Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, emphasized the urgent need for climate risk management strategies across all levels of governance—national, provincial, and district—during the “Humanitarian Futures” event organized by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Speaking on Thursday, she stressed the importance of preparing for natural disasters to mitigate their widespread economic, social, and environmental impacts.
The event brought together government officials, international and local humanitarian organizations, climate scientists, academics, and meteorological experts to discuss actionable solutions for Pakistan’s growing climate-related challenges.
Climate Challenges and Vulnerabilities
Romina Khurshid Alam highlighted Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to climate change, marked by extreme weather events such as:
- Devastating floods
- Heatwaves
- Droughts
- Desertification
- Erratic rainfall patterns
These challenges have already had far-reaching consequences, disproportionately affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations. Alam cited past catastrophes, such as the 2010 floods and the 2022 floods, which displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and caused significant damage to crops. She emphasized the pressing need for disaster resilience strategies, particularly to protect marginalized communities and critical infrastructure.
Key Climate Initiatives Highlighted
Alam shared key initiatives unveiled at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to combat climate change, including:
- Global Shield Initiatives: Aimed at safeguarding vulnerable communities from climate-induced crises.
- Climate Justice Programs: Promoting equitable access to resilience-building resources.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture Projects: Securing food supply and reducing environmental degradation.
- Renewable Energy Solutions: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
- Green Recovery Plans: Focused on sustainable post-disaster rebuilding.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Utilizing ecosystems to combat climate challenges.
Additionally, she raised concerns about Pakistan’s increasing water scarcity and its dependence on glaciers and rivers for water supply. Alam emphasized that this acute water shortage poses a significant threat to agriculture, a cornerstone of the country’s economy, urging long-term investment in sustainable water management.
Call for Climate Financing
Romina stressed the need for improved access to international climate funds. These resources, she explained, are essential for launching and scaling projects focused on disaster preparedness, resilience-building, and environmental sustainability.
“It is vital to enable access to climate financing to strengthen our ability to respond to the growing challenges of climate change,” she remarked.
Insights from the Humanitarian Futures Event
The event, co-hosted by the IRC and Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF), and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), explored Pakistan’s preparedness for future climate-related disasters.
Shahid Kazmi, Country Coordinator for PHF, opened the event by recognizing the role of International Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs) in national development and disaster response over the last two decades. He highlighted how recurring emergencies have left long-term impacts on communities, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
Panel Discussions and Expert Insights
The event featured an engaging panel discussion with notable speakers, including:
- Idrees Mahsud, Member DRR, NDMA Pakistan
- Mubushar Hussain, Manager DRR, NDRMF
- Dr. Shah Miran, CEO, MERF
- Fatima Arshad, Head of Sustainability, Unilever
- Mohammed Riyas, Emergency Director, IRC
Key Discussion Topics:
- The evolving role of disaster management in Pakistan.
- The critical importance of climate finance.
- The potential of national NGOs as key drivers of climate resilience.
- Lessons learned from past humanitarian efforts.
The panelists emphasized fostering locally owned, innovative responses to climate challenges. They stressed empowering communities to drive solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
Showcasing Innovative Solutions
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Pakistan Seed Security Prototype, an initiative supported by Unilever and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Habibur Rehman, Regional Climate Change Advisor, presented how this prototype supports farming communities through green entrepreneurship, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost agricultural resilience.
Gender and Inclusivity in Climate Resilience
Lubna Javaid, Deputy Director Programs at IRC Pakistan, delivered the closing remarks, focusing on the need for gender-equal and inclusive climate resilience programs. She emphasized targeted support for refugees facing climate-induced displacement and called for accessible climate financing to address humanitarian challenges effectively.
Javaid underscored the intersection of climate change, poverty, and conflict, urging global stakeholders to invest in inclusive solutions that protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impacts of climate crises.
Pakistan’s Climate Reality and the Way Forward
Although Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The increasing frequency of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves underscores the urgent need for proactive disaster preparedness and climate risk management strategies.
Events like “Humanitarian Futures” provide essential platforms for collaboration and innovation. By investing in disaster resilience measures, advocating for global climate justice, and implementing climate-smart solutions, Pakistan can strengthen its ability to navigate the challenges of climate change and protect its most vulnerable communities.