Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Urges Enhanced Coordination and Urgent Agricultural Reforms Amidst Climate Challenges
Isb : The Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination convened to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for coordinated action across federal government and provinces. The meeting, presided over by Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, deliberated on critical environmental issues.
- The Committee held an in-depth discussion on the Ministry’s ongoing climate adaptation efforts. Members expressed concern over the perceived disconnect between federal plans and provincial implementation, with several members questioning the tangible impact of the Ministry’s initiatives on the ground. The Ministry assured the Committee of its continuous efforts to engage with provincial authorities, emphasizing the establishment of specialized committees to address disaster management, particularly in response to heatwaves and monsoon impacts.
- The Committee also turned its focus to the Ministry’s presentation on various climate-related projects. The need for comprehensive and inclusive planning was stressed, with the Committee calling for greater transparency and clarity in the Ministry’s communications.
- Agriculture, a sector heavily impacted by climate change, was a key focus of the meeting. Members were briefed on the changing patterns of crop growth, driven by shifts in monsoon timings and rising temperatures. The Chair raised alarms over the declining production of key crops such as cotton and absence of heat-resistant seed varieties. The Committee underscored the urgency of developing new agricultural practices and cropping calendars to adapt to these climate-induced changes, warning of the potential threats to food security if immediate action is not taken.
- The Committee reiterated its commitment to overseeing the Ministry’s efforts in combating climate change, with a particular focus on enhancing inter-provincial collaboration. The Committee is expected to reconvene in the near future, with plans to explore the nexus between climate change and food security in greater depth.
- The meeting of the Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination was presided over by Ms. Shaista Pervaiz , MNA and attended by MNAs; Mr. Aqeel Malik, Mr. Ahmad Atteeq Anwer, Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, Ms. Shaista Khan, Syeda Shehla Raza, Ms. Shagufta Jumani, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Rana Ansar, Sahibzada Sibghatullah, Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasap Khan, Mr. Ghulam Muhammad, Ms. Ayesha Nazir, Mr. Awais Haider Jakhar, Mr. Muhammad Usman Badini. The meeting was also attended by Coordinator to PM on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and other senior officers of the ministry.
