Climate Resilience and Strategic Preparedness: Safeguarding Pakistan’s Security Interests

The seminar titled, “Climate Resilience and Strategic Preparedness, Safeguarding Pakistan’s Security Interests” was aimed at providing a platform for experts to delve into the intricate relationship between climate change and national security. The event aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by Pakistan in the wake of global climate change and also explore how these challenges could potentially threaten state security and social cohesion.

 

The seminar commenced with opening remarks by Mr Ameer Abdullah Khan, a Senior Researcher at CASS, Lahore. Mr Khan set the stage by highlighting the various ways in which climate change intertwines with the national security of Pakistan. He emphasised the urgency of the situation, pointing out that climate change is not just an environmental concern but a critical determinant of global and national security in the 21st Century requiring a non-traditional response.

 

Mr Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a member of the Loss & Damage Fund Board, and Pakistan Climate Change Council delivered the keynote address on “Strategic Preparedness in the Face of Ecological Uncertainty: Policies & Priorities from Global to Domestic Levels.” Mr Sheikh’s address focused on the importance of proactive measures and structural transformations to address climate challenges and enhance national well-being in Pakistan.

 

Mr Sheikh highlighted the dual nature of climate change as both a security threat and a development opportunity. He stressed the significance of climate readiness for climate-smart development, with vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. Mr Sheikh also underscored the economic opportunities that responses to climate change can catalyse, citing examples from countries like India and China where investments in renewable energy have driven economic growth and technological advancements.

 

He emphasised the urgency of addressing climate change promptly to avoid significant economic losses and risks to Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He called for a thorough analysis and immediate action to combat climate change effectively, pointing out that delays in taking action could have severe consequences for the country’s economy and well-being. Mr Sheikh also touched upon the importance of rethinking urban planning and housing equity to prevent land grabbing and ensure housing for all segments of the population. He criticised the lack of prioritisation of urban planning and governance failures in providing essential amenities to underserved areas, highlighting the need for strategic urban development to build climate-resilient cities.

 

Mr Ahmad Rafay Alam, an environmental lawyer and activist, in his thought-provoking address during the seminar, focusing on governance-related challenges that augment climate-induced threats to Pakistan’s security. Alam highlighted the critical role of governance structures in shaping climate policies, ensuring accountability, and fostering sustainable development. Drawing on his expertise in environmental law and policy, Alam emphasised the need for inclusive and participatory governance mechanisms that engage diverse stakeholders in climate resilience initiatives. He also underscored the importance of strategic sustainability insights in guiding policy decisions and promoting environmental stewardship at the national and sub-national levels.

 

Ms Sara Hayat, an environmental lawyer, climate change specialist, and sustainability consultant, shared valuable insights on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies as a pathway to a sustainable future for Pakistan. Hayat’s address focused on the imperative of integrating climate considerations into development planning, infrastructure projects, and policy frameworks to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate risks. She emphasised the role of legal frameworks, regulatory mechanisms, and institutional capacities in advancing climate resilience and fostering sustainable development outcomes. Hayat’s expertise in climate change law and policy underscored the interconnectedness between environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic prosperity, highlighting the need for holistic approaches to address climate challenges in Pakistan.

 

Alam and Hayat’s addresses complemented each other by offering nuanced perspectives on governance, policy, and legal dimensions of climate resilience. Their insights underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, innovative solutions, and adaptive strategies in navigating the complex challenges posed by climate change and safeguarding Pakistan’s security interests in a rapidly changing climate landscape.

 

The Q&A session provided an interactive platform for attendees to engage with the speakers and delve deeper into the complexities of climate resilience and strategic preparedness in safeguarding Pakistan’s security interests. Attendees raised a diverse range of questions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for comprehensive strategies to address them effectively.

 

Firstly, they explored the challenges of policy implementation and governance structures in driving effective climate action at both national and sub-national levels. Secondly, attention was drawn to the availability and allocation of climate finance in Pakistan, with concerns raised about its adequacy for supporting climate-resilient initiatives and the necessity for bolstered international cooperation in this realm. Additionally, discussions highlighted the crucial role of community engagement and stakeholder participation in shaping climate policies, stressing the importance of inclusive approaches involving local communities and civil society organisations. Furthermore, attendees expressed interest in the potential of technology and innovation to bolster climate resilience and sustainable development, particularly through green technologies and data-driven solutions. Lastly, there was a consensus on the significance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing transboundary climate impacts and fostering global solidarity against climate change.

 

In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS Lahore, said that despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan has endured the harsh realities of climate change. He highlighted that the crisis does not stop at natural disasters, rather it extends to straining the economy, political stability, and social fabric of Pakistan, besides intensifying regional tensions. The President acknowledged Pakistan’s initiatives to combat climate change, however, he stressed the need for international cooperation, considering this to be a shared endeavour.