Climate change is the ultimate test of humanity's ability to recognize a crisis and act together to avert the

greatest threat we have ever faced.

Antonio Guterres

Now that the impacts of climate change are visible, it has drawn attention of the world towards its mitigation and
adaptation. Climate change has proved to be the most concerning truth/issue of the world and perhaps the only
matter that gathers the world on the same forum to address this issue. Basic cause of climate change is
anthropogenic in nature and that’s why its mitigation majorly relies in changing practices of people around the
globe. The effects of climate change are not only limited to temperature changes i.e. extreme weather conditions, but
it also affects air, water, and soil quality. It has a direct effect on biodiversity which in return affects food
availability and security. With increased population, finding mitigation strategies and implementing them worldwide
has become inevitable. Various international conventions i.e. Kyoto protocol, Paris agreement, COPs, and IPCC
have been working with different countries in order to sustain climate and lower its affects as far as possible, as their
signatory countries abide by these protocols to some extent. Effective, rapid, and sustainable approach is required to
minimize the ongoing effects of climate change, and reducing it in future.
Climate change: increasing greenhouse gas emission, global warming, and deforestation, acidifying ocean and soil
erosion.

Post industrial Revolution scenario: Environment started polluting owing to emission of CO2

At that time there was no check n control on emissions. Humankind was not aware of the term sustainability and
environmental pollution

Sustainability: Using something in way to keep it intact for the next generations as well, food, water, soil and air.

With time temperature variations started, extreme winters and extreme summers came due to emissions. At that time
people didn’t consider it that much.

Causes:

1. Fossil fuels: Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the
atmosphere and leading to global warming burning of coal (energy production), petroleum use
(transportation),
2. Deforestation: Deforestation reduces carbon storage in trees, releasing stored carbon dioxide, and
disrupts ecosystems, contributing to global warming, uncontrolled forest cutting (lower earth capacity to
store CO2)
3. Land-use changes: urbanization, agricultural land use
4. Industrial processes: use of chemicals that emit GHGs (chemical manufacturing industries, cement
production industries),
5. Agricultural practices: use of fertilizers that emit nitrous gases and methane (GHGs)
6. Waste management and treatment: improper burning of waste, emission of harmful gases from solid
waste (methane, CO2 )

Impact:

1. Global warming: Deadly heat waves- European Countries- England/ extreme weather conditions
2. Flood: intensifies rainfall patterns, leading to increased frequency and severity of storms, saturating soil
and overwhelming drainage systems, causing floods.
3. Drought: disrupts weather patterns, leading to droughts and crop failures, exacerbating food shortages, and
triggering famine in vulnerable regions Asian states, i.e. Madagascar of India and KPK of Pakistan, and
droughts
 4. Sea-level rise: Global warming melts polar ice, glaciers, contributing excess water to oceans, elevating sea
levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems. (Karachi, Maldives)
5. Air Pollution, water pollution and soil pollution:
6. Loss of biodiversity: alter habitats (effect on food system)
7. Flooding:
8. Disease (airborne, waterborne)
9. Migration: resulting in migration on an unprecedented scale (loss of food web, and food security)
10. Drought and failure of crops: leading to intensified competition for food and other resources.

Global Conventions:

1. Kyoto Protocol:
i. Rio Earth summit establish an international agreement on climate change under the umbrella of
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change.
ii. Adopted in 1997: first global agreement on the climate security.
iii. Aims:
a. Bound the industrialized countries to reduce the greenhouse gas emission by 2012.
b. More than 190 countries were involved.
c. Gave 3 mechanisms: International Emission Trading, The joint implementation, and
Clean Development Mechanism in order to combat climate change.
d. Assigned developed states: to cut their greenhouse gas emission by 5.2% by 2012, claiming
that they are major responsible for the crisis.
e. Annex 1: countries who were industrialized
f. Annex 2: developing countries, they encouraged to take voluntary actions to mitigate climate
change with financial and technological assistance from developed countries.
g. Doha agreement 2012: gave new targets and goals in order to reduce greenhouse gases
emission by 2020.
h. Challenge: Countries like India, Brazil and china had little incentive to help solving a
problem that they themselves did not create.
2. Paris agreement:
a. In the meeting of COP 21, conducted by the UNFCCC at Paris, Kyoto Protocol was replaced by Paris
agreement in 2015.
b. Adopted by: 196 countries of UN, they agreed on the economic and social transformation of the
policies to save the World from climate change crisis.
c. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): through it states were bound to submit the report and
strategies to reduce the effect of greenhouse gas emission by 2020.
d. Climate financing: It offered financial, technical and capacity building support to the countries that
were in dire need of help.
3. 10 take aways IPCC
On March 20 2023 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its
Synthesis Report of the 6th Assessment Report, after intense discussions and negotiations
between the scientists and governments on the Summary for Policymakers (SPM).
 Humans are the cause of climate crisis
 The adverse impacts of climate change are visible
 Those who have done the least to cause the problem are among the most
vulnerable
 Adaptation gaps are severe, and adaptation finance provided to developing countries
is insufficient
  Immediate and deep emission reductions of at least 43% by 2030 can close the gap
 Investments into fossil fuels must but be stopped
 Mitigation and adaptation can reduce, but not fully avoid, losses and damages
 Prioritizing equity and climate justice, including gender justice, is critical for the
design of enabling policy frameworks
 The world has enough capital to tackle the climate crisis and action is less costly than
inaction, but finance to developing countries must be ramped up
 Accelerated action is critical

