Q&A: ‘Inaction Achieves Nothing’, Says Pakistan Climate Coordinator | News

Romina Khursheed Alam: As the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, I led key initiatives to address Pakistan’s environmental challenges. My work includes implementing climate policies, strengthening environmental governance, and securing international support for resilience projects. I also focused on raising awareness about plastic waste, water conservation, and renewable energy.

However, my role is advisory and facilitative, not executive. I can influence and coordinate, but I rely on ministries and departments to implement policy and allocate resources.

What are the most important issues you are currently focusing on and what important initiatives are underway?

We are focused on leading the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan to increase Pakistan’s resilience to the impacts of climate change, with the active cooperation of the provinces. Activities include developing a strategy to mobilise and leverage climate finance for sustainable growth and finalising a carbon trading framework to reduce emissions and encourage the use of greener technologies.

Enforcing plastic bans to reduce pollution is also a priority. Additionally, promoting projects that integrate environmental sustainability into industrial practices and developing a media strategy to increase public awareness and stakeholder engagement in climate action are key initiatives.

As COP29 approaches, Pakistan has a lot to offer. What are the country’s main goals for the summit and how are you preparing to present them?

Pakistan’s goals for COP29 include securing increased climate finance, especially for adaptation and resilience projects in climate-prone regions. The country intends to promote its National Adaptation Plan, address loss and damage caused by climate change, and finalize its carbon market policy to attract investment in sustainable projects. We are preparing 25-30 projects for funding approval and seeking billions of dollars, despite a limited workforce.

Strengthening international partnerships and working towards climate justice, including fair treatment of developing countries in terms of finance and technology transfer, is also a priority.

Preparations include working with ministries and stakeholders, collecting data and research on the impacts of climate change, conducting high-level diplomacy, and developing a comprehensive communications strategy to effectively communicate Pakistan’s goals at COP29.

Sherry Rehman, then Minister of Climate Change, made significant progress in advocating Loss and Damage Fund after the floods in 2022. Has Pakistan received any financial assistance from this initiative and what is its current status?

Following devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022, former climate change minister Sherry Rehman called for the creation of a Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 to help countries like Pakistan that are disproportionately affected by climate change.

The Loss and Damage Fund was formally agreed at COP27, a significant achievement for developing countries. However, the launch of the fund has been slow, with discussions on its structure, governance and criteria for access to funds ongoing. Pakistan has been an active participant in these negotiations, pushing for rapid implementation so that vulnerable countries can receive timely assistance.

Pakistan is among the top five countries most vulnerable to climate change. How is the government integrating climate concerns into its broader energy, economic and financial policies?

Pakistan is gradually integrating climate concerns into its energy, economic and financial policies, despite challenges. The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy (2019) aims to achieve 60% clean energy by 2030, focusing on solar, wind and hydropower.

The country’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy promotes the use of EVs to reduce air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Green finance initiatives, such as the Renewable Energy Financing Program and the issuance of Pakistan’s first green bond, support investments in sustainable energy.

Economic planning integrates the SDGs, including climate action (SDG 13), and takes into account the impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups, and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and climate-resilient agriculture initiatives address these issues.

Social safety nets such as the Ehsaas program focus on reducing climate-induced poverty among women and marginalized communities. Challenges remain, including resource constraints and enforcement issues, but commitment to inclusive and equitable climate policies is growing.

How important is regional cooperation in addressing Pakistan’s air pollution problems and what steps are being taken to promote such cooperation?

Regional cooperation is crucial to address environmental challenges such as air pollution, Himalayan ecosystem management and water resource issues.