The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan, has jointly organized a project inception workshop “Unlocking pathways to support implementation of carbon markets in Pakistan”. The project aims to conduct a need assessment for knowledge and capacity gaps for the implementation framework of carbon markets in Pakistan, assess potential regulatory and information barriers, identify potential opportunities and challenges in the implementation of carbon markets across different sectors in Pakistan, and identify potential investment opportunities created by carbon markets in Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on building public-private partnerships (PPPs), a news release said. Under this project, the two organizations aim to provide an actionable work plan to effectively implement carbon markets in Pakistan, learning from the best practices of Denmark for SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 17 (partnerships for goals). Speaking at the inception workshop, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, said that unleashing the potential of carbon credits and financing offers benefits in harnessing the challenge of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions and can also address the foreign exchange deficit crisis for Pakistan. This requires identifying a focal point among ministries and building their capacity to anchor projects in carbon markets. With the collaboration of the Embassy of Denmark, SDPI aims to bridge the gap between the knowledge pool and policymakers to create a conducive environment where Pakistan can unleash and avail itself of the low-hanging fruits of global carbon markets, he remarked. Dr. Khalid Waleed, Research Fellow and Lead Researcher, Energy Unit, SDPI, stressed the importance of integrating sustainable energy and environment in macro-economic policies, developing industries for environmental sustainability initiatives like carbon markets, permaculture, and circular economy markets to attract foreign direct investments, and interlinking inter-industry regional and international carbon trading. This will enable the prevention of environmental degradation and increase income levels for sustainable economic growth in Pakistan in parallel. He urged increasing taxation on carbon-intensive goods and industries and offering carbon market credits and offsets to increase carbon compliance. Highlighting the potential of carbon markets, he said that low-carbon energy solutions alone can generate US$10 billion annually. He further said that firewood is emission-intensive, and with natural gas resources depleting in Pakistan, carbon markets can provide alternative green fuels. Syeda Hadika Jamshaid, Carbon Market Advisor, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, informed that the Ministry has signed an MoU with Verra to develop the voluntary carbon market (VCM), develop the capacity of the private sector, and align the MOCC as convener for VCMs. She further elucidated that MoCC is also developing a guiding policy document to create a conducive environment, capacity, and awareness for carbon trading in the country. She stressed that attracting international investors is hinged on policy clarity and consistency and urged working on projects that can generate co-benefits rather than conventional projects. Syed Aqeel Hussain Jafri, Director (Policy), Private Power & Infrastructure Board, believes renewable energy can play an integral role in carbon markets, with the private sector eager to mobilize and operationalize carbon market structures in the country. Carbon markets will not only aid in achieving nationally determined contributions (NDCs) but will also pivot finances for low-carbon technologies, he said. Ashok K. Chandhel, Senior Program Officer, Auditor, and Accreditation Body Engagement at Verra, elucidating the initiatives being jointly steered by MoCC and Verra, informed that Verra will assist in developing the capacity of Ministry officials, operating the registry for carbon markets, verification, and methodology for carbon market projects. Dr. Omar Mukhtar Khan, Team Leader, Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED), stressed capitalizing on forests and renewable energy projects to strengthen climate action and promote economic growth through carbon credits.