Paris, An event titled “Glacial Shift: Unveiling Pakistan’s Unique Climate Challenge” was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, focusing on the global warming effects on glaciers. It featured the premiere of a documentary, “Ice Giants: Discovering the Karakorum,” and an interactive panel discussion with prominent climate experts. The gathering, attended by a diverse audience including Permanent Delegates and Ambassadors, emphasized the need for collective action to address climate change.

According to Press Information Department, the event was organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in France and Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, in collaboration with environmentalist and filmmaker Luc Hardy. It aimed to highlight the severe impact of global warming on glaciers worldwide and promote international collaboration to mitigate climate change effects. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, in his opening remarks, discussed the retreat of glaciers globally and the unique behavior of the Karakoram glaciers. He stressed the necessity of integrated scientific research and shared knowledge to enhance adaptive capacities and safeguard vulnerable ecosystems.

The panel included experts like Valerie Masson-Delmottee and Patrick Wagnon, who discussed the scientific evidence of climate change and its unpredictable effects on glacier life cycles. They highlighted the urgent need for local and global communities to enhance their understanding of glacial behaviors to better prepare for potential natural disasters. The event also underscored Pakistan’s significant efforts in monitoring glaciers and establishing early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods, reflecting its commitment to combating climate change despite its minimal contribution to global emissions.