(Owais Kya Ni) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for the allocation of special funds according to the United Nations framework to deal with climate change, saying that 6.8 thousand billion dollars will be allocated to developing countries by 2030 to deal with the challenge of climate change. need of
The Prime Minister said that developing countries need 6,800 billion dollars by 2030 to deal with the challenge of climate change. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has faced two catastrophic floods in the recent past. They have not been able to recover from the damage.
The Prime Minister said that today we stand at a critical juncture where the Global Climate Fund needs to be restructured to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable nations. He has also met the head of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Younis.
The prime minister further said that despite the promises made over the years and repeated assurances, the gap is widening, he said that developing countries must come forward to deal with climate change and follow the United Nations framework. Will be.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has met world leaders on the sidelines of the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on this occasion, the two leaders discussed cooperation between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on climate change and other issues of mutual interest. .
The Prime Minister also met the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish First Lady, and on this occasion discussed other issues of mutual interest between Pakistan and Turkey, including cooperation to highlight the problems of environmental pollution and climate change at the global level. went
On this occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with President of Uzbekistan Shaukat Mirzayev and President of Tajikistan Imam Ali Rahman. and also discussed the growing ties between Uzbekistan, the Prime Minister had meetings with the President of Nepal Ramchandra Podal and the Head of the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh Dr. Muhammad Younis. On this occasion, rising temperature in South Asia, threat of rising sea level and conservation of forests were discussed, moreover, they also discussed increasing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer and discussed the increase in UK-Pakistan cooperation. In addition, the Prime Minister also met with the President of Kazakhstan Qasim Jomart Tkayev and the strengthening of bilateral relations and the promotion of relational cooperation. was discussed.
Also read:Why did Maryam Aurangzeb pick Maryam Nawaz’s purse?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Climate Change Expert Dr. Amina Khan
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Amina Khan. We’ve just seen Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for 6.8 trillion dollars to assist developing countries in responding to climate change. How urgent is this request, especially considering Pakistan’s recent climate disasters?
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. The Prime Minister’s call underscores a dire reality for many developing nations. The impact of climate change is not just a future threat; it is happening right now. Pakistan’s experience with catastrophic floods serves as a stark reminder that vulnerable countries are increasingly facing extreme weather events. The urgency of this request stems from the fact that these nations are often least responsible for climate change yet face the brunt of its effects.
Editor: You mentioned that developing countries are often the least responsible for climate change. Can you elaborate on how this inequity complicates their situation?
Dr. Khan: Absolutely. The majority of greenhouse gas emissions have historically come from developed nations. Yet, it is the developing countries that are more susceptible to the disastrous effects of climate change. They lack the financial and technological resources to adapt and recover. The gap between promises made by wealthier nations and the actual funding received is widening, as the Prime Minister pointed out. This inequity not only hinders recovery efforts but also threatens long-term stability in these regions.
Editor: In light of this widening gap and the need for structural changes like the reformation of the Global Climate Fund, what steps should be prioritized?
Dr. Khan: There must be a multifaceted approach. First, restructuring the Global Climate Fund to ensure that it is accessible and responsive to the needs of developing nations is crucial. This means simplifying application processes and ensuring funds are disbursed quickly and efficiently. Second, international cooperation needs to strengthen—wealthier nations must honor their financial commitments and work collaboratively to build resilience against climate impacts.
Editor: Prime Minister Sharif also discussed the need for developing countries to come forward. What role do you think these nations should play in the global conversation on climate change?
Dr. Khan: It’s essential that developing countries not only advocate for their needs but also share their experiences and solutions. Many are innovating in sustainability despite financial constraints. Their voices in forums like COP29 can lead to greater recognition of the unique challenges they face and encourage solidarity among nations. Furthermore, they can serve as test cases for effective climate adaptation strategies that could inform global policies.
Editor: Speaking of international cooperation, can you tell us about the significance of the Prime Minister’s meetings with world leaders, like the recent one with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan?
Dr. Khan: These bilateral meetings are crucial for fostering collaboration and securing commitments for climate finance. Such dialogues can help build coalitions among nations, and regional partnerships can amplify the needs of developing countries like Pakistan. It’s about not just seeking funds but also learning from successful climate initiatives implemented by other nations.
Editor: As we look toward the future, particularly with the 2030 deadline for the climate funding goal, what message should global leaders take away from Pakistan’s situation?
Dr. Khan: The real message is one of urgency and accountability. Climate change is a shared challenge that requires a unified response. It’s essential for global leaders to recognize that investing in developing countries isn’t just about charity; it’s an investment in global stability and security. Every delay only increases the cost of recovery and adaptation for vulnerable nations. We need decisive action, not just promises.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights. As we face these critical challenges together, it’s imperative we continue advocating for equitable solutions to climate change.
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. I hope that the conversation continues and expands to include more voices from the global South.