Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is gearing up for his visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, where he will participate in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, scheduled for November 12 and 13, 2024. This summit is part of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, commonly referred to as COP29. With global leaders descending upon Baku, the event is poised to become a significant platform for showcasing national climate action plans and commitments to the Paris Agreement.
The summit is set to be hosted by Azerbaijan's presidency, with support from pivotal nations like the United States and China, who will co-host discussions on methane and other non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases. At this juncture, PM Sharif is expected to advocate strongly for climate solidarity and justice, emphasizing Pakistan's responsibility for equitable solutions as the country grapples with the fallout from climate challenges.
Pakistan ranks among the top ten countries vulnerable to climate change, facing increasingly dire weather patterns such as intense floods, severe heat waves, and rapid glacial melting. According to the Ministry of Climate Change, the delegation will push for stronger global commitments to climate finance and adaptation measures, emphasizing the urgency for action as they declare, “With unprecedented climate impacts, the time for bold action is now.”
Pakistan's recent experiences with climate disasters underline the importance of these discussions. The widespread floods of 2022, exacerbated by the climate crisis, displaced over 33 million people and resulted in damages amounting to around $30 billion. More recently, record-breaking heat waves throughout June have strained health services and agricultural operations, leading to mounting public health concerns.
While attending COP29, the Prime Minister's team will highlight the nation's pressing need for international climate finance to strengthen resilience. Pakistan is at a pivotal moment where climate action cannot wait; the stakes are incredibly high not just for Pakistan, but for global stability as well.
Earlier this week, PM Sharif’s Coordinator on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, along with the secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, engaged with former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed at the Pakistan pavilion at COP29. These engagements are expected to bolster international cooperation on climate endeavors.
This year’s COP29 aims to address fundamental aspects of climate action with discussions centered around sectors driving greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of synergizing efforts globally. The aim is to not only reaffirm past commitments but also make tangible strides toward more ambitious climate goals, ensuring no country is left behind.
With the world’s temperatures rising and unpredictable weather becoming the norm, global meetings like COP29 become ever more significant. Reports and observations made during recent climate conferences suggest the growing frustration and alarm among nations most affected by climate change, particularly countries like Pakistan. PM Sharif’s participation underlines the dedication to presenting Pakistan’s situation on the international stage, demanding urgent measures and collaborative pathways to address climate vulnerabilities.
Pakistan is not just aiming for acknowledgment of its challenges; it’s seeking actionable solutions from the global community to strengthen its adaptive strategies against climate impacts. This visit to Baku presents Pakistan with the opportunity to showcase its commitment to fighting climate change, not only for its own populace but as part of the interconnected global community.
Looking forward, this summit is also envisioned as lookout point for future action. The Prime Minister will aim to secure announcements of financial commitments and cooperative projects intended to aid Pakistan and other developing countries facing similar crises. There is also hope for the establishment of new pathways for climate technology transfer, which could significantly benefit vulnerable nations.
The urgency to address climate change is accentuated by the current geopolitical climate, where nations are under pressure to produce real results amid skepticism about prior commitments. Pakistan’s active participation at COP29, backed by its historical experiences with climate disasters, positions it as both seeker and gauntlet bearer on the climate action spectrum.
It’s also notable how the burgeoning awareness about climate impacts has united countries across diverse economic spectra. With climate action being at the forefront of global discussions, PM Sharif’s visit signifies Pakistan’s firm stance for collective efforts aimed at fostering sustainability and justice around the planet.
Summing it up, as world leaders prepare for face-to-face discussions at the climate action summit, the significance of what PM Shehbaz Sharif brings to the table is more than symbolic. It embodies hope for transformative steps forward, not just for Pakistan but for all nations warming under the detrimental effects of climate change. The eyes will surely be on Baku to see whether this summit leads to lasting commitments and tangible actions against climate change.
