Climate plan sets ambitious targets

Punjab's first Climate Change Policy and Action Plan is set to be launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif following its approval by the provincial cabinet.

The policy, formulated under the guidance of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, outlines comprehensive measures for climate change mitigation, wildlife protection, forest conservation and pollution reduction.

According to a statement, in central and eastern Punjab, over 700,000 citizens are at risk from extreme heat, while South Punjab has faced financial losses exceeding $500 million due to climate-related disasters, including crop damage and intense rainfall.

The policy includes a detailed climate trend analysis from 1960 to the present, with forecasts extending to the year 2100.

Projections indicate that without significant intervention, temperatures in northern Punjab could rise by over two degrees Celsius by 2050, and rainfall in South Punjab could increase by nearly 10%.

The policy sets ambitious targets for mitigating the risks.

By 2027, green areas across the province are targeted to increase by 5%. Disaster risk assessments will be conducted in all at-risk districts.

Long-term goals include a 15% increase in forest cover, 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and transitioning 60% of the province's energy needs to renewable sources.