The National Climate Change Policy provides a framework for addressing the issues that Pakistan faces or will face in future due to the changing climate. In view of Pakistan’s high vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change, in particular extreme events, adaptation effort is the focus of this policy document. The vulnerabilities of various sectors to climate change have been highlighted and appropriate adaptation measures spelled out. These cover policy measures to address issues in various sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, coastal areas, biodiversity and other vulnerable ecosystems. Notwithstanding the fact that Pakistan’s contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is very small, its role as a responsible member of the global community in combating climate change has been highlighted by giving due importance to mitigation efforts in sectors such as energy, forestry, agriculture and livestock.
Furthermore, appropriate measures relating to disaster preparedness, capacity building, institutional strengthening; technology transfer; introduction of the climate change issue in higher education curricula; ensuring environmental compliance through Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in the development process; addressing the issue of deforestation and illegal trade in timber; promoting Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM); and raising Pakistan’s stance regarding climate change at various international forums, have also been incorporated as important components of the policy.
The policy thus provides a comprehensive framework for the development of Action Plans for national efforts on adaptation and mitigation. This policy document is a ‘living’ document and will be reviewed and updated regularly to address emerging concepts and issues in the ever-evolving science of climate change.