1 | National Climate Change Policy

FOREWORD

The National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) is is dedicated by giving due importance to mitigation
a landmark in the Climate Change response in efforts in sectors such as energy, transport, forestry
Pakistan, which was approved in 2012. The National and agriculture.
Climate Change Policy comprehensively addresses
The Policy mentions its Updating after every five
all possible challenges of Climate Change
years span of time. Therefore, it has been updated
adaptation and mitigation; and sure to provide rock
in collaboration with UNDP, relevant Federal
solid foundational framework for ensuing Climate
Ministries/Divisions and Provincial Departments.
Change Action Plans, Programs and Projects.
The implementation of National Climate Change
In developing countries, such as Pakistan, climate Policy has been assessed, which shows landmark
change poses a serious challenge to social, achievements gained by Ministry of Climate Change,
environmental and economic development, and lead Provincial line Departments in various development
to migration within and across national borders of sectors i.e., agriculture, transport, energy, industries,
Pakistan. The effects of global climate change in forestry and biodiversity through adaptation and
Pakistan are already evident in the form of growing mitigation measures. Hundreds of Projects have
frequency of droughts, flooding, increasingly erratic been initiated by the federal government and
weather behavior, and changes in agricultural provincial departments i.e., Ten Billion Tree Tsunami,
patterns, reduction in fresh water supply and the Clean Green Pakistan Index, Ecosystem Restoration,
loss of biodiversity. Mitigating and adapting actions WASH, Climate resilient Urban Development and
are considered to be the two key ways of combating Green Building Code are one of the major initiatives
climate change. The more immediate and pressing in addressing climate change in the country.
task for the country is to prepare itself for adaptation
Furthermore, the updated Policy document has
to climate change.
been designed in accordance to the requirements
These policy measures are addressing issues in of Paris Agreement on climate change, Sustainable
various sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, Development Goals and Sendai Framework for
coastal areas, biodiversity and other vulnerable Disaster Risk Reduction. Hence, appropriate
ecosystems. Notwithstanding the fact that Pakistan’s measures relating to disaster preparedness, capacity
contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) building, institutional strengthening; technology
emissions is small, its role as a responsible member transfer and international cooperation have also been
of the global community in combating climate change incorporated as important components of the policy.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 2

Most recently the Prime Minister in his speech at country’s roadmap for the achievement of NDCs
the ‘UN Climate Ambition Summit’ in December emission reduction goals.
2020 has set the direction of Pakistan’s pathway
The updated National Climate Change Policy-­
to decarbonizing the country’s economy. He
2021’s goal is to steer Pakistan towards climate
declared that 60 percent of all energy produced
resilient and low carbon development. Thus it would
in the country by 2030 will be ‘clean and through
provide a comprehensive framework for addressing
renewable resources, thirty percent of all the
the issues that Pakistan faces and will face in future
country’s passenger and heavy-­duty vehicles will
due to changing climate. This policy document is a
be electric vehicles and that Pakistan will no longer
‘living’ document and will be reviewed and updated
pursue imported coal power plants. These broad
regularly to address emerging concepts and issues
pronouncements in addition to a “Ten Billion Tree
in the ever-­evolving science of climate change.
Tsunami Forestation Initiative” can provide the

Malik Amin Aslam

Special Assistant to the

Prime Minister on Climate Change
3 | National Climate Change Policy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Ministry of Climate Change, Government the present status of its implementation in their
of Pakistan, acknowledges with gratitude the provinces are also highly acknowledged.
contributions of all those who provided valuable
The invaluable guidance provided by Mr. Malik Amin
inputs to the policy updating process. Dr. Qamar-
Aslam, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on
uz-Zaman Chaudhary’s (Lead Expert) services
Climate Change is deeply appreciated. Ministry
are praise worthy, who assured that the revised
values the contributions provided by the NGOs and
document is aligned with national priorities and
civil society organizations. Finally, United `Nations
coherent in all aspects.
Development Programme UNDP’s facilitation is
The valuable support and input of Ministry of Climate highly appreciated for delivering the necessary
Change, federal ministries as well as provincial funding and technical support for the policy update
departments for their especially useful feedback in process.
the National Climate Change Policy updating and

Ms. Naheed S. Durrani

Federal Secretary
Ministry of Climate Change
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 4

PREAMBLE

Pakistan is among the countries that are negatively facilitating transition towards environmentally
impacted by the effects of climate change. As its resilient Pakistan by mainstreaming adaptation and
frequent exposure to natural hazards, and significant mitigation through ecologically targeted initiatives.
dependence on monsoon rain fall and the glacier-­fed
In the policy the vulnerabilities of various sectors
Indus Basin make it vulnerable to climate change.
to climate change have been highlighted and
The country’s socioeconomic circumstances further
appropriate adaptation measures spelled out. These
augment its vulnerability to projected temperature
cover policy measures to address issues in various
increases, more variable rainfall patterns, and
sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, coastal
greater risk of floods and droughts.
areas, bio diversity and other vulnerable ecosystems.
Pakistan developed its first National Climate Change Notwithstanding the fact that Pakistan’s contribution
Policy (NCCP) in 2012 and in view of Pakistan’s to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is small,
high vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate its role as a responsible member of the global
change, in particular extreme events, the major focus community in combating climate change has been
of the policy was on climate resilient development highlighted by giving due importance to mitigation
and adaptation. However, after Paris Climate efforts in sectors such as energy, transport, forestry
Accord-­2015, Pakistan accepted to contribute and agriculture. Furthermore, appropriate measures
to the global emissions reduction efforts. Now relating to disaster preparedness, capacity building,
Pakistan has updated its policy and the focus of the institutional strengthening; technology transfer
NCCP-­2021 is equally on adaptation and mitigation and international cooperation have also been
it the major emphasis on nature-­based solutions. incorporated as important components of the policy.

The updated NCCP 2021 highlights the government’s Most recently the Prime Minister in his speech at
flagship “Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, the ‘UN Climate Ambition Summit’ in December
in addition to the Prime Minister’s ‘Urban Forest 2020 has set the direction of Pakistan’s pathway
Project’, ‘Clean Green Pakistan Movement’, to decarburizing the country’s economy based on
‘Protected Areas and National Park Initiatives’. The renewables. The policy also highlights the Prime
objective of the last two initiatives is to expand Minister’s recently launched first-­ever “Green
protected areas to at-­least 15% of Pakistan’s area Bond” by WAPDA and Nature Bond for financing
by 2023. Further, the policy’s major emphasis is environmentally friendly projects.
on ‘Eco system Restoration Initiative (ESRI) for
Table of Contents

1. Goal 1
2. Policy Objectives 2
3. Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Climate Change Threats 3
4. Climate Change Adaptation 4
4.1. Water Resource 4
Policy Measures 5
I. Water Storage and Infrastructure 5
II. Water Conservation Strategies 5
III. Integrated Water Resource Management 5
IV. Legislative Framework 6
V. Enhancing Capacity 6
VI. Awareness Raising 7

4.2. Agriculture and Livestock 7

Policy Measures 7
I. Research 7
II. Technology 8
III. General Management 8
IV. Risk Management 8

