As the world gears up for COP29, Pakistan is positioning itself with a strategic climate agenda, reflecting its urgent need for action against climate change. Ranking eighth in the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan has already experienced a temperature rise of 0.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with projections indicating an additional increase of at least one degree in the coming years. The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable, with forecasts suggesting declines of up to 10% in wheat and 20% in rice yields by the century's end. The devastating floods of 2022 affected over 33 million people and resulted in economic losses exceeding $30 billion, highlighting the immediate impacts of climate change on the nation [1d04ff08].
Currently, Pakistan's energy mix is heavily reliant on thermal power, accounting for 64% of its energy production. However, the country has significant potential for renewable energy, with estimates suggesting it could harness 50,000 MW from wind and 2.9 million MW from solar sources. The government aims to achieve a target of 60% renewable energy by 2030, which is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security [1d04ff08].
Additionally, Pakistan faces severe challenges in water availability, with per capita water resources dropping from 5,260 cubic meters in 1951 to just 908 cubic meters in 2021. This decline necessitates urgent reforms in water management and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate projected yield reductions of 8-10% by 2040. The call for strategic governance and proactive measures at COP29 is essential for addressing these pressing issues and ensuring sustainable development in the face of climate change [1d04ff08].