Pakistan hosts 2nd day of climate change conference in Islamabad

The Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, now in its second edition and held in Islamabad, highlights Pakistan's critical position as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. Organized by DawnMedia, the conference convenes policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and to forge a path forward.

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Pakistan, facing high climate risk, sits at the intersection of these priorities. We cannot dissect climate from other priorities; it has to go hand in hand.

On the first day, federal ministers, government officials, business leaders, and agricultural and water experts shared their insights. A key takeaway from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) official, Anupa Rimal Lamichhane, was that while climate ambition is not lacking in ideas, it is severely constrained by finance and delivery systems. She emphasized that Pakistan, facing high climate risks, is at the intersection of IFAD's regional priorities, which include climate resilience, technology, private sector engagement, and inclusive approaches.

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Climate ambition is not constrained by ideas … it is constrained by finance and delibery systems.

Lamichhane also pointed out that while agriculture contributes significantly to Pakistan's GDP, farmers, who are both victims and potential solutions to climate change, receive only a tiny fraction of global climate financing. This underscores the urgent need for targeted financial support and effective implementation strategies. The conference's focus on the 'Collaboration of the Global South Towards Climate Action' is particularly relevant, as it seeks to foster cooperation among nations facing similar climate vulnerabilities and to advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources and solutions.

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Pakistan is on the frontline of climate change.