Pakistan can meet climate-smart development goals

Pakistan has tremendous potential to overcome the hurdles caused by climate change. It has the capability to achieve goals pertaining to climate-smart development while not compromising on national security.

These views were expressed by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan on Monday. Speaking at a two-day seminar on “National Consultation on Finalising Sectoral Priorities for Climate-Smart Financing, Policy, Planning, Agriculture and Water Resources Management in Pakistan”, he emphasised that the only set of attributes needed was careful analysis, comprehensive planning and vigorous efforts.

He said that the action plan prepared was part of regional project “Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE)” for South Asia, which would provide technical support to the government of Pakistan for climate-smart agriculture and integrated water resources management by improving the availability of data and knowledge, developing guidelines, tools and capacities, promoting climate-resilient decisions, policies and investments.

He added that the project would analyse the impact of climate change on agriculture and water resources management and develop detailed policy options for adaptation and mitigation.

He said that these interventions would enhance agricultural productivity and ensure efficient water conservation and management at national and provincial levels.

The deputy chairman said that the five-year (2020-24) project would help decision-makers visualise and absorb scientific information for including climate adaptation in the development planning process at federal and provincial levels. He added that climate change had already increased the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and heat waves in Pakistan.

“Erratic rainfall, fluctuating temperatures and water scarcity can harm agricultural productivity, compelling the government to divert economic resources to import of essential grains,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2020.

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