Climate change: SAARC countries must work together to mitigate impacts

Millions face devastation in South Asia due to climate change induced disasters

ISLAMABAD: Owing to the transnational impacts of climate change, there was an urgent need for governments, especially among the South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, to enhance cooperation among themselves and evolve mechanisms to protect the lives of their respective citizens and the bread basket across the region.

This was stated by speakers at a seminar ‘SAARC-Challenges and Opportunities in Changing Regional Dynamics’ held by Sustainable Agriculture Action Group (SAAG) in collaboration with Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) , Heinrich Böll Stiftung Pakistan (HBS), Sungi Foundation, Roots for Equity, Lok Sanjh and ActionAid Pakistan here on Monday.

South Asia Climate Action Network (CAN) Director Sanjay Vashist spoke about the impacts of climate change in South Asia. He said that regional governments would lack the capacity to respond to these challenges if they continue to work in isolation.

“The climate financing at global level was shrinking and thus it is high time for the South Asian governments to mobilise their own resources,” Vashist said.

SDPI’s Dr Imran Khalid presented details of water related complexities in relation to climate change and urged, “We need transborder climate change adaptation strategy.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2016.