Latest news with #MinistryofClimateChangeandEnvironmentalCoordination
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Pakistan needs $50bn annually to mitigate to climate risks'
ISLAMABAD: Ranked first on the Climate Risk Index 2025 despite contributing less than 0.9 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is bearing disproportionate losses. In 2022 alone, climate-induced disasters inflicted over USD 30 billion in damages, with recovery needs exceeding $16.3 billion. Air pollution alone causes over 128,000 premature deaths annually, while productivity in agriculture has declined by 10–20 percent due to climate variability, further straining livelihoods and the economy. Experts warn that Pakistan now requires $40–50 billion annually to effectively mitigate and adapt to climate risks. Speaking at the report launch, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&E) Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhry said: 'Pakistan's climate vulnerability is a globally acknowledged reality. But to respond effectively, we must channel substantial and timely climate finance towards local solutions. The role of the private sector, as showcased by OICCI and its member companies, is central to our national climate strategy. We call on international partners to match Pakistan's climate ambition with significant funding support.' The economic argument for climate finance is clear. Without urgent decarbonisation, Pakistan's exports face mounting risks under new global trade frameworks, such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem stressed: 'Pakistan's reliance on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive practices puts our exports at risk, especially under frameworks like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Decarbonization and green finance are no longer optional, they are essential to sustaining economic growth and global competitiveness.' Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Executive Director Dr Abid Suleri reinforced the need for collaborative policy and financing mechanisms: 'In the context of eroding public and grant based climate finance, market-based solutions and private sector is not part of problem but an amicable solution to climate crises. Climate catastrophes are not a future concern; it is today's socioeconomic reality. Pakistan must now move beyond pledges and create an ecosystem where private investment in climate resilience is not only encouraged but enabled through consistent policy, data transparency, and accessible financing instruments.' ACCA President Ayla Majid emphasised the role of skills and financial expertise in climate action: 'Mobilising climate finance is not just about securing funds, it is about ensuring they are deployed effectively, with transparency and measurable impact. Building the financial, technical, and governance capacities to manage these resources is key to turning commitments into real resilience for Pakistan.' The 3rd PCC Report outlines actionable pathways in regenerative agriculture, industrial decarbonisation, plastic circularity, and carbon market development. It emphasises that climate funding must be paired with enabling policies and capacity-building to close Pakistan's climate financing gap. The OICCI, as the only private sector representative from Pakistan at COP28 and COP29, continues to champion public-private partnerships for climate action. The organisation has engaged with regulators, including the State Bank of Pakistan and the SECP, to advance green taxonomies and ESG reporting frameworks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Country needs $50bn annually to mitigate to climate risks
ISLAMABAD: Ranked first on the Climate Risk Index 2025 despite contributing less than 0.9 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is bearing disproportionate losses. In 2022 alone, climate-induced disasters inflicted over USD 30 billion in damages, with recovery needs exceeding $16.3 billion. Air pollution alone causes over 128,000 premature deaths annually, while productivity in agriculture has declined by 10–20 percent due to climate variability, further straining livelihoods and the economy. Experts warn that Pakistan now requires $40–50 billion annually to effectively mitigate and adapt to climate risks. Speaking at the report launch, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&E) Secretary Aisha Humera Chaudhry said: 'Pakistan's climate vulnerability is a globally acknowledged reality. But to respond effectively, we must channel substantial and timely climate finance towards local solutions. The role of the private sector, as showcased by OICCI and its member companies, is central to our national climate strategy. We call on international partners to match Pakistan's climate ambition with significant funding support.' The economic argument for climate finance is clear. Without urgent decarbonisation, Pakistan's exports face mounting risks under new global trade frameworks, such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem stressed: 'Pakistan's reliance on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive practices puts our exports at risk, especially under frameworks like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Decarbonization and green finance are no longer optional, they are essential to sustaining economic growth and global competitiveness.' Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Executive Director Dr Abid Suleri reinforced the need for collaborative policy and financing mechanisms: 'In the context of eroding public and grant based climate finance, market-based solutions and private sector is not part of problem but an amicable solution to climate crises. Climate catastrophes are not a future concern; it is today's socioeconomic reality. Pakistan must now move beyond pledges and create an ecosystem where private investment in climate resilience is not only encouraged but enabled through consistent policy, data transparency, and accessible financing instruments.' ACCA President Ayla Majid emphasised the role of skills and financial expertise in climate action: 'Mobilising climate finance is not just about securing funds, it is about ensuring they are deployed effectively, with transparency and measurable impact. Building the financial, technical, and governance capacities to manage these resources is key to turning commitments into real resilience for Pakistan.' The 3rd PCC Report outlines actionable pathways in regenerative agriculture, industrial decarbonisation, plastic circularity, and carbon market development. It emphasises that climate funding must be paired with enabling policies and capacity-building to close Pakistan's climate financing gap. The OICCI, as the only private sector representative from Pakistan at COP28 and COP29, continues to champion public-private partnerships for climate action. The organisation has engaged with regulators, including the State Bank of Pakistan and the SECP, to advance green taxonomies and ESG reporting frameworks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
02-08-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Pakistan home to 167 snow leopards
In a groundbreaking moment for wildlife conservation, Pakistan has unveiled its first-ever scientific estimate of the snow leopard population, 167 individuals, placing the country at number four globally among snow leopard range nations. This marks a major milestone in Pakistan's environmental research and conservation efforts. The announcement was made during the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards 2025, organized by the Snow Leopard Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC). The ceremony also featured the screening of a documentary titled "Beyond Borders - The Heartbeat of Chitral Rangers", showcasing the harsh realities and sacrifices of those working in remote, high-altitude terrains to safeguard Pakistan's natural heritage. The Snow Leopard Foundation and MoCC&EC reaffirmed their commitment to advancing conservation research and expanding protection efforts for snow leopards and other endangered species across Pakistan. Snow leopards face increasing threats from habitat degradation, shrinking prey populations, and climate change. Expanding infrastructure, poaching, and conflict with herders continue to jeopardize their survival, making accurate population data essential for targeted conservation. The three countries with higher populations are China, Mongolia, and India. China hosts the largest number of snow leopards, with an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 individuals, due to its vast mountainous terrain spanning several provinces. Mongolia follows with around 1,000 snow leopards, benefitting from its remote and rugged landscapes that provide ideal habitats. India ranks third, with an estimated population between 500 and 700, primarily found in the Himalayan regions. These countries play a crucial role in the global conservation of this elusive and endangered species. Globally, the snow leopard population is estimated to be between 3,500 and 7,000 individuals, spread across 12 countries in Central and South Asia. This underlines the importance of Pakistan's role in the survival of this iconic and vulnerable species.
