PPP Senator Sherry Rehman Says Conflicts Are Costing the Environment

At the second edition of The Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference in Islamabad, a critical conversation unfolded regarding the intersection of conflict and environmental degradation. Pakistan, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, stands as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, making discussions on climate action particularly pertinent.

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Why is the cost of conflict not being counted? That carbon footprint is missing.

Senator Sherry Rehman powerfully articulated a significant oversight in current environmental discourse: the uncounted cost of global conflicts. She pointed out that with over 60 active conflicts worldwide, the environmental footprint of these wars is substantial yet largely absent from data and public discussion. This perspective, originating from a nation acutely aware of environmental fragility and regional instability, underscores a unique local concern that often gets lost in broader international climate dialogues.

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Conflicts are costing the environment much more than we know, compute or understand.

Dawn CEO Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani further emphasized the urgency for Pakistan, calling for a shift in domestic priorities towards adaptation strategies. Globally, she advocated for a rebalancing of climate finance, ensuring that adaptation measures receive equal footing with mitigation efforts. Lakhani also stressed the need for disciplined energy transitions, balancing renewable energy scaling with economic growth and grid modernization, while cautioning against unsustainable debt burdens. This dual focus on local needs and global financial flows reflects Pakistan's position as a developing nation grappling with immediate climate impacts while striving for sustainable development.

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All state climate action … there is a splintered, fragmented movement.