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The Paris agreement entered into force in November 2016. For the first time ever, countries from around the work pledged to take steps to combat climate change. Developed countries also vowed to extend assistance to developing countries to fight against climate change. All countries resolved to do away with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Even Saudi Arabia, which is one of the major oil producing countries, is focusing on solar and wind energy for power generation.

But Pakistan has not gone beyond extending relaxation on the import of renewable energy plants. While the automobile industry in Pakistan has yet to shift away from internal combustion system, other countries are rapidly electrifying their transportation systems. Unless we reformulate our energy systems we will lose the opportunity for creating a cleaner environment.

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Islamabad