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Govt pushes to scale up EV adoption
Listen to article The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) on Friday held a high-level meeting with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and senior officials. The goal was to identify ways to scale up EV adoption and reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels. The meeting was chaired by Secretary MoCC&EC Aisha Humera Moriani. Discussions focused on expanding EV charging infrastructure, promoting large-scale motorcycle retrofitting, and exploring financing options to make EVs more affordable and accessible. These efforts support Pakistan's climate goals, which include achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030, as outlined in its 2021 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). "Inadequate EV charging infrastructure, especially in urban areas, remains a major barrier," Moriani said. "Without major investments, the shift to electric mobility will be difficult." Participants stressed the need for strong policy support to convert Pakistan's large fleet of fuel-powered vehicles — especially two- and three-wheelers — to electric. Pakistan has over 37 million fuel-powered vehicles, including nearly 29 million petrol motorcycles. Retrofitting these motorcycles could offer a fast, cost-effective way to cut emissions. "Standardised retrofitting is a scalable solution, especially in the motorcycle segment that dominates Pakistan's transport landscape," said Muhammad Asif Sahibzada, Director General (Environment & Climate Change) at MoCC&EC. Industry representatives raised concerns about high upfront EV costs and limited charging stations, particulaarly on highways and in cities. They called for incentives and infrastructure development to support market growth. To improve affordability, the ministry is exploring partnerships with financial institutions to offer consumer-friendly EV financing. The government is also pushing to shift from imported Completely Built Units (CBUs) to locally assembled Completely Knocked Down (CKD) vehicles. "Encouraging CKD production will reduce costs, support domestic industry, and create green jobs," Moriani said. The ministry highlighted the need for a regulatory framework for motorcycle retrofitting to ensure quality, safety, and legal clarity for providers and consumers.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
'E-vehicle policy to ensure greener Pakistan'
The government has stepped up policy-level efforts to promote electric vehicles in the country, as it offers a wide array of benefits across environmental, economic, public health and industrial development sectors. This was stated by Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination on Sunday in the context of the federal government's New Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP) launched on Friday. The policy aims to ensure a just and inclusive transition to cleaner mobility, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, stimulate local innovation and create new green jobs, he said. "The Government of Pakistan is stepping up efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a key part of the country's clean energy and climate resilience agenda. With the transport sector being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution, the shift towards EVs marks a significant move towards a sustainable, healthier, and economically viable," the official remarked. He further said that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC)) has already reaffirmed its commitment at various forums to promoting EVs in the country as a strategic priority in the country's transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future as part of global efforts to cut heat-trapping and climate-altering vehicular carbon emissions and achieve environmental and urban sustainability. Saleem Shaikh said, "Recognising the transport sector as among the key contributors to air pollution and climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions, the ministry would now actively support every possible effort for the implementation of the New Electric Vehicle Policy 2025-2030 to drive the country toward a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable mobility system. Director General of the ministry, Mohammad Asif Sahibzada, pointed out that the Ministry of Industries and Production, MoCC&EC and other key industrial and non-industrial stakeholders were working in close collaboration to implement the new policy. He further said that the policy would go a long way in bringing more and more e-vehicles onto the country's roads as it envisions 30 per cent of all new vehicles sold by 2030 to be electric - including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and cars. "This transition is not only vital for addressing adverse impacts of transport sector-related carbon emissions that contribute to climate change but also crucial for ensuring a clean, efficient and inclusive transport future for all Pakistanis," said Asif Sahibzada. Talking about the environmental and public health benefits, Sahibzada highlighted that EVs emit zero tailpipe pollutants, significantly reducing urban smog and climate-warming emissions. This shift supports the country's commitments under the Paris Agreement and its national climate change targets, he added. "Cleaner air means fewer respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. With fewer emissions on the road, citizens — especially children and the elderly — will benefit from improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs," he remarked. He further said that electric vehicles undoubtedly offer long-term savings due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. They reduce Pakistan's dependency on imported fossil fuels, helping stabilise the economy and protect against global energy price shocks, he added. The ministry's Director for Urban Affairs and Urban Air Pollution Experts, Muhammad Azeem Khoso said that cleaner air means fewer respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
