Sindh signs landmark declaration on climate action at OICCI conference

January 29, 2025 (MLN): Sindh has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing climate challenges by signing a landmark declaration with international organizations, ensuring that its policies prioritize environmental sustainability and protect future generations.

This key move was highlighted in the speech delivered by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who was the Chief Guest at the 3rd Pakistan Climate Conference organized by the OICCI on January 29, 2025.

In his speech, the Chief Minister emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing reality that impacts everyone.

He noted that Pakistan ranks as the fifth most vulnerable nation to climate change, grappling with rising temperatures and an increasing frequency of severe weather events, which pose significant challenges to the country's future.

He highlighted the alarming increase in Pakistan's average annual temperature, which has risen by about 0.5°C since the 1960s.

He stressed that if decisive action is not taken, projections suggest a further rise of 1.3°C to 1.5°C by 2050, emphasizing that these figures serve as a stark reminder of the serious challenges the country faces due to climate change.

The Chief Minister of Sindh acknowledged that the province, as a frontline region, is especially vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

He highlighted the severe risks posed by rising temperatures, extreme weather events such as heatwaves and floods, and the looming threat of sea-level rise, all of which pose significant challenges to the people, economy, and environment of Sindh.

The Chief Minister of Sindh emphasized the devastating impact of the 2022 floods, which affected 2.2 million acres of agricultural land, highlighting the severe economic and social consequences of the climate crisis.

Agriculture, a vital sector for Sindh’s economy, has faced significant challenges, including declining crop yields due to heat and water scarcity, as well as livestock losses from extreme weather.

Additionally, environmental degradation, such as coastal erosion, water shortages, and the loss of biodiversity in the Indus Delta and mangrove forests, has worsened the situation.

He also pointed out that the World Bank estimates a potential GDP loss of 18-20% for Pakistan by 2050 due to climate change, stressing the urgent need for collective action.

The Chief Minister emphasized that investing in climate-resilient education and fostering youth-led innovation are key elements of Sindh's strategy to combat climate change.

He highlighted the province's efforts to empower young people to drive sustainable climate solutions.

The Chief Minister also noted that the government is adopting water-efficient practices and introducing drought-resistant crops to support farmers and ensure food security.

Additionally, he mentioned the collaboration with multinationals like Nestlé and the launch of the Public-Private Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Enhancement Project, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

He further stressed that Sindh is playing a pivotal role in promoting regenerative agriculture and efficient irrigation technologies to benefit local farmers.

Highlighting the ecological significance of the Indus Delta, the Chief Minister emphasized Sindh’s efforts in coastal protection and mangrove restoration.

He noted that over two billion mangroves have already been planted across the province’s coastal areas, underscoring the government’s commitment to environmental conservation.

He further urged stakeholders to actively participate in tree plantation initiatives to strengthen the region’s resilience against climate change and protect its coastal ecosystems.

In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted Sindh's commitment to improving air quality and enhancing environmental resilience through the development of two 10,000-acre forest blocks.

He also spoke about the province's collaboration with the United Nations and other international organizations to secure resources, expertise, and funding for climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

Emphasizing the importance of collective action, the Chief Minister underscored that moving forward, collaboration at all levels will be crucial to addressing climate challenges effectively.

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