To tackle climate change, Pakistan must take maximum benefit from UAE support
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As always, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reached out to Pakistan to help, and this time it’s to fight out the colossal impact of global warming and climate change. Last year’s floods caused an economic loss of over $30 billion, and the country is waiting for the realization of pledges of international support bodies.
Last week’s visit of Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President-designate of COP28 and UAE Minister for Industry and Advanced Technologies to Pakistan will serve as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting joint efforts to combat climate change.
With an emphasis on an inclusive approach, Pakistan and the UAE are poised to make a remarkable impact in the fight against climate change and pave the way for a sustainable future. This visit and the signing of the MoU for renewable energy projects lay the foundation for a prosperous partnership that will benefit both nations and contribute to global efforts in tackling the climate crisis.
The recent talk delivered by Dr. Al Jaber at the Foreign Service Academy Pakistan shed light on the pressing issues of climate change, sustainability, and energy. As Pakistan and the UAE strengthen their collaboration in these critical areas, it becomes increasingly evident that their partnership holds immense importance in addressing global environmental challenges. The visit not only showcased the UAE’s commitment to climate change mitigation but also highlighted Pakistan’s active role in climate change diplomacy.
With an emphasis on an inclusive approach, Pakistan and the UAE are poised to make a remarkable impact in the fight against climate change and pave the way for a sustainable future.
Shazia Anwer Cheema
Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the importance of an inclusive approach in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. He stressed the need to bridge the gap between the global north and south, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development. He also held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who appreciated UAE’s efforts in combating climate change and developing renewable energy projects. One hopes that the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries for the development of renewable energy projects will further solidify the partnership and open new avenues for knowledge-sharing, technology transfers and investment opportunities, which can accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward clean and sustainable energy sources. A 10,000 MW solar energy project, discussed during the meeting, showcases the potential for collaboration in harnessing renewable energy resources and enhancing energy security for Pakistan.
The high-level exchanges between Pakistan and the UAE serve as a foundation for deepening bilateral relations. Such exchanges provide a platform for mutual understanding, knowledge exchange, and collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges.
The visit of Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and the subsequent talks and agreements between Pakistan and the UAE underscore the importance of collaboration in combatting climate change and promoting sustainability. Pakistan’s active role in climate change diplomacy and the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy presents an opportunity for both countries to work together for a greener and more sustainable future.
By pooling their resources, expertise, and shared vision, Pakistan and the UAE can contribute significantly to the global efforts aimed at mitigating climate change and achieving the targets set forth in the Paris Agreement (Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Global Emission Reductions, Adaptation and Resilience, Climate Finance, Transparency, and Accountability).
It is pertinent to mention that the Conference of the Parties (COP) on climate change is the governing body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC is an international treaty established in 1992 to address the issue of climate change and its impacts. COP28 refers to the 28th Conference of the Parties, as the UAE prepares to assume the Presidency of the COP28 Conference.
As the UAE has offered its exceptional support to Pakistan for mitigating the impact of climate change, it is now the responsibility of Pakistan to capitalize on these opportunities and transform them into concrete gains to create a sustainable and prosperous future. The foremost action Pakistan must take is continuity in raising concerns that it is one of the greatest victims of climate change though its contribution to global warming is almost zero. Therefore, it must be compensated by international bodies. Moreover, Pakistan needs to enhance its administrative capacity to deal with international think tanks that are already working in the field of climate change. Unfortunately, Pakistan lacks such think tanks because they are mostly all working on geopolitical issues while climate change and global warming have taken a backseat. These are scientific and social subjects that must be researched and analyzed scientifically and socially instead of politically or geopolitically.
- The writer is an author, columnist, and foreign affairs expert who writes for national and international media. She can be reached at @ShaziaAnwerCh Email: [email protected]
