The rapidly emerging climatic changes are one of the biggest threats to the sustainability of life on Earth. The phenomenon of global warming is a major cause of environmental degradation.
Pakistan has been ranked globally in the top ten countries most affected by climate change in the past 20 years owing to its geographical location. The government, being cognizant of the situation, is taking measures at policy, management and operational levels to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the country.
The Government has launched the Ecosystem Restoration Initiative for facilitating the transition towards environmentally resilient Pakistan by mainstreaming adaptation and mitigation through ecologically targeted initiatives. These include afforestation, biodiversity conservation, enhancing policy environment consistent with the objectives of Pakistan's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and attaining Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). The objective of this initiative is to establish an independent, transparent and comprehensive financial mechanism in Pakistan called "Ecosystem Restoration Fund" to finance the projects and programmes.
Many initiatives have started at the local level as well by the youth of Pakistan. Establishment of NGOs like “Apna Ghar Apni Sarzameen” and “Rehnuma” which conduct weekly tree plantation and clean-up drives have helped contribute to climate action because ‘Every Deed Counts!’. Hence, Pakistan has been doing its best to cut down on climate change and will continue to do so for a sustainable future.