ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and World Bank signed a Rs 22 billion agreement forimplementing various projects to tackle the negative effects of climatechange.
Reports in local media said the amount will be used for 14 greeninitiatives across Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan witnessed thesigning of the agreement.
The agreement under the “Green Stimulus – Turning Concept into Reality”program aimed to increase forestation and conservation of ecosystem totackle climate change challenges in the South Asian country.
Speaking on the occasion, the premier who attended the ceremony as thechief guest, highlighted the importance of increased forestation andconservation of ecosystem in tackling the challenges of climate change andurged the nation to play their role in protecting the country’s environmentfor future generations.
“As Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1 percent in world carbonemissions, is unfortunately among the 10 most vulnerable countries, it isvery important for Pakistanis to think as a nation and protect our futuregenerations,” state broadcaster’s report quoted Khan as saying.
PM also mentioned melting glaciers, rising temperatures, and less rains,saying Pakistan was taking measures to tackle climate change challengesthrough nature-based solutions.
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He also mentioned his various initiatives taken by the PTI government,including the 10 Billion Trees Tsunami Programme, the establishment ofnational parks, and digital cadastral mapping to protect existing forests,to mitigate negative effects of climate change.
Stressing the need to protect green areas in and around urban centers, hesaid canals, rivers, water streams and air were being polluted in citieslike Lahore, which was threatening the lives of people, especially theelderly and children.
Earlier, PM’s aide on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said the GreenStimulus initiative would “generate 135,000 jobs in the next nine monthsacross all provinces.” Its thematic areas would include forestry,protected areas, clean green cities, and electric mobility, he said.
World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development, Juergen Voegele, ina video message, conveyed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s endeavors toaddress climate change, reassuring the World Bank’s commitment to supportPakistan’s efforts in this regard.