4.3. Human Health 9

Policy Measures 9

4.4. Forestry 9
Policy Measures 11
I. Awareness Raising 11
II. Research & Education 11
III. Reforms in Governance 11
IV. Enhancing Adaptive Capacity 11
V. Forest Management 11
VI. Arresting Soil Erosion 12
VII. Reducing Forest Fires, Disease Outbreaks and Other Damage 12

4.5. Biodiversity 12
Policy Measures 13
4.6. Other Vulnerable Ecosystems 14
4.6.1. Mountain Areas 14 | Policy Measures 14
4.6.2. Rangelands and Pastures 15 | Policy Measures 15
4.6.3. Arid and Hyper-­Arid Areas 16 | Policy Measures 16
4.6.4 Coastal and Marine Ecosystems 17 | Policy Measures 17
4.6.5. Wetlands 18 | Policy Measures 19

4.7. Disaster Preparedness 19

Policy Measures 20
4.8. Socioeconomic Measures 21
4.8.1. Poverty 21 | Policy Measures 22
4.8.2. Gender 22 | Policy Measures 23
5.
Climate Change Mitigation 25
5.1. Energy Generation 25
Policy Measures 26

5.2. Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation 27

Policy Measures 27

5.3. Transport 27
Policy Measures 28
I Road Transsport 28
II Aviation 28
III Railway 29
IV Inland Waterways Transport 29

5.4. Urban Planning & Waste Management 29

Policy Measures 29

5.5. Industries 30
Policy Measures 30

5.6. Agriculture and Livestock 31

Policy Measures 31

5.6. Carbon Sequestration and Forestry 32

Policy Measures 32

6. Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening 33

Policy Measures 33
I Institutional Mechanism 33
II Capacity Enhancement 34

7. Awareness Raising 36
Policy Measures 36

8. International and Regional Cooperation 37

Policy Measures 37

9. Finance 39
Policy Measures 39

10. Technology Transfer 41

Policy Measures 41

11. Policy Implementation Mechanism 42

I. National Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee 42
II. Provincial Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee 42
1 | National Climate Change Policy

GOAL
To ensure that climate
change is mainstreamed in
the economically and socially
vulnerable sectors of the
economy and to steer Pakistan
towards climate compatible
development1.

1 Climate compatible development’ is development that minimizes the harm caused by climate impacts, while
maximizing the human development opportunities presented by low emissions, more resilient, future.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 2

SECTION - 02

POLICY OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of Pakistan’s National Climate lower emission and less carbon intensive
Change Policy (NCCP) include: development;

1. To pursue sustained economic growth by 9. To accelerate the policy coherence and

appropriately addressing the challenges of integration to achieve the United Nations’
climate change; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the
light of its Sustainable Development Report
2. To integrate climate change policy with other
2020 (SDR2020) and our Nationally Determined
inter-­related national policies;
Contributions;
3. To focus on pro-­ poor gender sensitive
10. To strengthen inter-­ministerial and inter-­
adaptation while also promoting mitigation to
provincial decision making and coordination
the extent possible in a cost-­effective manner;
mechanisms on climate change;
4. To build climate-­resilient infrastructure;
11. To facilitate effective use of the opportunities,
5. To track impact of climate change on water,
particularly financial, available both nationally
food and energy security of the country, and
and internationally;
to implement remedial plans to support water,
12. To foster the development of appropriate
energy and food policies;
economic incentives to encourage public and
6. To minimize the risks arising from the potential
private sector investment in adaptation and
increase in frequency and intensity of extreme
mitigation measures;
weather events such as floods, droughts and
13. To enhance the awareness, skill and institutional
tropical storms;
capacity of relevant stakeholders;
7. To develop climate-­ resilient agriculture and
14. To promote tree plantation, conservation of
food systems for all agro-­ecological zones in
natural resources, nature-­based solutions and
the country;
long term sustainability.
8. To promote country’s transition to cleaner,
3 | National Climate Change Policy

SECTION - 03

PAKISTAN’S VULNERABILITY TO
CLIMATE CHANGE THREATS

The important climate change threats to Pakistan loss of lives in accidents due to poor visibility
are: and health hazard;

1. Considerable increase in the frequency and 6. Further decrease in the already scanty forest
intensity of extreme weather events, coupled cover, from too rapid change in climatic
with erratic monsoon rains causing frequent conditions to allow natural migration of
and intense floods and droughts; adversely affected plant species and wildlife
habitat;
2. Projected recession of the Hindu Kush-­
Karakoram-­ Himalayan(HKH) glaciers due to 7. Increased intrusion of saline water in the Indus
global warming and black carbon so to deposits delta, adversely affecting coastal agriculture,
from indigenous and trans-­boundary pollution mangroves and the breeding grounds of fish;
sources, threatening water inflows into the
8. Threat to coastal areas due to projected sea
Indus River System(IRS);
level rise and increased cyclonic activity due to
3. Increased siltation of major dams caused higher sea surface temperatures;
by more frequent and intense rains in the
9. Increased stress between the upper and lower
catchment areas and subsequent floods;
riparian regions in relation to sharing of water
4. Rising temperatures resulting in enhanced heat resources;
and water-­stressed conditions, particularly in
10. Increased health risks and climate change
arid and semi-­arid regions, leading to reduced
induced migration.
agricultural productivity;
The above threats may lead to major survival
5. Increasing air pollution from agriculture,
concerns for Pakistan, particularly in relation to the
transport and industry resulting into smog
country’s water security, food security and energy
inflicting huge loss to aviation, reduced mobility,
security.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 4

SECTION - 04

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

Pakistan make satiny contribution to the total global factors has increased at an average 2.3% annually
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (among the between 1992 and 2019. Human capital and
lowest in the world) but it is among the countries produced capital were responsible for the bulk of
most vulnerable to climate change, and it has very the increase, growing at a rate of 2.9% and 3.2%,
low technical and financial capacity at the moment respectively. Unfortunately, over the same period,
to adapt to its adverse impacts. While Pakistan natural capital declined annually by 0.1% on
is working on a strategy that seeks to conserve average. However, the last five years have shown
energy, improve energy efficiency and optimize fuel evidence of an environmental turnaround, with
mix to support global efforts for reduction in GHG forests, grassland, sparsely vegetated areas, and
emissions, the more immediate and pressing task water bodies all growing since 2015. Shrub land and
is to prepare itself for adaptation to climate change. wetlands remained static, while crop land receded.
Only by devising and implementing appropriate Future progress will depend on ensuring more
adaptation measures, preferably nature-­ based investment in natural capital.
solution at national and local levels, it will be
possible to ensure water, food and energy security
4.1. WATER RESOURCE
for the country as well as to minimize the impact of
natural disasters on the economy, human life, health Water resources are inextricably linked with climate;
and property. this is why the projected climate change has such
serious implications for Pakistan’s water resources.
Pakistan for building resilience to climate change
Fresh water resources in Pakistan are based on
has begun the process of developing a National
snow and glacier-­melt and monsoon rains, both
Adaptation Plan. Pakistan will be using the National
highly sensitive to climate change. The most
Adaptation Plan process and its outcomes to
significant recent development is the approval of a
enhance the adaptation elements of the Nationally
first ever National Water Policy package comprising
Determined Contributions (NDCs), a central aspect
a Policy and a Charter by Pakistan’s Council of
of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Common Interests on 23rdApril 2018. The Water
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) recent report Policy outlines a framework for interventions by
assessed “Pakistan’s Inclusive Wealth”, a measure the federal and provincial governments to address
of Pakistan’s prosperity and sustainability that various issues driving from the declining supply
accounts for social, economic and environmental and deteriorating quality of water, threatening the
5 | National Climate Change Policy

