As the world confronts the escalating impacts of climate change, 2025 begins with a stark reminder: 2024 was the hottest year on record. This alarming milestone has turned scientific warnings into daily realities, with unprecedented wildfires, deadly floods, and record-breaking heatwaves dominating headlines.
Amid this global crisis, the decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time sends shockwaves through international climate efforts. This move, which undermines collective action at a critical juncture, is particularly devastating for vulnerable nations like Pakistan that are already enduring the brunt of climate chaos.
For Pakistan, the Paris Agreement symbolised more than a global pact; it was a lifeline. Contributing less than 1.0 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts, from glacial melts threatening water security to catastrophic floods submerging entire regions. The 2022 floods, which inundated one-third of the country, remain etched in collective memory as a chilling preview of what unchecked global warming portends.
The US withdrawal jeopardises the fragile hope the Paris Agreement offered, casting doubt on the global commitment to limit warming and achieve climate justice. It sends a dangerous signal that the world’s second-largest historical emitter is abdicating its moral and practical responsibilities, leaving countries like Pakistan to navigate the climate crisis with diminished support.
President Trump’s justification that the Paris Agreement is “unfair” to the US while benefiting countries like China collapses under scrutiny. Climate change is indifferent to national borders or economies. The wildfires ravaging Californian forests are interconnected with the floods, heatwaves, and droughts devastating South Asia. Rising seas threatening Karachi’s coastal neighbourhoods echo the challenges faced by Miami and Venice. Yet, the US’s retreat risks emboldening other nations to scale back their commitments, potentially triggering a domino effect of reduced ambition. For countries in South Asia, already grappling with intensified monsoons and prolonged droughts, such abdication is a profound betrayal, worsening vulnerabilities for millions.
Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture. The challenges are immense: water insecurity, agricultural vulnerability, urban heatwaves, and rising sea levels threaten not only ecosystems but also economic stability and social cohesion. Yet, the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement also underscores an imperative for self-reliance and regional collaboration. Pakistan must pivot from waiting for global powers to act and instead chart its own path. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emerges as a key instrument in this endeavour, not merely as an infrastructure and economic initiative but as a foundation for a potential green transformation.
CPEC, often heralded as the backbone of Pakistan’s development strategy, has already made significant strides in infrastructure and energy projects. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Punjab and wind farms in Sindh exemplify the promise of renewable energy investments. However, these efforts must now evolve into a broader vision – what could be termed ‘CPEC 2.0’. This next phase should prioritise sustainability, leveraging China’s technological expertise and financial resources to accelerate Pakistan’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By expanding solar, wind, and hydropower projects, Pakistan can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve air quality and create green jobs.
Imagine a Pakistan where rural communities are powered by affordable solar panels, where urban centres rely on electric buses and trains designed with Chinese innovation, and where agricultural systems are resilient to erratic weather patterns through climate-smart practices. These visions are not only feasible but also essential. Pakistan’s sprawling rural areas and growing urban populations represent vast opportunities to pioneer sustainable solutions. Investments in energy efficiency, smart grids, and green infrastructure can transform Pakistan into a model of climate resilience for the Global South.
The agricultural sector, which employs nearly 40 per cent of Pakistan’s workforce and contributes significantly to GDP, remains acutely vulnerable to climate change. Prolonged droughts, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events threaten food security and rural livelihoods. To address these challenges, Pakistan must adopt climate-smart agricultural practices such as precision irrigation, drought-resistant crop varieties, and agroforestry.
Reforestation initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami can evolve into sustained, nationwide efforts, including mangrove restoration along coastal areas to shield against rising seas and provide carbon sinks. These strategies not only enhance resilience but also align with global climate goals, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development.
The key to realising this vision lies in political will, innovation, and international collaboration. While the U.S. withdrawal creates a leadership vacuum, it also offers an opportunity for countries like Pakistan, alongside China and other like-minded nations, to champion global climate action. At international platforms such as COP meetings, Pakistan must advocate for the fulfilment of climate finance commitments from developed nations, holding them accountable for their historical emissions. Regional collaboration in South Asia is equally critical. Shared challenges such as water management, disaster preparedness, and renewable energy development demand cooperative solutions, transcending geopolitical tensions to address existential threats.
Innovation will be pivotal in Pakistan’s climate strategy. The country’s burgeoning tech sector, driven by a dynamic youth population, offers immense potential for transformative solutions. Artificial intelligence can optimise water usage in agriculture, blockchain can enhance transparency in carbon trading, and digital platforms can democratise climate education. Public-private partnerships should be encouraged to fund research and development in clean technologies, turning adaptation challenges into economic opportunities. By fostering a culture of innovation, Pakistan can position itself as a leader in climate resilience and sustainable development.
Education and awareness must complement these efforts. Climate literacy campaigns should extend beyond urban elites to engage grassroots communities, empowering citizens to adopt sustainable practices and demand accountability from leaders. A society that understands the gravity of the climate crisis and is equipped to act will be instrumental in driving long-term change. Public engagement can also amplify local and national initiatives, creating a groundswell of support for transformative policies.
Despite the disheartening nature of Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, it is a clarion call for Pakistan to redefine its role in the global climate landscape. The stakes are too high to wait for international consensus. By embracing a vision of a green Pakistan through CPEC 2.0, climate-smart policies, innovation, and education, the country can turn its vulnerabilities into strengths. This is not merely a matter of survival – it is an opportunity to lead by example, inspiring other nations facing similar challenges.
The fight against climate change is no longer a distant challenge but an immediate reality that demands bold action. From the glacial peaks of the Himalayas to the floodplains of the Indus, Pakistan stands at the crossroads of crisis and opportunity. By rising to this challenge, the country can secure its future and contribute to a global movement for a livable planet.
Let this moment of global retreat serve as Pakistan’s moment of resolve, reminding the world that the fight for a sustainable future is not a burden but a shared destiny.
The writer is a policy analyst and researcher with a Master’s degree in public policy from King’s College London.
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