Post-US vacuum

The withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump has significantly set back global climate action. As one of the largest emitters and key financial contributors, a move such as this has amplified the leadership vacuum in global climate governance and generated new mistrust over international financial commitments, creating instability in joint efforts toward combating climate change. The impacts are catastrophic for the countries of the Global South. For instance, Pakistan contributes only marginally to global emissions but faces tremendous climate vulnerabilities. International financing of these ambitious climate goals - renewable energy and flood resilience projects - is at risk with reduced funding.

This gap demands innovative responses. Pakistan must prioritise mobilising local climate finance, engage public-private partnerships, and explore mechanisms like green entrepreneurship and climate risk insurance. Regional cooperation can also provide shared financing and technology transfer opportunities that help to strengthen the resilience of countries to climate-related hazards across borders. While disappointing, Trump’s withdrawal also presents an opportunity for other developed countries and institutions to step up, engage beyond financial commitments, and meet their larger global efforts.

Saroj Rizwan Khan

Karachi