prosperity and health of a rapidly growing population. in the country to make it resilient to climate
The policy embraces the recommendations of change related extreme events;
the National Climate Change Policy to counter the c. Develop multi-­purpose small dams for storage
adverse effects of climate change, in particular off load water;
extreme weather events such as floods, prolonged
d. Identify new potential dam sites to keep the
droughts, and heat waves as well as the rising sea
option open to develop new dams, should they
level inundating coastal land and aquifers.
be needed;
Whereas, the country specific climate change
e. Develop necessary infrastructure to harness
projections strongly suggest the following future
the potential of hill torrents;
trends in Pakistan: decrease in glacier volume and
f. Enforce measures to enhance the life of existing
snow cover leading to alterations in the seasonal
storage facilities.
flow pattern of the Indus River System (IRS);
increased annual flows for a few decades followed
by decline inflows in subsequent years; increase in II. Water Conservation Strategies
the formation and outburst of glacial lakes; higher a. Ensure water conservation at all levels, reduce
frequency and intensity of extreme climate events irrigation system losses and provide incentives
coupled with irregular monsoon rains causing for adoption of more efficient irrigation
frequent floods and droughts; and greater demand techniques;
on water due to higher evapo-­transpiration rates at
b. Introduce local rain water harvesting measures.
elevated temperatures.

These trends will have a significant impact on the

III. III. Integrated Water Resource Management
spatial and temporal distribution of water resources
a. Ensure that, in making water allocations (within
on both annual and inter-­ annual basis in the
gross national availability) to various sectors in
country. This will further exacerbate the already
the medium-­‐to long-­‐term, due consideration is
difficult situation of a water-­stressed country
given to changes in sectoral demands caused
facing demand increases due to population growth
by climate change;
and increasing economic activity. To address the
impact of climate change on water resources and b. Protect ground water through management
to enhance water security, the Government of and technical measures such as regulatory
Pakistan, in collaboration with relevant entities shall frameworks, water licensing, slow action dams,
take the following measures: artificial recharge especially for threatened
aquifers, and adoption of integrated water
Policy Measures
resource management concepts;
I. Water Storage and Infrastructure c. Ensure rational ground water exploitation by
a. Assess and address the needs for additional avoiding excessive pumping;
water storage and distribution infrastructure;
d. Ensure recycling of waste water through
b. Ensure early rehabilitation, remodeling and up-­ proper treatment and its reuse, for example in
gradation of the existing irrigation infrastructure agriculture, artificial wetlands and ground water
recharge;
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 6

e. Protect and preserve water catchment areas b. Enact and enforce laws and regulations required
and reservoirs against degradation, silting and for efficient water resource management and a
irrigation system contamination; ground water regulatory framework;
f. Encourage active participation of farmers in c. Protect the HKH glaciers, considered the world’s
water management along with line departments water tower, by declaring them as ‘protected
by accelerating implementation of participatory areas’ through agreements among countries
irrigation management reforms; sharing the Himalayan region.
g. Ensure water distribution among provinces as
far as possible in accordance with crop sowing
V. Enhancing Capacity
timings;
a. Develop and extend water efficient technologies
h. Address sea water intrusion into the Indus and techniques for sea water utilization, water
Deltaic Region by allocating the requisite water recycling and avoiding wasteful use of domestic
flow downstream of Kotri; and drinking water;
i. Take appropriate measures to preserve the b. Promote and assist Balochistan farmers
ecology of dry river reaches of the Eastern in improving and sustaining an age-­‐old
Rivers; Sailaba farming irrigation system which
j. Develop contingency plans for short-­‐term offers considerable scope for improvement if
measures to adapt to water shortages that constructed and managed properly;
could help mitigate drought; c. Ensure measurement and monitoring of
k. Explore the possibility of joint waters had irrigation water delivery at various points of
management of trans-­‐boundary catchment the supply system for effective planning and
areas with neighboring countries; management;
l. Safeguard Pakistan’s rights on trans-­‐boundary d. Enhance national capacities in remote sensing
water inflows according to international norms and GIS techniques for monitoring temporal
and conventions; changes in glaciers and snow cover;
m. Explore the possibility of entering into a water e. Enhance national capacities form a king
treaty with Afghanistan; seasonal hydro-­‐meteorological forecasts,
n. Promote integrated water shed management particularly for monsoon rainfall;
including ecological conservation practices in f. Prepare a comprehensive inventory of all
uphill watersheds. water resources, including surface and ground
water, in order to support an efficient water
management system in the country;
IV. Legislative Framework
a. Legislate and enforce industrial and domestic g. Strengthen the current hydrological network to
was management practices to protect the monitor river flows and flood warning systems;
environment, in particular water resources, h. Devise and strengthen coordination
from further degradation; mechanisms among national and international
water sector institutions;
7 | National Climate Change Policy

i. Tap spring water for public water supply in hilly/ of Pakistan, in collaboration with relevant entities,
mountainous areas, where applicable. shall take on the following additional adaptation
VI. Awareness Raising measures:

a. Promote public awareness campaigns to Policy Measures

underscore the importance of conservation
I. Research
and sustainable use of water resources in
a. Develop appropriate digital simulation models
partnership with all stakeholders.
for assessment of climate change impacts
on physical, chemical, biological and financial
4.2. AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK aspects of agricultural production systems in
Agriculture is central to human survival and is various agro-­ecological zones;
probably the human enterprise most vulnerable b. Develop new varieties of crops which are
to climate change. The agriculture sector, as the high yielding, resistant to heat stress, drought
single largest sector of Pakistan’s economy and is tolerant, less vulnerable to heavy spells of rains
its lifeline. It accounts for 42.3% of the labor force, and less prone to attack by insects and pests;
18.9% of GDP and 80% of total export earnings
c. Develop and introduce better breeds of livestock
(Source: Pakistan Economic Survey 2017-­‐ 18).
with higher milk and meat productivity and
Pakistan has recently launched a National Food
which are less prone to heat stress and more
Security Policy-­‐2018 and one of its goals is to
drought to lerant;
make agriculture more productive, profitable and
climate resilient. As the agriculture in Pakistan is d. Develop quality datasets on crop, soil and
greatly affected by short-­‐term climate variability climate related parameters to identify ideal
and could be significantly impacted by long-­‐term cropping patterns for each region and facilitate
climate change. As the duration of crop growth research work on climate change impact
cycles is related to temperature, an increase assessment and productivity projection studies;
in temperature will speed up crop growth and e. Enhance the research capacity of various relevant
shorten the time between sowing and harvesting. organizations to make reliable predictions of
This shortening could have an adverse effect on climatic parameters and river flows for seasonal,
productivity of crops and fodder for livestock. The inter-­
annual and inter-­decadal time frames,
hydrological cycle is similarly likely to be influenced to assess the corresponding likely impacts
by global warming, necessitating the agriculture on various crops and to develop appropriate
and livestock sectors, particularly in rain-­‐fed areas, adaptation measures;
to adapt to climate change. f. Promote targeted research on adoption of
Since the agriculture sector is heavily dependent on sustainable land management practices;
the water sector, a number of adaptation measures g. Enhance the capacity of the farming community
identified in Section 4.1 are equally applicable to the to take advantage of the scientific findings of
agriculture sector and hence will not be repeated. relevant research organizations;
To enhance national food security the Government h. Document and promote appropriate indigenous
knowledge and best practices.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 8

