Islamabad, At the “Road to Climate Resilient Pakistan: Reducing Our Carbon Footprint” conference, Senator Sherry Rehman underscored the urgency of addressing climate change with immediate and comprehensive action. Hosted by Islamic Relief Pakistan and the National Disaster Risk Management Fund, the conference highlighted the global and local impacts of climate change, including recent extreme weather events worldwide and in Pakistan.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Senator Rehman detailed the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s transition to renewable energy, noting the potential of solar and wind resources along the Sindh coastal areas. She pointed out the limitations of the aging electrical grid and the need for better incentive structures to increase solar energy adoption.

Rehman also emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, such as glacial lake outburst floods, which threaten essential infrastructure like hydro plants, bridges, and roads. She advocated for tailored resilience strategies that reflect the specific needs of local communities and the landscapes they inhabit.

The senator highlighted the financial hurdles in climate adaptation and mitigation, citing a World Bank assessment that estimates Pakistan needs $348 billion by 2030, with a significant portion dedicated to mitigation efforts. She stressed the insufficiency of private financing alone to meet these needs due to its profit-driven nature, calling for robust public funding mechanisms and streamlined access to climate finance.

Rehman concluded by framing the discourse around climate change as one of proactive engagement and responsibility, rather than victimhood, urging for a collective effort from national and global entities to address the carbon footprint and its consequences effectively.