Climate Story: Success Abroad, Struggle at Home
It is time to prioritize climate adaptation and reconsider policies for real impact.
PM Shehbaz Sharif (right) met Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang (left) on the sidelines of the COP29 Climate Action Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 13, 2024. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
Pakistan’s Climate Journey: A Tale of Two Realities
Pakistan’s approach to climate change can be understood on two levels: international and domestic. Internationally, Pakistan has demonstrated exceptional leadership in climate negotiations and policy formation. Domestically, however, the country has struggled to translate its global commitments into effective local actions.
International Achievements in Climate Diplomacy
Pakistan has played a crucial role in shaping global climate policy. As a leading member of the G-77-plus-China group, Pakistan was instrumental in the creation of the Kyoto Protocol. The country also made significant contributions to the Bali Action Plan and helped design the Adaptation and Green Funds. Most recently, Pakistan was key in finalizing the Loss and Damage Fund.
Domestic Shortcomings and Policy Failures
Despite these international successes, Pakistan has failed to implement effective climate policies at home. This discrepancy undermines the hard work of its diplomats and negotiators. One glaring example is the Adaptation Fund. Although Pakistan championed the role of national institutions in accessing this fund, it ultimately relied on UN agencies instead of empowering local entities.
The Need for Grounded Climate Policies
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is well-documented. The country has faced severe droughts and floods since the early 1990s, and future predictions indicate even more complex challenges affecting agriculture, water security, health, and food security. Despite this, Pakistan’s climate policies have often been misaligned with these ground realities.
Mitigation vs. Adaptation
One major issue is Pakistan’s preference for mitigation over adaptation. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is important, adaptation should be prioritized to protect critical sectors like agriculture and water. Yet, Pakistan’s policies continue to focus on high-profile mitigation projects, often at the expense of practical adaptation measures.
Misguided Policies and Their Consequences
The CNG Transition
A prime example of misguided policy is the push to convert the transport system to compressed natural gas (CNG). Initially hailed as a green initiative, this policy led to the rapid depletion of natural gas reserves, causing widespread gas shortages and economic disruption. The shift to CNG also forced Pakistan to import expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG), straining foreign currency reserves and raising household gas prices.
The Solar Energy Dilemma
Similarly, the promotion of solar energy, while well-intentioned, has created new challenges. The government’s agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have complicated the financial landscape, as increased solar installations have reduced revenue from traditional power sources. This has led to higher electricity prices and pressure from international financial institutions to reconsider the solar policy.
Hydropower: A Missed Opportunity
Pakistan could have avoided these issues by investing in hydropower, which offers multiple benefits including cheap electricity, improved water security, and enhanced agricultural productivity. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, for instance, could significantly increase water storage capacity, generate 4,500 megawatts of electricity, and create thousands of jobs.
Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
From this analysis, two conclusions emerge. First, Pakistan’s diplomats and negotiators have achieved remarkable success on the international stage. Second, the country’s domestic climate performance is inadequate.
To address this, Pakistan needs to shift its focus from mitigation to adaptation and develop policies based on ground realities. This involves recognizing both weaknesses, such as financial constraints and policy missteps, and strengths, such as the potential of hydropower and other indigenous resources.
Embracing Indigenous Wisdom
Unfortunately, Pakistan often overlooks indigenous wisdom in its policy-making. The Council on Climate Change, for example, is dominated by donor-supported experts, with little representation from local experts or universities. To create effective climate policies, Pakistan must involve its own graduates and experts in the decision-making process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What has Pakistan achieved internationally in climate policy? A1: Pakistan has played a leading role in international climate negotiations, contributing to the Kyoto Protocol, Bali Action Plan, and the creation of Adaptation and Green Funds, among other achievements.
Q2: Why is adaptation more important than mitigation for Pakistan? A2: Given its high vulnerability to climate change, Pakistan needs to prioritize adaptation to protect key sectors like agriculture and water from the immediate impacts of climate change.
Q3: What were the consequences of Pakistan’s CNG policy? A3: The CNG policy led to rapid depletion of natural gas reserves, economic disruption, increased LNG imports, higher household gas prices, and financial strain on the business community.
Q4: How could hydropower benefit Pakistan? A4: Hydropower can provide cheap electricity, improve water security, enhance agricultural productivity, and create jobs, thereby supporting overall economic stability.
Q5: Why should Pakistan involve local experts in climate policy-making? A5: Involving local experts ensures that policies are grounded in the country’s specific needs and realities, leveraging indigenous knowledge and reducing reliance on external donors.
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