II. Technology c. Promote feed conservation techniques and

fodder banks in arable areas;
a. Improve crop productivity per unit of land and
per unit of water by increasing the efficiency d. Ensure availability of quality feed and fodder
of various agricultural inputs, in particular to livestock to supplement their grazing on
irrigation water; rangelands;

b. Promote energy efficient farm mechanization to e. Improve the nutritional quality of feed through
increase yields and laborsaving; the use of multi-nutrient blocks (MNB) prepared
from urea, molasses, vitamins and minerals;
c. Improve farm practices by adopting modern
techniques such as laser land leveling, crop f. Ensure an enabling financial environment for
diversification, proper cropping patterns and farmers to invest in and adopt the relevant
optimized planting dates; technologies to overcome climate related
stresses;
d. Promote appropriate technologies for small-­
scale irrigation, water re-­ use (waste/water g. Improve post-­harvest capacity, such as storage
recycling), and rain water harvesting, etc. and processing facilities and infrastructure,
preferably at farm level.
e. Promote through financial incentives, solar
water desalination for irrigation and drinking IV. Risk Management
particularly in saline groundwater regions;
a. Develop a proper risk management system
f. Improve irrigation practices by adopting, including crop insurance to safeguard against
wherever feasible, modern techniques such as crop failures due to extreme events (such as
the use of sprinklers and trickle irrigation; floods and droughts);
g. Develop capacity based on Remote Sensing and b. Improve the extension system and enhance
GIS techniques to assess temporal changes in use of the media to allow effective and timely
land cover in different agro-­ecological zones; communication of climatic predictions and
h. Promote bio technology in terms of more corresponding advice to farming communities;
carbon responsive crops, improved breeds c. Encourage farmers, particularly in rain-­‐fed
and production of livestock using genetic areas, to avoid monoculture and, instead, plant
engineering. a variety of heat and drought resistant low delta
III. General Management crops, so as to reduce the risk of crop failure;
d. Encourage agriculture drought management
a. Establish Climate Change Units in agriculture
practices that recognize drought as part of a
research organizations to devise adaptive
highly variable climate, as opposed to treating it
strategies for projected impacts of climate
as a causal natural disaster;
change on agriculture;
e. Establish livestock disease monitoring and
b. Promote horizontal expansion of cultivated
surveillance systems at district level.
lands through development of wastelands, and
rainwater harvesting through community based
approaches to development;
9 | National Climate Change Policy

4.3. HUMAN HEALTH public easily and cost effectively particularly

It is now widely recognized that the increased during climate related extreme events;
frequency and intensity of extreme weather events e. Upgrade and extend disease outbreak
such as heat and cold waves, heavy or too little monitoring and forecasting systems to
precipitation, strong winds and cyclones due to counteract possible climate change health
climate change have serious implications for human impacts and support prior planning for effective
health. For example, floods and storms not only interventions;
increase the risk of death and injuries; they have f. Improve data recording, reporting, analysis and
other health implications such as diarrheal diseases storage of climate-­ sensitive diseases at all
because of insufficient clean water availability for levels of service delivery.
drinking, personal hygiene or for washing food. They
g. Conduct assessments on the impacts of climate
may also cause severe psychological problems
change on vector/waterborne and nutritional
among the affected population (e.g. mental health
diseases;
effects such as depression have been observed in the
aftermath of the disastrous 2010 floods). Similarly, h. Prioritize climate-­
related risks based on the
incidence of many vector borne diseases such as assessment and identifying technology and
malaria and dengue fever, which are sensitive to infrastructure options to improve resilience
temperature and rainfall, may increase with the in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
expected changes in climate. One of the gaps in this sector;
area is inadequate national data to provide complete i. Explore public-­private partnerships to resolve
and reliable information on the impacts of climate the issue of financial access for WASH service
change on health. In order to address the impact of provision as well as quality assurance;
climate change on human health, the Government j. Adopt water and sanitation safety plans for
shall take the following measures: rural and urban areas.
Policy Measures

a. Assess the health vulnerabilities of communities 4.4. FORESTRY

in areas most likely to be affected by the Climate change is likely to have multi-­ faceted
adverse impact of climate change, and build adverse effects on the ecosystem as a whole,
their capacities to reduce these vulnerabilities; particularly on the already vulnerable forestry
b. Ensure that appropriate measures to address sector in Pakistan. The diversity of landscapes and
health related climate change issues are climates in Pakistan allow a wide variety of trees
incorporated into national health plans; and plants to flourish. Some of the world’s most
unique forests including Juniper, Deodar, Oak and
c. Inform, sensitize, educate and train health
Chilghoza forests exist in the country despite the
personnel and the public about climate change
fact that only 5.45% of the total land area is under
related health issues;
forest. A significant portion of land area is occupied
d. Ensure that preventive measures and resources
with coastal, riverine, scrub and coniferous forests.
such as vaccines, good quality medication and
These forests provide multiple benefits in the form
clean drinking water are available to the general
of regulating water flow, controlling soil erosion,
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 10

major source of carbon sequestration, medicinal forest cover and enhance role and contribution of
plants and support livelihood at local level. forests in reducing carbon emissions by increasing
forest carbon pools. The policy provided a legal
The forests in Pakistan suffer from a number of
basis for the federal government to arrange and
problems – many linked to habitat change and
extend support to all provinces and regions towards
land degradation. Pakistan is predominantly a dry
achieving their respective targets and meeting
country, with about 80% of its area falling in semi-­
international obligations by improving their capacity
arid and arid region. The changes in water regime,
and financial gaps for forestry sector.
due to change in weather patterns pose additional
threats in the form of drought and resultant Considerable efforts were made over the past five
desertification. The most likely impacts of climate years to revive forest resource in the country. Ten
change will be decreased productivity, changes Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (TBTTP) was
in species composition, reduced forest area, approved by ECNEC on 29-­8-­019. The first phase
unfavorable conditions for biodiversity, higher flood of the programme is being implemented throughout
risks etc. Pakistan with the support of all provincial
governments including AJ&K and GB for a period
The rate of deforestation does not commensurate
of four years (2019-­20 to 2022-­23). During this first
with the rehabilitation efforts. The share of public
phase of the programme a total of 3.29 billion plants
investment towards rehabilitation is disappointedly
will be planted / regenerated. The TBTTP is extension
low. There percussions are in the form of low growth
of Billion Tree Afforestation Project (BTAP) that was
and decline in yield of existing forests. Deforestation
implemented in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
in water shed areas has adversely impacted the yield
to successfully plant /regenerates one billion plants
and quality of water at outlets besides triggering
from 2015 to 2018. Both these initiatives have
land degradation and loss of biodiversity. In low-­
worldwide recognition.
lying and coastal areas, deforestation amplifies
floods and facilitates sea water intrusion inflicting Adaptation in the forestry sector entails the need
huge economic losses. to restore and enhance Pakistan’s forests under
sustainable forest management, with particular
In 2017 Government of Pakistan approved its
focus on how these are affected by climate change.
National Forest Policy (NFP) that seeks to expand,
This will not only benefit state forests but forest
protect and promote sustainable use of national
dependent communities and society as a whole.
forests, protected areas, natural habitats and
watersheds for restoring ecological functions, The scope of this part of the policy is to recommend
improving livelihoods and human health in line with adaptation measures to prepare Pakistan’s forestry
the national priorities and international agreements. sector to withstand present and possible future
It has three pronged approach i.e. conserve existing impacts of climate change. To minimize the risks
forests, increase tree cover through community and vulnerability of forests and biological diversity
participation, and meet international obligations from climate change, the Government of Pakistan,
related to forests. The policy has provision for in collaboration with relevant entities, shall take the
implementing a national level mass afforestation following measures:
programme to expand and maintain optimum
11 | National Climate Change Policy

