by Mariam Raheem

 

A webinar on celebrating the Earth Day - Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Climate Change was held on Saturday. Malik Amin Aslam, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change spoke at the occasion that Pakistan is at the forefront of nature-based solutions for climate resilience and that it is essential to have cooperation at the regional level.

 

“Three main initiatives are ongoing in Pakistan at the moment, not only to build climate resilience but also to provide green jobs for Pakistani people, including 10 the Billion Tree Tsunami project, Protected Areas Initiative, and Recharge Pakistan. None of these initiatives can be undertaken in isolation, and a regional approach is significant so that we can collaborate on nature conservation at the regional level.” SA Malik Amin further explained.

 

All these issues, especially the crisis of varying monsoon patterns which are happening because of climate change, demand regional cooperation. Early warning systems are needed to be in place which can only happen at a regional level to adapt to these changes. The SA said, “we need to restore our relationship with nature and return to a greener and more balanced path. Where possible, this is the only sustainable path in the next century.”

 

The importance of looking for a regional cooperation framework was stressed by Former Senator Farhatullah Babar. He said that countries in the region should have a mechanism for joint monitoring of the glaciers in the Himalayas and to share information about the melting of the Himalayan glaciers. Platforms such as SAARC should give full play to their role.

 

“Let’s hope that the composite dialogue between Pakistan and India to be revived and that environmental issues can be part of the dialogue. Countries in the region should have parliamentary caucuses on global warming, regional sustainable development issues, and establish a mechanism to compare the achievements made by developing countries in other parts of the world.” Farhatullah Babar added.

 

Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, County Head IUCN Pakistan stated that Pakistan has to consider non-traditional approaches. The private sector needs to be involved effectively in addressing environmental issues. He affirmed China's efforts and models in dealing with climate change. With regard to the policies, he said that the translation of those policies into actions is necessary.

 

Dan Ge, Sr. Research Fellow, Chengdu Institute of World Affairs & Chahar Institute emphasised that the rights and interests to development of developing countries should be secured in global sustainable development. For developing countries, learning from the West and trying to avoid the vicious circle of damage before treatment is crucial. “They are also advised to develop their technology by vigorously supporting scientific and technological research. Improving people’s living standards is also the foundation of sustainable development.”

 

Regarding the responsibility of China, she mentioned that China has set an example for the world and fully demonstrated the responsibility of a responsible major country. It took Britain and France 59 years, the United States 43 years and Japan 37 years to reach carbon neutrality from carbon peak, while China's commitment is only 30 years.

 

Mr Hassan Daud, CEO of KP-BOIT underlined that global leaders have to show commitment towards a sustainable green growth for our planet. “Early action at the community level is also required to start reforestation and importance needs to be highlighted through workshops, panel discussions, and special events on emerging green technologies and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. The Government of Pakistan is committed to greener development and therefore the share of solar and wind-based energy projects is being enhanced. Additionally, open forums need to be held on climate and environmental literacy, climate restoration technologies and reforestation and regenerative agriculture.”

 

“Pakistan also needs to leverage BRI and highlight the billion tree initiatives and promote synergy amongst regional partners.” Hassan underscored that, “as now Asian economies are taking most global economic decisions, and Asia should also take serious and pragmatic steps to address climate change to share a greener earth with our next generations.”

 

Yahya Jahangiri shared his idea from an ethical approach. He highlighted that climate change is a serious cause for humanity today as well as in the region. Human beings should attach more importance to values and ethics. Geeta Panday, Climate Change & Advocacy Manager, KIRDARC, Board Member CANSA (Nepal) called on countries in the region to join hands in tackling climate change.