OP-29 is more than just another climate conference- it’s a pivotal moment, especially for developing nations like Pakistan, where the stakes are higher than ever. The global community continues to grapple with the devastating effects of climate change. This year presents an unparalleled opportunity for countries on the front lines of the crisis to push for real, lasting change. The year 2024 will see three major COPs - on climate change, biodiversity and land - unfold back-to-back. For Pakistan, this is a moment to raise its voice, to make clear that the climate crisis is not just an abstract concern for the future but a tangible threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions today.

Despite contributing less than one per cent to global carbon emissions, Pakistan faces some of the most severe consequences of climate change: catastrophic floods, blistering heat waves and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. At COP-29, Pakistan must push for long overdue financial commitments from developed nations, particularly in the area of adaptation and loss and damage. The climate conversation has for too long focused on mitigation, but for countries like Pakistan, the ability to adapt to an already changing climate is a matter of survival. Climate finance must address this reality, moving beyond vague promises and translating into concrete support that can help vulnerable nations build resilience in the face of an uncertain future.

Biodiversity loss and land degradation are two sides of the same coin when it comes to Pakistan’s environmental challenges. The COPs on biodiversity and desertification offer a unique opportunity to address these interlinked crises head-on. For a country where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, the degradation of ecosystems is not just an environmental issue; it’s an existential threat. The loss of biodiversity undermines food security, weakens natural disaster resilience and destabilises livelihoods in rural areas. The fight against desertification, in particular, could hold the key to reversing this trend. By investing in land restoration and sustainable agricultural practices, Pakistan can not only combat desertification but also create new economic opportunities for its rural communities. For this to happen, Pakistan needs access to innovative financing mechanisms that bring together public and private investments. COP-29 is the perfect stage to advocate for this.

The challenge, however, goes beyond just securing funds. It also lies in redefining what climate finance should look like. Pakistan, along with other developing nations, must argue for a more holistic approach that ties climate finance to biodiversity conservation and land restoration. Climate change, biodiversity and land degradation are not isolated challenges; they are deeply interconnected. Any solution must address them collectively. The Green Climate Fund and other global financial bodies should expand their scope to reflect this complexity. This is where countries like Pakistan must lead the charge, pushing for climate finance that goes beyond mitigation and incorporates the socio-economic realities of the Global South.

The climate crisis is not something that can be addressed through generalist approaches- it demands technical knowledge, innovative thinking and a commitment to research. 

Pakistan should position itself as a vocal leader for climate-vulnerable nations, rallying support with other developing nations through South-South collaboration. Too often, the climate conversation is framed in terms of North-South dynamics, but developing countries themselves have much to offer each other in terms of knowledge and innovation. Africa’s success with nature-based solutions, for instance, could serve as a model for Pakistan’s own battle against desertification and climate vulnerability. By fostering deeper cooperation with other nations facing similar challenges, Pakistan can build alliances that enhance its negotiating power and build a stronger, more unified front at COP-29 and beyond.

Pakistan must also confront its internal challenges. Since the 18th Amendment, climate governance has become fragmented, with each province developing its own climate policy. While these sub-national policies reflect local priorities, the lack of coordination at the national level has hampered Pakistan’s ability to implement a unified climate strategy. The Pakistan Climate Act was supposed to address this, creating mechanisms for cooperation between the federal and provincial governments, but its implementation has been slow and uneven. This fragmentation is not just a bureaucratic issue- it’s a roadblock to effective climate action at a time when Pakistan can least afford delays.

To overcome this, the government should create a national platform modelled on the annual COP, where provincial and federal stakeholders can come together to review progress, align goals and ensure transparency. Such a forum would provide a much-needed platform for provinces to coordinate their efforts and ensure that Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions are met. By creating its own climate COP, Pakistan can take charge of its climate agenda, ensuring that local actions feed into the country’s international commitments.

Equally critical is the engagement of citizens, who must recognise their role in shaping Pakistan’s climate future. COP-29 offers a platform not just for policymakers but also for the public to amplify their voices. Grassroots advocacy, awareness campaigns and local action will be essential in ensuring that Pakistan’s climate challenges are addressed with the seriousness they deserve. Individuals can organise community-level initiatives that highlight sustainable practices. Campaigns using social media can create momentum around critical issues, drawing global attention to Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities. Active participation in public consultations and climate policy discussions will also enable citizens to hold their leaders accountable, ensuring that policy reflects the realities on the ground.

At the heart of these challenges lies the problem of capacity. Pakistan’s climate governance system is critically under-resourced and recruitment practices often ignore the need for subject-matter expertise. Climate crisis cannot be addressed through generalist approaches. It demands technical knowledge, innovative thinking and a commitment to research. The Pakistan Climate Act envisioned a Climate Authority that would serve as a hub for this kind of expertise. Without merit-based recruitment, it risks becoming ineffective.

Pakistan must seize the moment, not just to survive but to thrive in a world that is rapidly changing. COP-29 can be the platform where Pakistan transitions from a victim of climate change to a leader in the fight for climate justice, setting an example for the rest of the developing world. Let this be the moment where Pakistan takes its future into its own hands.

The writer is a policy analyst and researcher. She has a master’s degree in public policy from King’s College, London