Policy Measures IV. Enhancing Adaptive Capacity

I. Awareness Raising a. Ensure the availability of sufficient and

properly trained forest workers with enhanced
a. Signify the importance of forests to mitigate
capabilities to face the challenges of climate
extreme weather events including heat waves,
change;
floods, etc.
b. Initiate pilot projects on adaptation efforts in the
b. Encourage multinational firms and agencies to
forestry sector with multilateral assistance;
support awareness campaigns on benefits of
forest ecosystems through ‘Corporate Social c. Ensure implementation of UNFCCC’s decisions
Responsibility’. on REDD+ to obtain result based payments
against carbon sequestration potential of
existing forest resource.
II. Research & Education
a. Encourage empirical research on adaptation
of forests, biodiversity and forest management V. Forest Management
systems to climate change; a. Aggressively pursue afforestation and
reforestation programs with plantation suited
b. Encourage collaboration with international
to the effects of climate change;
scientific bodies to extend their forest related
adaptation research into Pakistan; b. Restore degraded mangrove forests in
the deltaic region and prevent their further
c. Encourage research on forest pathology at
degradation by allowing minimum necessary
provincial level to curtail insect/disease damage
environmental flows downstream of Kotri;
to forests;
c. Explore the use of new planning and decision-­
d. Establish a federal level Center of Excellence
making support tools to deal with uncertainty
on forestry for international level research and
and risk in long-­‐term forest planning;
higher level education.
d. Investigate and discover new forest
management and adaptive planning options
III. Reforms in Governance
in line with the scientific research on climate
a. Resolve Issues in the land tenure system change;
of forest areas on a priority basis, in close
e. Endorse area specific adaptive forest
consultation with local communities to stream
management and conservation practices
line adaptation measures;
with greater participation of forest dependent
b. Facilitate professional leadership for the sake of communities;
better management of forests;
f. Ensure documentation and utilization of
c. Develop effective mechanisms to safeguard indigenous knowledge while managing various
the interests of vulnerable forest dependent types of forests in the context of climate change;
communities;
g. Ensure management, protection and connection
d. Streamline forest ownership structures in to of forest fragments to increase resilience
national and local level policies and minimize adverse impact from external
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 12

pressures; mountain forest areas such as vegetation lines,

h. Promote the sustainable management of check dams and spurs.
forests according to national and international VII. Reducing Forest Fires, Disease Outbreaks and
norms; Other Damage
i. Consider expanding protected areas in the a. Establish forest fire prediction and protection
country with respect to ecological parameters services in the country;
including conservation of wildlife and their b. Enhance capacity building of forest departments
habitats; to combat forest fires and involve forest
j. Enforce laws and regulations required communities in detection and suppression of
for addressing the illegal trade in timber/ wildfires;
deforestation; c. Ensure biological control of forest pests by
k. Encourage use of alternate fuels to prevent maintaining viable populations of predatory
deforestation; birds and insects;

l. Encourage sustainable use of non-­‐timber d. Encourage afforestation of indigenous species

forest produce (NTFP) including wild fauna and and only useful and tested exotic species;
birds; e. Increase the species mix to enhance the
m. Pilot Natural Capital Accounts NCA for protected adaptive capacity of forests as part of a pest
ecosystems. and disease management strategy;
f. Promote integrated pest management
VI. Arresting Soil Erosion practices;

a. Ensure management of forest lands in g. Fabricate uneven and aged forest belts around
accordance with water and soil management forest parks to avoid adverse effects of possible
strategies; snow and windstorms;

b. Carryout afforestation of barren and degraded h. Adopt area and species specific adaptive
lands as well as uphill water shed areas to silvicultural practices to reduce environmental
control sediment and various types of soil damage.
erosion;
c. Identify and declare uphill fragile watershed 4.5. BIODIVERSITY
areas as sensitive and bring them under special Biological diversity is a fundamental building
silvicultural management by involving local block of the services that ecosystems deliver to
communities to check floods and siltation of human societies. Intrinsically important due to
water reservoirs; its contribution to the functioning of ecosystems,
d. Apply various slope stabilization and run-­‐ biological diversity is difficult to recover or replace
off reduction techniques at exposed sites in once eroded. As mentioned earlier (Section
13 | National Climate Change Policy

4.4), climate change is likely to have severe To conserve, restore and protect the biological
consequences on the entire ecological system, diversity of Pakistan, the Government shall take the
and biological diversity in Pakistan is no exception. following policy measures:
Climate change is likely to impact on the phenology
Policy Measures
and species distribution along with community
a. Encourage empirical research at national key
composition and ecosystem dynamics. A rapid
research institutions on flora and fauna in
increase in temperature, for instance, may exceed
the context of their responses to current and
the ability of many species to adapt to these
historical climatic changes;
changes. The best answer to these challenges is
the “Ecosystem-­‐ based Adaptation” (EbA), involving b. Set National Biodiversity Indicators and
the conservation, sustainable management and provide the requisite financial resources for
restoration of ecosystems that can help people implementation of the Biodiversity Action
adapt to the impacts of climate change. Plan(BAP);
c. Ensure the integrity of all ecosystems and the
The Government of Pakistan in December 2019
protection of biodiversity in the country to deal
launched its very innovative ‘Ecosystem Restoration
with climate change adaptation and mitigation
Initiative (ESRI) for facilitating transition towards
challenges;
environmentally resilient Pakistan by mainstreaming
adaptation and mitigation through ecologically d. Establish gene banks, seed banks, zoos and
targeted initiatives. This initiative also established botanical gardens to conserve the biological
an independent, transparent and comprehensive diversity of valuable species;
financial mechanism in Pakistan called “Ecosystem e. Integrate conservation and protection of
Restoration Fund (ESRF)” to finance the projects biological diversity in to various disciplines such
and programmes under the initiative. This fund as forestry and marine and pastures;
will facilitate Pakistan’s transition towards climate
f. Adopt ‘Ecosystem-­based Adaptation ’as part of
compatible development. The fund’s present
an overall adaptation strategy to help people to
initiatives include afforestation, biodiversity
adapt to the adverse effects of climate change;
conservation, marine conservation, promotion of
g. Encourage involvement of local communities
eco-­tourism and electric vehicles.
in conservation and sustainable use of
The Government of Pakistan launched “Protected biodiversity;
Areas Initiative” in 2020. The main objective of the
h. Take necessary measures to establish nature
initiative is to develop 15 model protected areas
reserves in areas that are rich in biodiversity to
across the country and expand protected areas to at
preserve their existence;
least 15% of Pakistan’s area by 2023. Furthermore,
conservation of biodiversity shall be increased with i. Establish protected areas in all vulnerable
proper management plans, legislative interventions ecosystems, particularly in coastal and marine
as well as standardized eco-­infrastructure designs. areas;
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 14

