Islamabad, Dec 17: The World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan, Najy Benhassine, highlighted the critical need for developing and implementing comprehensive climate risk management strategies at the national, provincial, and district levels to help Pakistan better prepare for and respond to natural disasters. This initiative, he emphasized, would mitigate the economic, social, and environmental impacts of these disasters and protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
Collaboration for Climate Resilience: In a high-level meeting with Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, Benhassine discussed bilateral cooperation to enhance Pakistan’s climate resilience. Both sides emphasized the need for a joint effort to invest in climate-vulnerable sectors, especially agriculture, water, energy, floodwater management, and disaster risk reduction.
Challenges Posed by Climate Change: The discussion highlighted Pakistan’s increasing vulnerability to climate change, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The country is experiencing extreme weather events, such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, desertification, and water scarcity, which have significant consequences on its economy, society, and environment.
Urgent Need for Action: Romina Khurshid Alam stressed that Pakistan’s climate vulnerability requires urgent attention and highlighted that Pakistan is experiencing acute water shortages, which are exacerbating challenges in agriculture, a key part of the country’s economy. She also referred to the devastating 2022 floods, which displaced millions, destroyed crops, and damaged critical infrastructure.
World Bank’s Support: The World Bank acknowledged Pakistan’s climate challenges and pledged technical and financial support to strengthen the country’s climate risk management systems. This support could include funding for climate-resilient infrastructure, agricultural practices, and disaster preparedness plans.
Engaging the Private Sector: Both sides discussed the importance of engaging the private sector in climate risk management, particularly in sectors like agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, where sustainable investments could significantly contribute to long-term climate resilience.
Strengthening Institutional Frameworks: The meeting also focused on strengthening institutional frameworks to integrate climate risk management into development planning at all levels of government.
Both the World Bank and Pakistan’s Climate Change Ministry expressed a commitment to deeper collaboration to tackle the growing climate challenges. The World Bank reiterated its willingness to assist Pakistan in securing international climate funds and providing technical expertise to enhance the country’s climate resilience.
