NEW YORK – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized the international community at the United Nations for failing to deliver on climate finance commitments. He warned that debt-driven solutions cannot protect vulnerable countries like Pakistan from climate disasters.
In his address, Shehbaz Sharif said, “Loans upon loans are not a solution,” stressing that Pakistan is committed to global climate action. He added that without real financial support, the survival of future generations is at risk.
The premier highlighted the severe impact of the 2022 super floods, which caused over $30 billion in losses and displaced millions. He noted that this year’s monsoons, cloudbursts, and urban floods have affected over five million people, destroyed 4,100 villages, and claimed more than 1,000 lives.
Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan faces disproportionate consequences. He underlined that Pakistan has already met its unconditional 2030 emissions target of a 15% reduction. Renewable energy now accounts for 32% of the national power mix, and solar capacity has increased sevenfold since 2021.
Sharif warned that Pakistan’s ambitious national adaptation plan is being hindered by insufficient international climate finance. He outlined bold targets for the future: increasing renewables and hydropower to 62% by 2035, expanding nuclear energy by 1,200 MW by 2030, shifting 30% of transport to clean mobility, installing 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations, implementing climate-smart agriculture, securing water resources, and planting one billion trees.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed Sharif’s concerns, calling for urgent global action to keep global warming below 1.5°C. He emphasized that the world still has a narrow window to achieve this goal, but only with aggressive measures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to climate action while urging the international community to fulfill its financial obligations to protect vulnerable nations.
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