ISLAMABAD, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that his country has been striving to combat climate change impacts to boost economic growth and development.
"Special policies focused on enhancing climate resilience, self-reliant adaptation measures, and sustainable practices are being implemented to combat natural disasters, including the impacts of droughts, cyclones, glacial lake outburst floods, smog, and other natural disasters," the minister said while addressing a seminar on Thursday.
Highlighting that Pakistan is not just a victim of climate change but a proactive architect of climate solutions, Iqbal said that climate-induced emergencies, including floods, heat waves, and droughts, impacted more than 40 million people in recent years.
He said that the devastating floods in 2022 submerged one-third of the country, displacing millions and causing 30 billion U.S. dollars in damage. Agriculture, which contributes 19 percent to gross domestic product and 38 percent of employment, faces severe threats from unpredictable weather, soil degradation, and reduced water availability.
Commenting on the forest cover, Iqbal said that Pakistan is losing 27,000 hectares of forest annually due to illegal logging and urban expansion, accelerating soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions while undermining the country's ability to combat climate change.
The minister said the country has been a regional leader in advocating for climate adaptation and water conservation by taking proactive steps to address the threats.
"As a responsible global partner, Pakistan has strengthened national climate adaptation plans, advocated for a fair loss and damage fund to support vulnerable nations, and developed ecosystem-based adaptation strategies," he added. ■
