Pakistan setting up world’s largest 1000 MW solar park: Minister

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid on Tuesday said Pakistan was setting up world’s largest 1000 MW solar park as part of its plans to promote renewable energy.

Pakistan has also enacted National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, 2016 to promote effective conservation and efficient use of energy, he said while addressing a press conference.

The minister led a Pakistani delegation to participate in COP22 Conference held in Morroco, which provided an opportunity to signify achievements made in addressing climate change despite being adversely impacted.

He said world community was informed that Pakistan’s contribution to global warming is minimal, adding that “We emit less than 1 % of total annual global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet we are ranked amongst the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change.”

The world community was also informed that Pakistan today faces several major risks relating to climate change including glacial melt, variable monsoons, recurrent floods, rise in sea level, higher average temperatures and higher frequency of droughts.

He said millions of people are affected and colossal damage is caused on recurring basis.

“These threats pose major survival concerns for Pakistan, particularly in relation to country’s water security, food security and energy security.

They also have enormous adverse consequences for all socio-economic sectors, impeding our ability to promote sustainable growth and development and economic prosperity of our people,” highlighted by the minister.

He said, “We also informed the world that Pakistan, being a responsible member of global community, has taken substantial steps especially during 2016 despite these challenges.

"It will also enable us to contribute to global mitigation efforts against climate change and keep the temperature rise below 2-degrees Celsius", he said and added these included ratification of Paris Agreement and approval of Pakistan Climate Change Act-2016 by cabinet for presentation in Parliament.