Localisation of SDG 13 — climate diplomacy and green economy

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Sustainable Development Goal 13 emphasises the need for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. For Pakistan, this challenge presents an opportunity to transition toward a sustainable green economy while addressing its environmental vulnerabilities and socioeconomic challenges. Ranked 5th on the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan contributes only 0.88% of global greenhouse gas emissions but is disproportionately affected by climate change due to its geographical and economic conditions. Global warming has accelerated significantly, with Earth's temperature rising by 0.11°F (0.06°C) per decade since 1850, tripling to 0.36°F (0.20°C) per decade since 1982. Pakistan has experienced a 0.5°C increase in temperature since the 1960s, with projections indicating a rise of up to 1.5°C by 2050. These shifts threaten its agriculture-based economy and exacerbate poverty, food insecurity, and inequality.

The devastating 2022 floods impacted 33 million people, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, and resulted in economic losses exceeding $40 billion. These events underscore the critical need for sustainable water management systems and climate adaptation measures. Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof Dr Ahsan Iqbal stated that the Living Indus initiative exemplifies Pakistan's commitment to SDG 13 by focusing on ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, and sustainable water management. He emphasised that "climate change poses an existential threat to Pakistan" and called for global cooperation under frameworks such as the 5Es Framework, particularly on environmental issues. Despite these initiatives, Pakistan faces significant barriers to achieving SDG 13, including limited renewable energy infrastructure, deforestation, water scarcity, and governance issues. Fossil fuel dependency and inadequate investments in renewable energy further hinder progress, while low forest cover accelerates biodiversity loss. Rainfall disruptions have reduced agricultural productivity, exacerbating food insecurity. Pakistan is currently on track to meet only 35 out of 169 SDG targets, with SDG 13 showing stagnation or regression, requiring approximately $52 billion, equivalent to 16.1% of its GDP, by 2030.

Climate diplomacy has become a cornerstone of Pakistan's efforts to combat climate change. Platforms such as COP29 and the Summit of the Future allow Pakistan to advocate for increased global financing and technological support. At COP29, Pakistan spotlighted its vulnerabilities and introduced the National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) to bridge a $348 billion funding gap by 2030. Key mechanisms in this strategy include green bonds, public-private partnerships, and climate-smart technologies. COP29 commitments included mobilising $300 billion annually for vulnerable economies by 2035. Dr Samuel Rizk, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted that "climate resilience is not just about adaptation but also about integrating sustainable development frameworks into national and local policies." Pakistan has also advocated for the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP28, emphasising the need for financial assistance to vulnerable nations.

Global examples offer valuable lessons for Pakistan in addressing climate challenges. Denmark's success in generating over 50% of its electricity from wind energy is a model for Pakistan's wind corridors in Sindh and Balochistan. Similarly, China's Grain for Green initiative, which restored 70 million hectares of degraded land, highlights the potential of large-scale reforestation efforts like Pakistan's Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project. The Netherlands' flood-resilient infrastructure and India's climate-smart agriculture, featuring drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems, provide adaptable solutions for Pakistan's challenges in food security and extreme weather risks. Nature-based solutions, such as afforestation and wetland restoration, are critical for mitigating extreme weather events, improving water management, and enhancing biodiversity. Empowering farmers with modern tools and technologies is essential for building climate resilience in rural areas.

Localised actions remain critical to achieving SDG 13. Implementing climate-smart agriculture, promoting renewable energy, and expanding afforestation efforts will address Pakistan's vulnerabilities. The private sector has also stepped up, contributing Rs13 billion to climate action projects through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in 2022-2023. These investments highlight the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges. Strengthening frameworks like the National Climate Change Policy and dedicated climate finance institutions can enhance transparency, governance, and fund mobilisation. Innovative financing tools, such as green bonds and public-private partnerships, can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Governance reforms and judicial involvement are vital for enforcing environmental protections and ensuring accountability. The Bhurban Declaration 2012 emphasised regional cooperation to uphold environmental laws and promote climate justice. Climate litigation is emerging as a key tool for holding governments and corporations accountable for unmet commitments. The judiciary's role in ensuring environmental protection further reinforces the legal backbone necessary for achieving SDG 13.

Localisation of SDG 13 requires bold policies, robust investments, and international cooperation. Pakistan's focus on green bonds, digital tools for monitoring, and disaster preparedness offers avenues to address climate challenges. The Living Indus initiative showcases how localised solutions can align with global goals to boost climate resilience. Tackling climate change is both a necessity and an opportunity for Pakistan to turn vulnerabilities into strengths. By fostering climate diplomacy, learning from global practices, and scaling initiatives, Pakistan can build a resilient green economy. The interconnected nature of the SDGs - embodied in the "5 Ps" of Planet, People, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership - highlights the urgency of integrated climate action to secure a sustainable, equitable future for generations to come.