j. Assist genetically impoverished species or of people living there, the Government shall
those that have important ecosystem functions take the following measures:
by providing natural migration corridors as well
Policy Measures
as assisted migration;
a. Carry out detailed studies to identify the
k. Ensure proper management and mitigation most fragile and resilient ecosystems in
of invasive species that are expanding due to all ecological zones;
climate change effect;
b. Develop a program to prevent crop
l. Ensure proper management through biological damage due to unexpected weather
control of pests (locust) to prevent economic changes by introducing cold and drought
loss; resistant short duration cereal crops
m. Ensure the expansion of current protected area suited for high altitudes;
coverage, and make these protected areas fully c. Set pilot projects to test warmer areas
functional with proper ecological management ’high-­‐yielding crop varieties in the
plan to ensure future ecosystem sustenance. mountain areas because the projected
global warming may render these varieties
4.6. OTHER VULNERABLE ECOSYSTEMS suitable for some mountain areas;

4.6.1. Mountain Areas d. Introduce new feed stock technology for

cattle and livestock suited to drier, harsher
The most likely climate change risks to the
climates at high altitudes;
mountain areas of Pakistan are: Increase
e. Prevent accumulation of solid waste, trash
in frequency and intensity of precipitation,
and unwanted bio-­‐mass in mountain
resulting in more frequent flash floods
areas;
and landslides; Increase in intensity of
wind storms and lightning, resulting in top f. Ensure that slope stabilization is a
soil erosion and forest fires; Increase in mandatory part of all road construction
temperature, resulting in rapid glacier melting projects to minimize landslides;
and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) g. Develop auditing systems for trekking
and change in cropping patterns. expeditions to reduce fuel and waste
The Government of Pakistan is presently generation;
undertaking a Glacier Lake Outburst Floods h. Restrict commercial activities such
(GLOFs) risk reduction project in Northern as illegal trade in timber and other
Pakistan. It aims to empower communities development activities detrimental to
to identify and manage risks associated mountain ecology with community
with GLOFs and improve community’s involvement;
preparedness and disaster response. i. Ensure involvement of local communities
To safeguard against likely climate change in conservation of mountain biodiversity;
impacts on mountain areas and to safeguard j. Ensure minimal exploitation of water
their ecosystems and ensure the livelihoods shed areas declared as sensitive;
15 | National Climate Change Policy

k. Promote the growth of natural barriers ensure food security, based on livestock
such as shrubs on mountain slopes, and pasture management, and ecosystem
to protect agricultural terraces from maintenance in the light of impending climate
extreme soil erosion, wind, hail storm change impacts, the Government of Pakistan
and snow storm related damage; shall take the following policy measures:
l. Effect on mountain species due to
climate change may be overcome by Policy Measures
preventing human– wildlife conflicts; a. Ensure building vegetative barriers
m. Promote the use of gravity drip irrigation to safeguard against the erosion of
and hydraulic ram pumps in the pastures and rangelands’ top soil,
mountainous areas of Pakistan; particularly at higher altitudes;
n. Promote and encourage the use of b. Control and maintain lives tock densities
glacier grafting techniques in high for optimal output;
altitude areas; c. Ensure close coordination among forest
o. Develop and maintain a sustainable and livestock departments for efficient
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) management of rangelands and other
community-­‐based disaster response resources while ensuring the rights of
and risk management system; the indigenous people;
p. Undertake a comprehensive study to d. Ensure the maintenance of soil and
find and address the impact of “Black sub-­‐soil moisture and vegetative cover
Carbon Soot” and “Atmospheric Brown to safeguard rangelands from turning
Cloud” on Pakistan’s glaciers and their into deserts;
connection to climate change. e. Improve soil quality by using native and
hybrid soil nutrient fixing vegetation;
4.6.2. Range lands and Pastures f. Promote rotational livestock grazing
methods in pastures and rangelands,
The National Range lands Policy provides a
to facilitate regeneration of grasses and
detailed sketch for range lands development
other vegetation;
in Pakistan. The role of range lands in
environmental conservation is vital and g. Ensure use of mixed herd so flow
important, and their existence and health maintenance, high production livestock
is critical for conserving biodiversity in for increased efficiency and low
Pakistan. Degradation of rangelands results ecosystem impact;
in gradual loss of flora and fauna. The h. Designate alternative pastures and
potential effects of climate change on range passages, in case of earlier or later than
lands and pastures in Pakistan are: reduced usual weather change;
precipitation, increased heat, stronger wind,
i. Improve the quality of rangelands by
increased soil erosion and abrupt weather
changes in mountain pasture areas. To
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 16

increasing native rangeland vegetation Policy Measures

and planting adapted forest species; a. Find a technological breakthrough for
j. Implement appropriate range land irrigation systems, to raise vegetative
management systems based on cover in extremely difficult and harsh
ecological principles; arid zone areas;

k. Revive rangelands and create artificial b. Ensure building of vegetative barriers for
wetlands wherever secondary water safeguarding against sand storms near
resources are available or rain harvesting human habitats;
is possible; c. Encourage development of
l. Using appropriate varieties of grass, technological innovations for improved
increase grass lands in saline and water efficiency for crops, including
water logged zones to prevent their artificial ground water recharge;
degradation; d. Promote “low delta crops” and research
m. Designate an appropriate provincial on drought and pest resistant crops;
authority to exclusively oversee and e. Discourage plantation of high water
manage rangelands. demanding trees except in water logged
areas;

4.6.3. Arid and Hyper-­Arid Areas f. Undertake development of drought

resistant shrubs, fodder crops and
Desert dwellings and habitats in Pakistan
grasses for pastures and oases for
are highly fragile and are likely to be
livestock;
more vulnerable in the wake of climate
change. These fragile arid and semi-­‐ g. Encourage and promote the use of
arid ecosystems are in urgent need of local and hybrid livestock species best
integrated conservation approaches for adapted to arid and desert ecosystems
adaptation to climate change. Areas with for minimal maintenance;
active desertification and soil degradation h. Develop technologically efficient
in Pakistan are facing severe environmental equipment and procedures for the
problems. There is an immediate need to rehabilitation of Karez irrigation systems
design “Desertification Indicator Sets (DIS)” including artificial recharge of ground
to harmonize an information system that water;
may help to organize socio economic and i. Promote sand dune stabilization and
soil information to identify climate change soil moisture conservation techniques;
impacts and adaptation strategies. For
j. Ensure sustainable harvesting of
ecosystem maintenance, innovative crops
indigenous dry land tree species.
and livestock management in arid and hyper-­‐
arid areas in the light of impending climate
change impact, the Government of Pakistan
shall take the following policy measures:
17 | National Climate Change Policy

