Environmental diplomacy

The art of downplaying a dilemma or a disaster has been mastered by Pakistani politicians. They have done so in the past – and continue this trend with the ongoing smog disaster.

The public, unfortunately, mirrors this insensitivity. During Covid-19 lockdowns, people turned the streets into sightseeing tours with their families. Now, when Punjab’s government closed schools to safeguard children and reduce emissions, parents were seen taking their children to parks. This mutual insensitivity is exacerbating an already dire crisis. For a crisis like this, we need to have clarity and a united front.

For far too long, developed nations have denied billions across the globe, in South Asian countries like Pakistan in particular, the right to a future safeguarded by climate-conscious actions. We are pretty much aware of a dark reality: our world has known weather warfare before. In the past, it was deliberate – an act of war. But if, today, developed nations refuse to extend a hand to regions like ours, then – while unintended – the outcome will be no less destructive.

Make no mistake: this is not just an environmental crisis; this is climate warfare. And it is more dangerous than Fifth Generation Warfare and more unpredictable than any nuclear conflict.

This requires stronger collaborations in the shape of regional climate diplomacy, partnerships that cross borders, and a commitment that transcends politics. South Asian countries like India and Pakistan have strived on every possible stage: economic front, sports arenas, and technological innovations.

Competition is essential; it is survival. But there is one stage where competition must cease and cooperation must prevail: climate action. In this fight for our shared future, we cannot afford divisions, pride, or reluctance. The partnership between India and Pakistan would be of key importance, if it happens. Similarly, time is of the essence.

Fortunately, after a decade’s struggle with smog, Pakistani Punjab has understood the urgency of climate action through Chaudhry Rehmat Ali’s Now or Never, and we expect our neighbour to do the same as Nehru’s Now or Never.

This climate diplomacy is far greater than opening onion trade between the two countries – because climate is the new peace dialogue of the millennium. Climate is no longer just a part of any economy – it is our economy. Climate is no longer just another branch of governance - it is a mode of governance now. Climate should be our unbreakable stance on sustainability.

To realise this vision, Punjab has crafted an all-encompassing climate policy: the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan 2024. This powerful declaration is a blueprint for action, grounded in the urgency of the moment and infused with the spirit of resilience. Time-sensitive initiatives of supreme significance have already been taken up with full funding from the Government of Punjab. Key components of this framework are set in motion, and every target is backed by the resources to make it real.

Punjab is investing in climate finally. This policy plan was developed in close coordination with international bodies, organisations, donor agencies, stakeholders, and civil society, and now the most populous province is in a condition to collaborate, to create and adopt joint strategic actions that go beyond borders.

We have already suffered for environmental crimes we didn’t commit. Pakistan doesn’t contribute even one per cent to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet, due to the actions of others, we are among the five most vulnerable nations to climate change.

We, the citizens, call upon all our neighbours to come forward and work with us. You have a tremendous stake in this. I fully support exploring the universe and finding new planets to live on. But let’s not forget to fix the planet we already call home.

The writer is a freelance journalist. He has also served as media adviser to the World Bank and Unicef-funded healthcare and tourism related projects in Punjab.

He tweets/posts @EAAgop