Muhammad Sami Saeed, Pakistan’s Interim Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, urged the international community to make concerted efforts to counter the climate change crisis.

The minister said this on Monday while addressing a seminar on climate change, considering the devastating impacts of the crisis.

Mr Saeed stated, “The governments, civil society, and international partners must join hands to tackle the climate crisis through collective and coordinated efforts to combat the crisis.’’

Mr Saeed said Pakistan had been witnessing challenging impacts of climate change, ranging from devastating floods to prolonged droughts, from heat waves to melting glaciers.

While urging the stakeholders to play their constructive role in combating the crisis, he said, “These changes pose immense threats to our environment, economy, and the well-being of our people.’’

The minister said that the country faced unprecedented devastation due to torrential rains and flooding in 2022, which affected 33 million people and resulted in economic losses worth $30 billion, in reference to the recent floods in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan’s carbon emissions were less than one per cent, but it was among the countries most vulnerable to climatic disasters.

Mr Saeed added that by fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, progress towards climate resilience and sustainable development could be expedited.

The minister said that Pakistan had launched robust natural capital restoration efforts in recognition of the role of nature in climate adaptation and mitigation.

He said the efforts included tree plantation programmes to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, restore ecosystems, and enhance livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities.

(Xinhua)