Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a Special Climate Event on the sidelines of the UNGA, urged the international community to fulfil its commitments on climate finance, warning that debt-driven lending is no solution for countries facing climate disasters.
He reminded delegates that Pakistan is still grappling with the aftermath of the 2022 floods, which caused losses of over $30 billion. This year’s extreme monsoon rains and flash floods have affected more than 5 million people, destroyed thousands of villages, and claimed over 1,000 lives. Despite Pakistan’s negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country continues to suffer disproportionately from climate shocks.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s climate commitments, highlighting that the country has already met its unconditional target of reducing 15% of projected emissions by 2030. Renewables now provide 32% of Pakistan’s power mix, while solar energy has grown sevenfold since 2021. He also pointed to mangrove restoration and reforestation drives as evidence of progress.
Looking ahead, Shehbaz announced plans to raise renewables and hydropower to 62% of the energy mix by 2035, expand nuclear capacity by 1,200 MW by 2030, shift 30% of transport to clean mobility, and establish 3,000 charging stations nationwide. Pakistan will also scale up climate-smart agriculture, protect water security, and move forward with its billion-tree program.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his remarks, said the world can still limit warming to 1.5°C if action accelerates. He stressed that COP30 in Brazil must deliver a credible global response, including mobilising $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035, while ensuring accessibility and accountability. He also highlighted the urgent need for debt relief and climate-resilient financing solutions for vulnerable nations.
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