Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) – In a significant stride towards climate justice, the latest announcements from the UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, revealed a plan to triple the fund allocated for protecting developing nations from climate disasters by 2035. This ambitious agenda aims to elevate the annual funding to a staggering 300 billion dollars. However, experts highlight that this proposed amount falls drastically short of the estimated 1.3 trillion dollars needed each year to adequately address the climate crisis, underscoring the urgent need for more substantial financial commitment on a global scale.
The urgent reality of climate change is starkly highlighted by Pakistan’s recent appeal during the conference, particularly regarding the vulnerable Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif passionately articulated the plight of his country, which, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, stands as one of the most severely affected by climate catastrophes. The catastrophic monsoon floods of 2022 serve as a harrowing reminder, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,700 lives, displacing millions, wrecking livelihoods, and incurring an estimated economic loss of 30 billion dollars, a profound example of the cascading impacts of climate change.
Pakistan is not standing idly by; it is embarking on ambitious projects such as the Green Pakistan Project. This initiative envisions sourcing 60 percent of its energy from renewable resources and converting 30 percent of its vehicles to electric by the year 2030. However, as Sharif poignantly emphasized, the monumental challenge of addressing the climate crisis cannot be met in isolation—international collaboration is essential.
During his impactful speech, the prime minister reiterated the indispensable nature of international support, emphasizing that it is vital for protecting millions of vulnerable populations, conserving natural resources, and securing a sustainable future for all. The global community must rise to the occasion, taking urgent action to significantly curb emissions and mitigate the devastating impacts of global warming, particularly for nations like Pakistan grappling with extreme weather events, including scorching heat waves, erratic rainfall, and recurrent flooding.
At COP29, leaders from the nations encircling the Hindu Kush region, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan, highlighted the necessity for enhanced cooperation among the affected states. Kama Tshering, the secretary for Bhutan’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, proposed three pivotal action plans that aim to fortify regional resilience: monitoring hazards pertaining to the cryosphere, implementing robust early warning systems, and investing in infrastructure that can withstand future climate challenges. The Prime Minister of Bhutan also acknowledged the crucial contributions of ICIMOD, which acts as an effective platform for regional states to elevate their voices on the global stage. ‘Together we can create a sustainable and resilient future for the Hindu Kush Himalayan region,’ declared Romina Khursheed Alam, coordinator for Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
**Interview with Dr. Aisha Khan, Climate Policy Expert on COP29 Outcomes**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Khan. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments from COP29 in Baku. Can you start by summarizing the key outcomes of the conference regarding funding for climate initiatives?
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. The COP29 conference has indeed made headlines with its plan to significantly increase funding for climate measures, particularly aimed at protecting developing nations from climate disasters. The ambitious goal is to triple the fund by 2035, aiming for an annual funding target of $300 billion. However, while this seems substantial, experts are raising concerns that it falls drastically short of the estimated $1.3 trillion needed each year to effectively tackle the climate crisis [[1](https://news.sky.com/story/cop29-strikes-last-ditch-deal-on-funding-for-climate-measures-in-vulnerable-countries-13259529)].
**Interviewer:** That’s an important point. At the conference, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the acute challenges faced by his country due to climate change. Can you elaborate on his remarks and the implications for nations like Pakistan?
**Dr. Khan:** Certainly. Prime Minister Sharif focused on the urgent need for financial support as Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters, despite its low contribution to global emissions. The catastrophic monsoon floods of 2022 illustrated this vulnerability, with 1,700 lives lost and millions displaced, alongside an estimated economic loss of $30 billion. His appeal underscores the dire need for not just funding, but more actionable commitments from wealthier nations to help countries like Pakistan cope with the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change [[1](https://news.sky.com/story/cop29-strikes-last-ditch-deal-on-funding-for-climate-measures-in-vulnerable-countries-13259529)].
**Interviewer:** It seems that while there are positive steps being discussed, there’s a significant gap between the current funding goals and what’s actually needed. What are your thoughts on the potential for meaningful change?
**Dr. Khan:** The gap is indeed troubling. While the intention to increase funding is a step in the right direction, without substantial commitments that align with the reality of climate threats, the efforts may fall short. Countries like Pakistan are taking initiatives such as the Green Pakistan Project, which aims to harness renewable energy, but this requires significant support. It’s critical that developed countries recognize their historical responsibility for the climate crisis and enhance their financial commitments, as merely setting targets won’t be sufficient to protect the most vulnerable communities [[1](https://news.sky.com/story/cop29-strikes-last-ditch-deal-on-funding-for-climate-measures-in-vulnerable-countries-13259529)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on these pressing issues at COP29. It’s clear that while progress is being made, much more needs to be done to address the urgent needs of those most affected by climate change.
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for all stakeholders to work collectively towards actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