4.6.4 Coastal and Marine Ecosystems potential carbon stock of coastal ecosystem
and mangroves. Pakistan with the assistance
Pakistan’s coast is home to the 7th largest
of World Bank has undertook its first blue
mangrove forest of the world in Indus delta.
carbon estimation study, in which the World
This mangrove coverage has increased by
Bank has estimated that the country’s new
300 percent over the past decade, making it
plantation projects if nurtured successfully
the world’s only country with an expanding
would be worth $500m by 2050.
mangrove cover. These forests have potential
to sequester carbon 3 to 5 times higher than On the other hand, coastal areas in Pakistan
the terrestrial forests. Being recognized forth are exposed to a number of natural hazards
is potential, these ecosystems are considered due to climate change. Tropical cyclones,
as a cost-­‐effective nature-­‐based solution to severe storms, floods, shore line erosion and
not only sequester carbon but also provide other hazards all affect our coastal areas,
resilience to the local community living near causing loss of life and damage to property
them from climate-­‐induced hazards and and infrastructure. Possible impacts of
provide livelihood through sustaining marine projected sea level rise in Pakistan could be
biodiversity. Therefore, to benefit from this erosion of beaches, flooding and inundation
mitigation and adaptation potential Pakistan of wetlands and lowlands, salinization of
should protect these ecosystems from future ground water and surface waters, and
degradation. increased intrusion of seawater into the
Indus deltaic region (IDR) as well as the
The ‘Blue Economy’ is an emerging concept
increased risk of cyclones originating in
which encourages sustainable use of ocean
the Arabian Sea. Similarly, in addition to the
resources for economic growth, improved
adverse impacts due to receipt to fun treated
livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the
domestic and industrial sewage in shallow
health of marine and coastal ecosystem.
sea environment along coastal dwellings
The Blue Economy sector presents many
and industrial zones, the Pakistan’s marine
investment opportunities in the Maritime
coastal ecosystems are likely to be severely
Sector in Pakistan.
impacted by climate change: change in
In a recent study, it has been estimated that sea water temperature and acidification;
the wood and soil of mangrove forests along cyclones; relocation and movement of marine
the world’s coastlines hold 3 billion metric fish and mammals; and heat induced drying
tons of carbon —more than tropical forests. of deltaic areas. To safeguard coastal areas
Pakistan is also estimating the economic and the marine ecosystem from likely climate
value of millions of tons of carbons stored change impacts, the Government of Pakistan
in the mangroves forest and subsequently in shall take the following measures:
the country’s ocean waters.

The Government of Pakistan, in December

Policy Measures
2020, launched a “Blue Carbon Project”
a. Ensure building of natural barriers;
for making an accurate estimation of the
plantation and regeneration of
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 18

mangroves, coastal palm and other stock movement to help understand

trees suitable to the area to control impacts of the climate change;
sand and soil erosion and to minimize k. Identify vulnerable coastal areas
the disastrous impacts of cyclones and that should be protected from
tsunamis; any infrastructure construction or
b. Construct barriers near low lying coastal commercial activities and notify the
human clusters to safeguard against level of activities allowed in these areas;
rising sea level and cyclones; l. Sustain tourism opportunities through
c. Develop salinity tolerant crop cultivars well-­
designed marine management
for coastal agriculture; that allows for sustained ecological,
d. Maintain optimal river water flow for economic and social benefits;
continuation of sediment and nutrient m. Diversify livelihood opportunities for the
transfer to the marine ecosystem and to local coastal communities to limit in-­
reduce intrusion of saline seawater into land migrations.
coastal regions;
e. Ministry of Climate Change may assist 4.6.5. Wetlands
Ministry of Maritime Affairs to fully
Pakistan’s wetlands play an important
exploit the potential of ‘Blue Economy’
role in maintaining and sustaining regional
while preserving the health of marine ad
ecological processes that support globally
coastal ecosystem.
important biodiversity such as bird migration
f. Develop Natural Capital Accounting
routes and wintering grounds. A significant
(NCA) system for coastal and marine
fraction of Pakistan’s wetlands-­ dependent
ecosystems to quantify benefits and
biodiversity, however, is classified as
improved management;
endemically threatened and vulnerable.
g. Reduce and control solid and liquid There has been a dramatic change in the
pollution and waste disposal in bay areas; ecosystem of wetlands in Pakistan in the last
h. Assess potential climate change threats ten years, affecting their ability to function
to the fishing sector and develop as a habitat for water fowl, shore birds,
appropriate adaptation measures and migratory birds. Pakistan is presently
including the promotion of aqua culture; working on an initiative “Recharge Pakistan”.
This initiative will build Pakistan’s resilience
i. Maintain appropriate marine
to climate change, water security and
ecosystems and fish habitats for a
integrated flood management through cost-­
healthy fisheries sector;
effective ecosystem-­based adaptation. This
j. Build capacities of local coastal
will also increase ground water recharge
communities and specifically the
through wetlands, promote climate-adapted
Fishermen Cooperative Societies to
community based natural resources
monitor and report changes in sea
management and livelihoods.
currents, sea temperatures, and fish
19 | National Climate Change Policy

To protect, sustain and enhance the wetlands timber in catchment areas;

in Pakistan, the Government, in collaboration k. Ensure setting up of scientific analysis
with the relevant entities, shall take the systems to check water quality of the
following policy measures: wetlands;
l. Design adequate procedures to control
Policy Measures: organic and inorganic pollution of
a. Ensure conservation and management wetlands, including flow of agricultural
of high altitude wetlands; chemicals and pesticides into wetlands;

b. Explore possibilities for designing m. Ensure the design and implementation of

and creating artificial wetlands at sustainable, participatory management
appropriate spots of ecological concern; plans for independent demonstration
sites, each chosen to be representative
c. Promote identification of the risks and
of abroad eco-­region in Pakistan;
impact of climate change on Pakistan’s
wetlands; n. Devise strategies to involve local
communities residing across specific
d. Recognize and enhance the role played
wetland zones to participate in matters
by wetlands in natural disaster protection
and measures/procedures to maintain
and climate change mitigation;
and uplift the esthetics of the wetlands.
e. Ensure the implementations of Ramsar
Advisory Missions to Pakistan’s
recommendations; 4.7. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

f. Ensure control of and slow down Climate change is likely to increase climate-­related
the conversion of wetlands and their natural disasters with the projected increase in the
immediate surroundings for agriculture frequency and intensity of extreme weather events,
and grazing purposes; including floods, droughts, cyclones, landslides
triggered by heavy rains and urban flooding due
g. Ensure adequate water supply allowing
to congestion of storm drainage. Climate change
ecologically necessary water flows to
projections are scenario based, and hence have
estuaries, peat lands, rivers, streams and
some degree of uncertainty. Nonetheless, there are
lake marshes, mud flats and inter-­tidal
strong indications that in South Asia, particularly
areas;
in Pakistan, climate change is intensifying the
h. Develop adaptation mechanisms for above-­mentioned hazards. Pakistan is already
wetlands and communities dependent experiencing climate change impacts which are
on wet lands that are threatened by too visible to ignore. Most disasters or hazards
climate change; that lead to destruction cannot be prevented; their
i. Ensure balanced harvesting of wetlands impact however, can be minimized by adaptation
resources and grazing in these areas; and preparedness measures. To address disaster
j. Ensure control of siltation of wetlands management in the context of climate change in
by reducing deforestation and felling of a holistic manner, the Government of Pakistan, in
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 20

