Asia Foundation, Climate Ministry to jointly work on environmental issues

Asia Foundation, Climate Ministry to jointly work on environmental issues

ISLAMABAD: (APP) The Asia Foundation, an international body working on different issues across globe, will work with the Ministry of Climate Change to help strengthen new body of Climate Change Council, in the offing.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid after a meeting with newly appointed country representatives of The Asia Foundation Ms. Sofia Shakil at Ministry told here on Wednesday.

"Pakistan is facing many disasters as a result of climate change in the form of floods, droughts, sea intrusion and glaciers melting. Pakistan is ranked 7th among countries most affected by the climate change" Minister said.

Our emission will go higher as a result of our future developmental process, he added.

The government of Pakistan is taking many initiatives to deal with climate change that includes ratification of Paris agreement, submission of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, National Climate Change Policy, Framework to implement Climate Change Policy, Climate Change Act.

The Climate Change Council will be established implement prepare projects while considering international standards.

Zahid informed that National Assembly has approved Climate Change Act. It would be a functional law within next three months after getting approval from senate. The delegate of The Asia foundation were also informed about Launching of the Prime Minister's Green Pakistan Programme.

The country representatives of The Asia Foundation Ms.Sofia Shakeel offered to help in strengthening the new body of Climate Change Council and small grant projects of climate change.

The Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Syed Ahmed Abu Akif also informed them that the text book containing chapters related to climate change has also been developed for early school children.

The meeting was attended by Ameena Illahi Deputy Country Representative, Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Syed Ahmed Abu Akif, Joint Secretary Muhammad Farooq and Zile Huma Public Relations Officer.

The Asia Foundation is US based nongovernmental organization established in 1954 and working in 18 Asian countries for strengthening governance, empowers women, expand economic opportunities, increase environmental resilience and have more international cooperation.