Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, included Rs. 2 billion for energy-saving enthusiasts and Rs. 4 billion to promote electric bikes, or e-bikes, in this year’s budget.
It remains to be seen, though, if this e-bike marketing is successful. This is because there weren’t many e-bikes available in Pakistan when the government last launched an e-bike program, therefore half of the bikes were standard motorcycles.
Either way, the goal of these programs is to cut down on transportation-related carbon emissions while also reducing overall energy use. The Minister also emphasized Pakistan’s susceptibility to climate change and the government’s will to address the issue by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The government must take the initiative in combating climate change, according to Senator Aurangzeb. He emphasized the creation of the Pakistan Climate Change Authority, a brand-new organization tasked with carrying out strategies that lessen the effects of climate change while also assisting Pakistan in adapting to them.
Senator Aurangzeb also stated that a National Climate Finance Strategy is being developed and should be completed by October 2024. This plan will specify how Pakistan can obtain foreign assistance for its climate projects. After that, the money will be allocated to initiatives meant to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions.
