The increasing global industrialisation and over-utilisation of fossil fuels have instigated the release of greenhouse gases leading to an increase in global temperature and causing environmental issues. From pre-industrialisation, around 1850, until 2022, the global average atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration increased substantially from 285 to 419 ppm (Parts Per Million). These carbon emissions are causing severe damage to human lives and the environment, including the extension of some species, loss of biodiversity, droughts, floods, forest fires, ocean acidification, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels.
China is the world’s leading country contributing to carbon emissions or global greenhouse gases. Still, it is less vulnerable to climate change than Pakistan, which contributes only 0.9% to GHG emissions. According to the long-term German Watch Index, Pakistan ranked among the top 10 climate-vulnerable countries. To counter the vulnerability to climate change, the government must make effective strategies to reduce or control these emissions.
Strategy to Protect Communities and Natural Habitat
To reduce climate vulnerabilities, authorities should develop an adaptation strategy to build climate resilience. The plan should focus on promoting different projects like the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami Program, the Ecosystem Restoration Fund, and the Recharge Pakistan initiative. To protect communities and natural habitats, it is critical to develop nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation by providing seed capital to innovative approaches.
Mobilise finances
To reduce the negative impacts of climate change on residential life, the government needs to provide a certain amount of funding for zero-carbon projects. Governments should provide greener, more climate-resilient infrastructure development and support technological innovation. In this regard, there is a need to focus on ESG investing that aims to promote a healthy environment, social responsibility, and good governance by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Promoting Carbon- Neutral Society
Carbon neutrality is the state of net-zero carbon emissions that can be achieved by balancing the total amount of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions produced directly or indirectly by a country, company, product, activity, or individual over a certain period via carbon offset or removal initiatives. To achieve carbon neutrality, the government needs to reduce and phase out fossil fuels, use more renewable energy, and improve energy efficiency.
Conclusively, the government must take adequate preventive measures to avoid or mitigate the damage caused by climate change. Simultaneously, there is a dire need to build financial plans for early warning systems and robust infrastructure. Protecting and restoring habitats is critical for mitigating the harmful consequences of climate change and addressing natural storm and flood management challenges.
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