Islamabad, In a national seminar titled ‘Disaster-Resilient Pakistan’ held at the National University of Technology, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, detailed the government’s strategic initiatives to combat the worsening impacts of climate change on the country.

According to Press Information Department, during her address, Alam highlighted the severe economic and social challenges posed by erratic weather patterns, including significant agricultural losses, which jeopardize national food, water, and energy security. She cited a World Bank report stating that climate and weather-related disasters have inflicted approximately $29.3 billion in losses from 1992 to 2021, amounting to 11.1% of Pakistan’s 2020 GDP. The catastrophic floods of 2022 alone resulted in over $30 billion in damages, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive mitigation strategies.

Alam elaborated on the current government’s climate policies which include bolstering resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, improving water management, and expanding renewable energy sources. These measures aim to enhance Pakistan’s resilience to climate-induced risks and protect the most vulnerable communities, especially in coastal and mountainous regions.

The PM’s aide also called for increased private sector involvement and international cooperation to fund and support Pakistan’s climate initiatives. She underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in this regard, as they are crucial for pooling resources and expertise necessary for substantial climate action.

Romina Khurshid concluded by stressing the dire consequences of inaction, which could exacerbate the vulnerabilities of critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, health, and education, and highlighted ongoing efforts to mobilize climate finance and strengthen governance to prepare for and respond to climate challenges effectively.