The second edition of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, organised by DawnMedia, began on Wednesday, in Islamabad. Climate experts, businesses, and other stakeholders were part of this discussion regarding climate change and its growing impact on Pakistan and the world.
Dawn CEO Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani stated that climate change is no longer a future issue but a present reality affecting millions of people. She explained that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters despite contributing very little to global emissions. This repeated crisis is causing severe floods, heatwaves, water shortages, and dangerous air pollution in Pakistan. Additionally, farmers are losing crops, families are being displaced, and communities are forced to rebuild after every disaster. Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani stressed that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a threat to Pakistan’s economy, public health, and long-term development. She added decisions made today regarding energy, agriculture and urban growth will shape the country’s future climate resilience and economic stability. She also called for greater focus on climate adaptation within Pakistan, preparing communities and systems to handle climate impacts more effectively by urging the international community to provide fairer climate financing and support developing countries without increasing debt burdens.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman also addressed the conference and spoke about the environmental damage caused by global conflicts and wars. She said wars create major carbon emissions and environmental destruction.
Sherry Rehman also criticised the global climate movement, describing international climate efforts as fragmented and underfunded despite the seriousness of the global crisis.
Resultantly, the conference aimed to encourage cooperation between governments, businesses, communities, and media organisations to develop stronger responses to climate change challenges.
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