‘Developed nations not disbursing promised climate change funding’

Islamabad: Dr Syed Mahmood Nasir, former Executive Director, Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), has said that while developed nations bore a greater historical responsibility for emissions, they have fallen short on their financial commitments as the actual disbursement of the promised $100 billion in climate finance is ‘hugely lacking.’

Dr Nasir was delivering his keynote address in a discussion on ‘Pakistan’s obligations to UNFCCC and opportunities’ organised here by Institute of Regional Studies (IRS).

Dr Nasir also stressed the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources such as hydropower, solar, wind and tidal power and lamented that most global climate agreements lack consequences for non-compliance, making them difficult to enforce. He also felt that the elimination of traditional grazing practices disrupted natural ecosystems and emphasised the need for sustainable forest management strategies, selection of native species, selective clearing and improved fire monitoring.

He offered a detailed historical perspective on climate change. He highlighted how significant climate events, such as the Little Ice Age (1300-1850), transformed global ecosystems. He traced the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide from pre-industrial levels of 278 ppm to over 427 ppm today underscoring the carbon cycle's crucial role in shaping Earth's climate.

Addressing global climate governance issues, Dr Nasir highlighted key obligations under the UNFCCC, such as Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), the precautionary principle, the right to sustainable development, and intergenerational equity.

Jauhar Saleem, president, IRS said that despite contributing less than one per cent of global emissions, Pakistan stands out in global climate commitments as it was actively implementing various mitigation and adaptation measures under the UNFCCC obligations with domestic resources. He said that the success of Pakistan’s ambitious climate initiatives relies on the timely disbursement of the international climate fund. He expressed concern over the inadequate financial commitments from major economies which pledged only a few billion dollars to a few hundred million dollars in different climate-related funds to date. He also lauded Pakistan's efforts towards instituting the Loss and Damage Fund, underscoring the nation's commitment to supporting all climate-vulnerable countries.