ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for National Food Security and Research Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik emphasised need for collective efforts to address challenges of climate change, water security and food security.

Addressing participants of Pre-Cop 28 conference on ‘Accelerating Water-Food Climate Nexus Transformation Pathways for Pakistan’ organised by International Water Management Institute (IWMI) here, he said that citizens must take steps to protect water resources to achieve sustainable development.

He mentioned that efforts are underway to implement laser land leveling technology to minimise water usage in irrigation while also promoting water safety. He emphasised need to raise public awareness about significance of water and its safety.

Importance of water safety to improve agriculture, food systems and economic development. He warned that failure to take immediate and bold measures could result in further deterioration of water security.

Mark Smith Director General of IWMI pointed out that although Pakistan only accounts for negligible share of global emissions, country bears disproportionate burden of impacts of climate change.

Dr Mark identified that although Pakistan is responsible for less than 1 percent of world’s planet-warming gases, it is still ranked as eighth most vulnerable country to climate crisis. He explained that around 92 percent of Pakistan is classified as semi-arid to arid and most of population relies on limited water resources from rivers and aquifers.

We will support Ministry of Climate Change in creating position paper on water and climate change for CoP28. Government, policymakers and provinces of Pakistan must work together to combat climate change.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott OBE emphasised importance of implementing climate resilience strategies in Pakistan, which is considered one of topmost climate-vulnerable countries and ranks 32nd in preparedness. She highlighted need to address challenges of food and water governance, gender equality and poverty reduction in country by tackling impacts of climate change.

Marriott added that UK is supporting Pakistan in its efforts to address these challenges.

She mentioned that UK will invest in AI-powered solutions to tackle climate change in Pakistan, where Lahore has been declared most polluted city and Pakistan ranks third among countries battling this issue.

Danielle Cashen Deputy High Commissioner of Australian High Commission stated that Pakistan is facing severe water scarcity. By 2025, only 36 percent of population will have access to safely managed water and only 1 percent of wastewater will be treated.

“Water, climate change and and food security are interconnected and multisectoral solutions are needed to help Pakistan overcome these challenges,” she said, “Australia and Pakistan work together on agriculture within water scarce and salinity affected landscapes. Together we investigate adaptation strategies and tools with communities and farmers to provide transparent and consistent seasonal water allocation within Indus Basin.”

Maciej Pisarski Ambassador of Poland emphasised importance of focusing on issues that matter to both Poland and Pakistan to expand cooperation between two countries. He suggested that addressing climate change together could provide multitude of opportunities for collaboration.

He shared how Polish Water Technologies can help in addressing climate-related challenges. Partnership between Polish Water Technologies and IWMI can offer comprehensive solution to Pakistan’s climate issues. This includes provision of cost-effective and efficient water purification technologies, construction of eco-friendly wastewater treatment plants and reinforcement of flood prevention measures in Pakistan by Polish companies.

Kate Somvongsiri Mission Director for USAID stated that addressing climate change is global challenge that requires building linkages across populations, geographies, organisations and sectors. She emphasised that US government is committed to this approach.

Dr Mohsin Hafeez Director IWMI said climate change poses significant threat to our water, food, energy and environmental systems. Unfortunately, way our government departments and provinces are utilising water resources is inadequate to tackle Pakistan’s complex range of challenges. Hence, we must improve governance in all sectors to overcome these challenges.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 31 2023

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