Romina Alam calls for stronger gender-responsive measures in Pakistan’s climate change framework

Islamabad: Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Climate Change Coordinator, has emphasized the need for creating inclusive climate strategies that prioritize the active participation of women, girls, transgender people, and individuals with disabilities (PWDs) in efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

Ms. Romina spoke to participants at a consultation workshop on Wednesday titled “Advancing Gender-Responsive, Inclusive, and Climate-Resilient Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).” She highlighted Pakistan’s considerable vulnerability to climate change and the disproportionate effects it has on women and marginalized groups.Global Solidarity is necessary to adress the climate crisis.

The event was hosted by WaterAid Pakistan, an initiative focused on sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene, alongside Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA), an organization advocating for the rights of rural women.

Ms. Romina pointed out that while Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global carbon emissions, it faces some of the most severe consequences of the climate crisis. The devastating floods of 2022, which caused losses exceeding 24 billion PKR, serve as a grim reminder of the severe impacts of extreme weather events on infrastructure, livelihoods, and vulnerable populations, especially women, girls, transgender individuals, and PWDs.

“Women, particularly in rural areas, bear a disproportionate load in tasks such as water collection, sanitation management, and caregiving,” Ms. Romina said. “Climate-induced disasters, such as floods and droughts, worsen water insecurity, food scarcity, and fuel gender-based violence and early marriages. Unfortunately, women are often excluded from climate decision-making, undermining the effectiveness of policies and further increasing their vulnerability.”

Ms. Romina also reflected on Pakistan’s achievements at COP29, where the country introduced its climate finance framework, a significant step in attracting investments for climate action. As part of its NDCs, Pakistan has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 30% and ensure that 60% of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2030. “These pledges reflect Pakistan’s commitment to addressing climate change,” Ms. Romina concluded.