Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Mr. John Kerry, on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, today.
Noting that “the devastating floods have made Pakistan ground zero of climate change”, the Prime Minister appreciated Mr. Kerry’s personal leadership in raising awareness and seeking solutions to the climate change crisis. He acknowledged the important role being played by the Biden Administration to address climate change.
The Prime Minister conveyed gratitude for immediate U.S. assistance in the wake of the devastating floods in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for continued support from the international community, not only in the immediate recovery and relief efforts, but also during the subsequent reconstruction and rehabilitation phase.
The Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan contributed less than 1% of the global greenhouse gas emissions; yet it was among the ten most vulnerable countries to climate change. With over 1400 casualties; 33 million people displaced as climate refugees, out of which over six hundred thousand were pregnant women; four million acres of crops destroyed; entire villages and livelihoods swept away; Pakistan was facing an unprecedented natural disaster.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of United States’ leadership in enabling developing countries including Pakistan to deliver on their climate action commitments under the Paris Agreement by providing sufficient tools in the shape of Climate Finance, Technology Transfer and Capacity Building Assistance.
Special Envoy Kerry expressed solidarity with the people and Government of Pakistan and reaffirmed the U.S. Administration’s continued support in facing the challenges due to the floods. He said that the U.S. was ready to engage with Pakistan to collaborate in rebuilding resilient infrastructure as well as other forms of support that would avert such a crisis in future.
Both sides agreed to continue to closely focus on climate change and energy dialogue.