Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the world to provide climate finance that does not increase debt for vulnerable countries like Pakistan. Speaking at a UN climate event, he stressed that loans piling onto loans cannot solve the climate crisis. Instead, he called for fulfilling promises of fair and sufficient climate funding to help countries facing severe climate impacts. Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with climate disasters and the urgent need for real financial support.
He explained that Pakistan is still recovering from the devastating 2022 floods, which caused over $30 billion in damages and displaced millions. This year, intense rains and floods affected more than five million people, destroyed 4,100 villages, and took over 1,000 lives. Despite these hardships, the prime minister said Pakistan remains committed to fighting climate change. He expressed hope that the global community will support Pakistan for the sake of future generations.
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Shehbaz pointed out Pakistan’s minimal role in causing global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, the country suffers much more than its fair share of climate damage. Pakistan pledged in 2021 to reduce emissions by 15 percent by 2030 without conditions. The prime minister proudly announced that the country has already met this target. He added that renewable energy now makes up 32 percent of Pakistan’s power, with solar energy growing seven times since 2021.
Additionally, Pakistan restored 23,000 hectares of mangrove forests to help combat climate change. However, Shehbaz lamented that insufficient international climate funding severely limits Pakistan’s ability to implement its national adaptation plan. He urged the global community to provide support that does not increase Pakistan’s debt burden. Only then can Pakistan fully address the challenges posed by climate change.
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PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to tackling climate change. He emphasized that the international community must deliver on its climate finance promises without adding to vulnerable countries’ debts. He called on world leaders to act now and provide real help to countries like Pakistan, which face the harshest climate impacts despite contributing little to the problem.