CLIMATE CHANGE
Jamie Fergusson, the Global Director for Climate at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), recognized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and stressed the need for global cooperation to support the country’s climate initiatives.
She reaffirmed the IFC’s commitment to providing technical expertise and strategic guidance to help Pakistan implement projects that promote climate resilience and sustainable development, according to a communication from the Press Information Department (PID).
A four-member delegation, led by Jamie Fergusson, met with Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, at her office on Monday to explore deeper collaboration in addressing climate change challenges.
The meeting centered on strengthening the partnership between the IFC and Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change, with a focus on enhancing the capacity of stakeholders across various sectors to address the impacts of climate change. The delegation discussed strategies to bolster Pakistan’s ability to respond to climate change, emphasizing the need for ongoing global support for developing nations.
Both Romina Khurshid Alam and Jamie Fergusson highlighted the importance of building stronger partnerships to empower key stakeholders—including environmentalists, academics, and technical experts—in the fight against climate change.
Romina Khurshid Alam emphasized the urgent need for increased accessibility to climate financing to support developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change. She pointed out that while Pakistan contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains one of the most vulnerable countries, suffering from severe climate impacts such as floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures.
Ms. Alam called for streamlined processes to ensure greater access to climate finance, enabling the implementation of long-term adaptation and mitigation plans. She underscored the need for simplifying procedures, allowing developing countries to implement large-scale projects aimed at reducing climate impacts on communities and ecosystems.
Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, Aisha Humera Moriani, discussed the growing potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. She proposed strengthening collaboration with the EV sector, particularly given the rising demand for two-wheelers in the country.
Moriani highlighted the widespread popularity of two-wheelers in Pakistan and suggested that promoting electric two-wheelers could significantly reduce carbon emissions from transportation, improve air quality in urban areas, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
The delegation acknowledged the importance of this initiative and expressed interest in further exploring collaboration with the EV sector as part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle climate change. The discussion also covered the broader need for promoting sustainable transportation solutions to reduce Pakistan’s carbon footprint.
Jamie Fergusson commended Romina Khurshid Alam’s leadership on climate change, particularly her advocacy for Pakistan’s climate priorities at COP29. She recognized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and emphasized the critical need for global cooperation in supporting the country’s climate efforts. Fergusson reaffirmed the IFC’s commitment to providing the technical expertise and strategic guidance necessary to help Pakistan implement projects that enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development.
Both parties agreed that stronger collaboration between Pakistan and international financial institutions like the IFC is essential for advancing the country’s climate agenda. The exchange of resources and ideas will be key to overcoming the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions like Pakistan. Ms. Alam reiterated her commitment to working closely with the IFC to secure the resources needed for climate action projects. She also emphasized the importance of involving local stakeholders and communities to ensure that climate solutions are tailored to Pakistan’s specific needs.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthening collaborative efforts, with a shared focus on enhancing Pakistan’s climate resilience in the coming years.
PID/ER
