Pakistan, WB to Strengthen Climate Risk Management Systems

In a significant move towards bolstering climate resilience, Pakistan and the World Bank have reconfirmed their partnership to enhance strategies geared at climate risk management. With an emphasis on flood resilience and disaster risk reduction, this collaboration seeks to safeguard the nation against escalating climate-related threats.

During a recent meeting, Najy Benhassine, the World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan, engaged with Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change. Together, they explored synergies in several climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, water, and energy. The dialogue was centered around fortifying Pakistan’s readiness in managing floodwaters, thereby strengthening the country’s infrastructure against climate-induced disasters.

The World Bank representative recognized the increasing vulnerability Pakistan faces due to climate changes and reaffirmed their commitment to providing both technical and financial assistance. Key discussion points included enhancing the nation’s resilience through integrated risk management systems focused on critical areas like water, agriculture, energy, and food security.

An important aspect of the discussions was strengthening institutional frameworks and policies to ensure that climate risk management is incorporated into development planning across all governance levels. Comprehensive strategies that involve national, provincial, and district implementation were also underscored as essential measures for enhancing the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

The meeting shed light on the urgent need to address climate-related challenges, including extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts, which are increasingly frequent in Pakistan. Despite the country’s minimal contribution to global emissions, it remains one of the most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.

Romina Khurshid Alam highlighted Pakistan’s delicate position, reinforcing that the country is taking vigorous steps with available resources to combat climate change’s impacts. She recalled the devastating floods of 2022, one of the most severe the country has faced, causing widespread displacement, crop destruction, and significant infrastructure damage.

Additionally, the country faces the grim realities of worsening droughts, desertification, and growing water scarcity. Much of Pakistan’s water supply is dependent on glaciers and rivers, which are diminishing, exacerbating agricultural challenges that underpin the economy.

Extreme temperatures, particularly in the southern and eastern regions, are also causing life-threatening conditions and escalating health risks. This climatic shift threatens daily life and productivity, necessitating urgent and strategic interventions.

Najy Benhassine expressed a strong desire to collaborate at all levels with Pakistan’s environmental authorities, offering the World Bank’s resources and expertise to support the country’s resilience-building efforts. Potential areas of support include infrastructure improvement, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and enhancing disaster preparedness strategies.

The World Bank reiterated its dedication to fulfilling Pakistan’s climate financing needs, opening pathways for accessing international funds aimed at bolstering resilience against climate change. Furthermore, there was an emphasis on involving the private sector in climate risk management, particularly in crucial sectors like agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, where sustainable investments are vital for long-term resilience.

Alam expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s supportive stance and the deepening of collaboration, emphasizing that addressing climate change remains integral to Pakistan’s developmental goals. The meeting marked a crucial step in reinforcing the partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank in tackling the climate crisis.

Both parties showed a determined commitment to continued cooperation, striving to elevate Pakistan’s climate resilience, with a priority on maintaining long-term sustainability and protecting the nation’s most vulnerable communities.