Adaptation over Mitigation
Introduction
The discourse on climate change in Pakistan often leans towards fancy jargon and donor-driven policies. The government, civil society, and think tanks frequently introduce new buzzwords like “green transition,” “just green transition,” and “electric vehicles for climate change” to demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate issues. However, this rhetoric often lacks concrete actions and fails to reflect the ground realities. For Pakistan, prioritizing adaptation over mitigation, with a focus on indigenous solutions, is crucial.
The Reality of Climate Change in Pakistan
Pakistan’s climate change policies have historically focused more on mitigation than adaptation, despite the country’s negligible contribution to global emissions. The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect this imbalance, emphasizing mitigation while underplaying the critical need for adaptation. This misalignment is particularly detrimental given Pakistan’s high vulnerability to climate impacts such as floods, droughts, and changing cropping patterns.
Agriculture: The Backbone of Pakistan’s Economy
Agriculture, a major source of livelihood and a cornerstone of food security in Pakistan, is highly susceptible to climate change. The sector faces challenges from both floods and droughts, with a declining number of cropping days and altered cropping patterns. Water availability and quality, essential for agriculture and human life, are also under threat.
Mitigation vs. Adaptation: The Policy Misstep
The focus on mitigation over adaptation is evident in Pakistan’s climate policies. For example, the push for a CNG-based transport system aimed at reducing emissions and saving foreign reserves ultimately failed due to the depletion of natural gas reserves. This policy led to significant economic and infrastructural costs, from the rapid depletion of gas reserves to the financial losses faced by businesses and consumers who invested in CNG.
The Need for Adaptation
Adaptation must be a top priority in Pakistan’s climate policy. The failure of previous policies, such as the CNG initiative and the recent push for solar energy without considering agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), highlights the importance of aligning policies with ground realities. Solar energy, while beneficial, has led to increased electricity prices, affecting the poor and lower-middle class who cannot afford solar panels.
Ground Realities and Energy Consumption
More than 24.6% of Pakistan’s population still lacks electricity connections, and the country’s per capita electricity consumption is among the lowest globally. With 59% of electricity generation reliant on fossil fuels, the push for electric vehicles (EVs) without a corresponding increase in renewable energy generation could exacerbate the supply-demand gap.
A New Approach for 2025
Pakistan must enter 2025 with a revised climate agenda that prioritizes adaptation and incorporates indigenous solutions. This approach involves devising well-researched policies that consider the country’s financial constraints, energy availability, and potential for hydropower, coal, and nuclear energy.
Engaging Indigenous Wisdom
Engaging domestic institutions, such as public universities, and leveraging indigenous wisdom is crucial for developing a sustainable climate policy. Rather than relying solely on donor-funded consultants, Pakistan should craft a climate agenda based on local insights and then seek partnerships with the donor community for implementation.
Balanced Mitigation Strategy
While adaptation should be the primary focus, Pakistan must also develop a balanced mitigation strategy. This involves pursuing a green transition, implementing an effective EV policy, and striving for sustainable development.
FAQs
1. Why is adaptation more important than mitigation for Pakistan?
Adaptation addresses the immediate impacts of climate change on vulnerable sectors like agriculture and water, which are critical for Pakistan’s economy and food security. Given Pakistan’s negligible contribution to global emissions, focusing on adaptation ensures resilience against climate impacts.
2. What were the main issues with the CNG transport policy?
The CNG transport policy led to rapid depletion of natural gas reserves, increased import costs for LNG, and financial losses for businesses and consumers who invested in CNG infrastructure and vehicle conversions.
3. How does solar energy policy impact the poor in Pakistan?
The solar energy policy, while reducing electricity bills for those who can afford solar panels, has led to increased electricity prices for the general population. This disproportionately affects the poor and lower-middle class, who cannot afford the initial investment in solar technology.
4. What should be the focus of Pakistan’s climate policy in 2025?
Pakistan’s climate policy should prioritize adaptation, leverage indigenous solutions, engage local institutions, and develop a balanced mitigation strategy that considers the country’s financial and energy constraints.
5. How can Pakistan improve its climate policy implementation?
Improving climate policy implementation requires a well-researched and realistic action plan, engagement with local stakeholders, and collaboration with the donor community to ensure effective and sustainable solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pakistan’s climate policy for 2025 must prioritize adaptation over mitigation and incorporate indigenous solutions. By learning from past mistakes and aligning policies with ground realities, Pakistan can develop a sustainable and effective climate agenda. Engaging local institutions and balancing mitigation efforts will pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future.