Mitigation and adaptation

1. National Climate Change Policy: Pakistan has formulated a National Climate Change Policy to address
various aspects of climate change, including mitigation and adaptation. The policy outlines strategies and
action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development.

2. Climate Change Ministry: The government established the Ministry of Climate Change to coordinate and
implement climate change-related initiatives effectively. This ministry plays a crucial role in formulating
policies, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and raising awareness about climate change issues.

3. Renewable Energy Development: Pakistan has been investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar,
wind, and hydropower, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Several renewable energy projects have been initiated to increase the share of clean energy in the country's
energy mix.

4. Afforestation and Reforestation: The government has launched tree plantation campaigns to increase
forest cover and combat deforestation. Initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami project aim to plant
billions of trees across the country to enhance carbon sequestration, improve biodiversity, and mitigate
climate change impacts.

5. Climate-resilient Agriculture: Agriculture is a significant sector in Pakistan, vulnerable to climate change

impacts. The government has introduced climate-smart agricultural practices, such as crop diversification,
improved irrigation techniques, and the promotion of drought-resistant crop varieties, to enhance resilience
and ensure food security.

6. Water Management: Pakistan faces water scarcity challenges exacerbated by climate change. The
government has been focusing on water management strategies, including the construction of dams and
reservoirs, implementation of water conservation measures, and improvement of irrigation infrastructure to
address water-related risks and ensure sustainable water use.

7. Disaster Risk Reduction: Pakistan is prone to extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and
heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The government has
been strengthening disaster risk reduction measures, enhancing early warning systems, and improving
emergency response mechanisms to minimize the impact of climate-related disasters on communities and
infrastructure.

8. International Cooperation: Pakistan actively participates in international climate negotiations and

agreements to address global climate change challenges. The country engages with international
organizations, donor agencies, and development partners to access funding, technology transfer, and
capacity-building support for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Despite these efforts, Pakistan continues to face numerous challenges in effectively mitigating and adapting to
climate change, including limited financial resources, institutional capacity constraints, and socio-economic
vulnerabilities. Continued commitment, collaboration, and innovative solutions are essential to addressing climate
change impacts and achieving sustainable development goals in Pakistan.

Renewable energy projects in Pakistan

1. Solar Energy Projects:

 Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park: Located near Bahawalpur in Punjab province, this is one of the
largest solar power projects in the country. It has a total installed capacity of over 1,000
megawatts (MW) and has been developed in multiple phases.

 Sukkur Solar Power Project: This project, located in Sindh province, has a capacity of 50 MW
and contributes to increasing solar energy generation in the region.

 100 MW Quetta Solar Power Project: This solar power project in Balochistan province is part of
Pakistan's efforts to expand solar energy infrastructure across the country.

2. Wind Energy Projects:

 Jhimpir Wind Power Plant: Situated in the Jhimpir Wind Corridor in Sindh province, this is one
of the largest wind power projects in Pakistan. It has a total installed capacity of over 300 MW.

 Sachal Wind Farm: Located in the same wind corridor, this wind farm has a capacity of 49.5
MW and contributes to the generation of clean energy in the region.

 Gharo Wind Power Plant: Another significant wind power project in Sindh province, with an
installed capacity of over 50 MW.

3. Hydropower Projects:

 Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant: This hydroelectric power project is located in Azad Jammu
and Kashmir and has an installed capacity of 969 MW.

 Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project: An extension of the existing Tarbela Dam, this
project aims to add 1,410 MW to the national grid upon completion.

 Dasu Hydropower Project: Located on the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this
project has a planned capacity of 4,320 MW and is being developed in multiple stages.

4. Biomass Energy Projects:

 Bagasse-based Power Plants: Several sugar mills in Pakistan have installed power generation
facilities using bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, to produce electricity.

 Biomass Power Plants: Some projects utilize agricultural residues and organic waste to generate
electricity, contributing to both waste management and renewable energy production.
These renewable energy projects play a crucial role in Pakistan's efforts to address energy security, reduce carbon
emissions, and promote sustainable development. The government continues to encourage investment in renewable
energy infrastructure through policy incentives, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships.