NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today appreciated the role the United States is playing in addressing the issue of climate change. He also thanked the US administration for extending help to Pakistan in the devastating floods.
PM Shehbaz stated in a meeting with the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Wednesday.
Noting that “the devastating floods have made Pakistan ground zero for climate change”, the PM appreciated Kerry’s personal leadership in raising awareness and seeking solutions to the climate change crisis.
The premier conveyed his gratitude for US assistance in the wake of the catastrophic floods in Pakistan. He emphasised the need for continued support from the international community for relief efforts and subsequent reconstruction and rehabilitation phase.
He said Pakistan contributed less than 1% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it was among the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change.
With over 1,500 casualties while 33 million people displaced as climate refugees, including over six hundred thousand pregnant women; Pakistan recorded damage to four million acres of standing crops while entire villages and livelihoods swept away as the country was facing an unprecedented natural disaster.
Special Envoy Kerry expressed solidarity with Pakistan and reaffirmed the US administration’s support in this critical time.
Kerry said that the US was ready collaborate with Pakistan 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.
