Arsalan Ali

Germany has launched a climate adaptation project in Pakistan with the aim of bolstering the country’s resilience to climate change impacts. The project will centre on the development and implementation of climate-smart strategies across multiple sectors, WealthPK reported.

The initiative titled “Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SAR) project in Pakistan” will primarily focus on improving Pakistan's ability to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly those faced by vulnerable communities and sectors such as health, agriculture, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

Muhammad Saleem, Head of Media Advocacy and Climate Change Communication section at the Climate Change Ministry, told WealthPK after the launching ceremony of the project that climate change is no longer just a theoretical concept. He said climate change is an urgent global issue that requires immediate action.

Saleem stressed the importance of Pakistan's ongoing efforts to combat the challenges posed by climate change. He said the SAR project is a significant milestone in this fight. As a developing country, Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, such as more frequent and severe floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The SAR project, which focuses on strengthening climate adaptation and resilience, is an essential step towards mitigating these impacts.

Saleem explained that this initiative will assist Pakistan in developing and implementing climate-resilient policies and strategies, improving water resource management, and promoting ecosystem-based adaptation approaches. He said the SAR project will also support local communities in building their resilience to climate change through community-based adaptation initiatives and the creation of sustainable livelihoods.

“The partnership between Pakistan and Germany is a testament to the global recognition of the need for collective action to address climate change,” he noted. He said this collaboration serves as an example of how countries can work together to tackle this pressing issue with mutual support and commitment. He expressed optimism that the success of the SAR project will inspire other countries to take similar initiatives and work towards a sustainable future for all.

Earlier, speaking at the launching ceremony, Syed Mujtaba Hussain, Additional Secretary at the Climate Change Ministry, commended the support provided by the German government to enhance Pakistan's climate resilience. He highlighted the significance of the partnership between the two countries under the SAR project, emphasising that it would facilitate the integration of all stakeholders from the federal and provincial levels in working towards the shared goal of climate resilience.

The official said the SAR project would play a pivotal role in identifying Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, thereby enabling the country to address its impacts effectively. He further highlighted that the project would support the insurance industry through the Global Risk Modelling Alliance (GRMA).

Dr Sebastian Paust, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Pakistan, underscored Pakistan's priority areas outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These priority areas include strengthening early warning systems for extreme weather events, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, and improving water management and irrigation practices.

He reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting these strategic priorities through the SAR project. He emphasised that the project represented a crucial opportunity for both countries to work together towards achieving Pakistan's NDCs, and to promote sustainable development in the region.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk