challenge of climate change, as the South Asian country is suffering the worst impacts despite its negligible contribution to global emissions.
Speaking at the launch of the New Energy Vehicle Policy in Islamabad on Tuesday, the Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan remains one of the countries most severely affected by climate change, despite having a minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Climate change is a battle we cannot fight alone. The world must lend Pakistan a hand if we are to weather this storm,” PM Sharif said.
He said that the new energy policy marks an important step toward eco-friendly initiatives.
Recalling the catastrophic floods of 2022, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan had suffered losses amounting to $30 billion. “Cloudbursts, flash floods, and overflowing rivers destroyed homes and livelihoods, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being the worst affected,” he noted.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders, including the UK government, for their ongoing support.
The United Nations has initially released $600,000 for the relief of the victims of recent deadly flash floods triggered by heavy rains in various areas of Pakistan.
A team of United Nations officials is expected to carry out an assessment mission on Wednesday to evaluate the damage caused by recent flooding.
Climate change effects
Pakistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and its 255 million residents are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.
The country is facing increasingly frequent and intense weather events such as heat waves, droughts, and torrential rains.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, which is insignificant when compared to developed nations.
