akistan, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to the growing threats posed by climate change. The nation’s climate adaptation efforts, outlined in the National Adaptation Plan of 2023, represent a critical step towards adjusting to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change aimed at reducing vulnerability. The plan is comprehensive, well-structured and ambitious, emphasising the need to strengthen resilience across various sectors, including the agriculture-water nexus, urban resilience and disaster risk management with approaches that address gender, youth and social inclusion.

It aims to integrate climate adaptation measures into national policies and development strategies, fostering collaboration among government bodies, the private sector and civil society. It is designed to mobilise resources effectively and align with global commitments under the Paris Agreement, positioning Pakistan to better manage climate risks while promoting sustainable development.

But easier said than done.

While the Ministry of Climate Change is often seen as the focal point for these efforts, much of what needs to be done to implement the NAP does not fall under its purview. The real challenge is mobilising other sectors, some falling under the federal government's jurisdiction and others governed by provinces—such as food security, water, commerce, agriculture, health, urban planning, local government, irrigation and transportation, etc—to take decisive action.

First things first, Pakistan, like many peers, faces the challenge of balancing mitigation and adaptation efforts. Climate mitigation, which typically involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is often more expensive but tends to attract greater visibility on the global stage. Projects like renewable energy investments often gain international attention and funding because they contribute to global climate targets. In contrast, climate adaptation, while less costly, is harder to capitalise on. Adaptation measures—such as improving agricultural resilience, enhancing flood defences and developing climate-resistant infrastructure—are........

© The News on Sunday