Addressing a special climate event organized by the UN Secretary-General and the President of Brazil in New York, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that despite not contributing to the emission of carbon gases, Pakistan is among the countries severely affected by climate change. We are bearing the burden of environmental destruction, while the fault lies with the big countries.

The Prime Minister said that he is addressing here at a time when Pakistan is facing a situation of heavy monsoon rains, cloudbursts and devastating floods. Due to this climatic disaster, more than 5 million people and 4100 villages have been affected, while more than 1,000 people have died.

In 2022, Pakistan also suffered a loss of more than $ 30 billion due to floods and millions of people were displaced. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has personally witnessed this situation.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is negligible, but we are suffering losses far more than our share. He expressed the hope that the international community would fulfill its responsibilities for the protection of future generations and steps would be taken to ensure environmental protection.

Highlighting Pakistan’s steps for environmental protection, he said that Pakistan is taking steps on a priority basis to prevent the emission of toxic gases and ensure environmental protection, large-scale tree plantation and afforestation are being carried out, protection of mangroves is being ensured, alternative and environment-friendly hydropower, solar and nuclear energy are being promoted.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s commitment to implementing the environmental agenda is firm and unwavering, Pakistan had promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent without any conditions by 2030. Pakistan has already fulfilled its unconditional 15 percent reduction promise under the overall 50 percent reduction target.

The Prime Minister said that the share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s energy mix is ​​currently more than 32 percent. Solar energy production has increased sevenfold since 2021. He said that the implementation of Pakistan’s National Adaptation Plan is being severely affected by insufficient global climate finance.

The Prime Minister announced that the share of renewable and hydropower in the country’s energy mix will be increased to 62 percent by 2035, nuclear power capacity will be increased to 1,200 MW by 2030, 30 percent of transport will be shifted to clean energy by 2030, 3,000 charging stations will be established across the country, climate smart agriculture will be promoted, water conservation will be ensured and the plan to plant one billion trees will be taken forward.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that climate action is needed to address the growing challenge of climate change, urgent measures are necessary to reduce global temperature by 1.5 degrees, social and economic challenges are increasing due to climate change.

He said that urgent measures are needed to reduce carbon emissions, the promises made at global environmental conferences must be implemented, a green energy policy must be adopted while promoting alternative energy sources, millions of people are being affected by floods in different regions due to climate change.

He said that carbon emissions can be reduced by adopting environmentally friendly technology, a loss and damage fund must be implemented to help the affected countries, environmental justice is an important requirement of the present era, and large countries must take responsibility for carbon emissions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that countries responsible for greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for the situation, measures to help the affected countries are insufficient, and deviation from commitments by developed countries is also a major cause of environmental problems.

He said that Brazil is taking practical steps to reduce carbon emissions. Urgent measures are necessary for a safe future for future generations. Environmental justice must be ensured with practical measures.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the growing challenges due to climate change are a reality. Developed countries must take comprehensive measures to reduce carbon emissions. Collective measures must be taken to deal with the situation arising from climate change. Alternative energy and green energy must be promoted. China will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035.

He said that China is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities at the global level. China has promoted environmentally friendly alternative energy. All parties must take measures in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The President of the European Commission said that the European Union has increased investment in the green energy sector, environmentally friendly technology is being prioritized, and the European Union is providing the most funds in the field of climate change.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that climate change is threatening life on the planet. The Climate Summit considered the growing challenges of climate change and proposals for collective action.