BAKU (Nov 13, 2024): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasizing the unmet financial commitments from previous summits. Speaking on the final day of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, he noted that funds pledged at COP27 and COP28 had not yet been delivered, hampering efforts in countries like Pakistan that are highly vulnerable to climate impacts.
Pakistan ranks among the top ten nations at risk due to climate change, facing severe events such as floods, intense monsoons, heat waves, and rapid glacial melt. The prime minister urged COP29 to reinforce the importance of fulfilling prior commitments to support climate resilience. He referenced the Paris Agreement, highlighting that emission reductions and climate finance commitments remain unaddressed, further increasing global warming risks.
According to Dawn News, outlining Pakistan’s renewable energy and carbon reduction initiatives, PM Shehbaz pointed out that his government has committed to sourcing 60% of energy from renewable sources and converting 30% of vehicles to electric by 2030. He added that Pakistan’s climate strategies, such as a National Adaptation Plan and a Carbon Market Framework, would need international assistance for effective implementation.
The premier also discussed the 2022 monsoon floods that caused 1,700 deaths, displaced millions, destroyed homes, and led to a $30 billion economic setback. Recalling the impact on affected communities, he urged global leaders to create an environment for effective climate action.
Concluding his remarks, PM Shehbaz expressed hope that COP29, under Azerbaijan’s leadership, could boost confidence in climate finance by ensuring it is grant-based, not adding to the debt of vulnerable nations.