collaboration with other relevant entities, shall take communities’ evacuation plans for vulnerable
the following measures: coastal and other areas against cyclones and
sea storms;
h. Construct cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal
Policy Measures
areas;
a. Allocate adequate financial and other i. Redesign and construct disaster resilient
resources to implement “National Disaster hospitals, dispensaries as well as multi-­‐
Risk Management Framework ”formulated by purpose school buildings to be used as safe
NDMA; shelters during natural calamities;
b. Ensure the implementation of Sendai Framework j. Ensure community participation in early warning
for Disaster Risk Reduction’s following dissemination and disaster risk reduction
priorities actions to prevent new and reduce activities, particularly in developing evacuation
Existing disaster risks: (i) Understanding plans;
disaster risk; (ii) Strengthening disaster risk
k. Ensure that the elderly, children, disabled and
governance to manage disaster risk; (iii)
women get particular priority in evacuation
Investing in disaster reduction for resilience
strategies;
and; (iv) Enhancing disaster preparedness for
effective response, and to “Build Back Better” in l. Set up appropriate mechanisms to monitor
recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction; the development of glacial lakes and develop
evacuation strategies in case of Glacial Lake
c. Develop disaster management institutions,
Outburst Floods (GLOF) for vulnerable areas;
mechanisms and capacities that are capable
of addressing multiple hazards and raises the m. Undertake risk mapping for possible avalanches
resilience, efficiency and effectiveness of the and landslides in vulnerable mountain areas
whole system as outlined in National DRR and take precautionary measures accordingly;
Policy-­2013; n. Undertake GIS mapping of all existing irrigation
d. Clearly define coordination mechanisms infrastructure especially flood embankments
outlining the roles and responsibilities of each for efficient monitoring and flood management;
concerned department during natural disasters; o. Establish local flash flood forecasting and
e. Prefer and invest in cost-­effective and no-­regret warning systems in vulnerable mountainous
‘nature-­based solutions’ (NBS) to disaster risk areas;
reduction in order to minimize our vulnerability p. Strengthen flood forecasting, drought
to future events; monitoring and early warning systems in the
f. Redesign and upgrade storm drainage capacity country;
of major cities, especially Karachi and Lahore, q. Enhance capacities to address the impact
keeping in view the likely climate change related of floods, flash floods, droughts and so on by
increase in short duration intense rainfall events; strengthening the relevant agencies;
g. Strengthen early warning systems and develop r. Develop an ‘assessment and compensation
21 | National Climate Change Policy

mechanism’ including insurance for loss technical capacity and insufficient financial
and damage in the aftermath of disasters, resources to cope with climatic extremes.
and measures for infrastructure and soil
One of the objectives and goals of economic
rehabilitation;
development planning in Pakistan is poverty
s. Develop a mix of strategies for flood alleviation. With the onset of climate change
management which may include use of dams the plight of the poor is becoming even
for managing flood peaks, retarding basins and more miserable. Therefore, it is imperative
providing escape channels; to incorporate the possible impact of climate
t. Undertake formulation and enforcement of change on communities living in deprivation
“River Flood Plain” regulations and laws; and poverty, in to future developmental plans
for Pakistan.
u. Undertake dam break studies to analyze issues
such as flood routing; The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
v. Ensure the required strengthening and which replaced Millennium Development
enhancement of barrage capacity; Goals (MDGs), were adopted by all United
Nations Member
w. Undertake hydrological modeling and flood
plain mapping/zoning of the Indus River system States in 2015 as a universal call to end
against climate change scenarios to estimate poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all
various projected flood levels; people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
x. Plan, design, construct and strengthen The 17 SDGs, which include SDG-­‐13 relating
appropriate flood embankments, dyke sand to climate change, all are closely related and
protective bunds to protect flood plains in the action in one area will affect outcomes in
light of likely flood levels; others, and as such, the development must
balance social, economic and environmental
y. Ensure that infrastructure, including
sustainability.
telecommunication, power, utilities and
transport are resilient to the impact of climate SDG-­‐13 is a dedicated goal towards
change, particularly to extreme weather events. combating climate change-­‐Climate Action:
Take urgent action to combat climate change
and its impacts. It includes several targets
4.8. SOCIO ECONOMIC MEASURES
that aim to minimize the climate change risks.
4.8.1. Poverty Building resilience and adaptive capacity to
Climate change poses a serious risk to climate related disasters, improve education,
poverty reduction efforts and threatens to awareness and institutional capacity on
undo decades of development efforts. While Climate Change mitigation, adaptation,
climate change is a global phenomenon, its impact reduction and early warning are
negative impact is more severely felt by poor its components. Whereas the ‘Goals’ of
people and underdeveloped countries. They eradicating poverty, improving food security,
are more vulnerable because of their high health and education are the key aspects of
dependence on natural resources, their limited human development.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 22

During the current situation of pandemic communities for enhanced and efficient
COVID-­‐19, the Ministry of Climate Change natural resources management;
launched Green Economic Stimulus which f. Improve access of poor communities
aims at promoting environmental activities to appropriate technologies for
which can also have economic impacts. The crop production, integrated pest
Stimulus would focus on creating livelihood management and credit facilities for
opportunities for daily wagers in the forestry agricultural development;
and waste management sectors.
g. Ensure that the development process is
In Pakistan, with its rapidly increasing sustainable and caters to the needs of
population, particularly among those below the poor;
the poverty line, renewed effort is needed
h. Strengthen the capacity of government
to involve local communities in population
in situations to implement coherent
control programs and in managing natural
and mutually supportive policies and
resources as a part of training and education
action plans to achieve the SDGs
towards economic well-­‐being. To address
implementation in time and in ways
the problems of poor communities living in
that balance economic, social and
Pakistan’s urban areas and those living in
environmental goals;
the rural areas practicing agriculture, in the
i. Diversify livelihood opportunities for
context of climate change, the Government
vulnerable communities to advance
of Pakistan shall take the following measures:
socio-­economic stability and cater for
climate-­induced migrations.
Policy Measures
a. Integrate the poverty-­‐climate change
4.8.2. Gender
nexus in to economic policies and plans;
Climate change has differentiated drivers
b. Ensure the implementation and
and impacts and is overall most likely to
expansion of national population
affect poor and underprivileged regions,
planning strategies and programs, as
communities and people disproportionately
the population explosion is likely to
as they are marginalized, weak and more
significantly exacerbate the impact of
vulnerable and have the least resources to
climate change;
adapt. In Pakistan, women are likely to be
c. Enhance general awareness of the strongly affected by climate change as the
problems of unchecked population majority of rural women are engaged in the
growth and the demands it places on agriculture and forest sector, which is highly
natural resources; climate sensitive. Climate change is expected
d. Enhance the resilience of vulnerable to increase the work of agriculture production
communities to climate-­related risks; and other subsistence activities such as
e. Strengthen community level climate collecting fuel wood and water, putting extra
change adaptation measures to prepare pressure on women. Further, women are
23 | National Climate Change Policy

found to be more vulnerable during extreme of women from climate change

climate events and disaster; this is in part due impacts, particularly in relation to
to gendered roles and division of labor, which their critical roles in rural areas in
often put women at risk and exacerbates work providing water, food, energy and in
burden in times of crisis, but also because livestock management;
women tend to have far fewer assets and c. Recognize and value women’s
resources to cope and recover from climatic contribution in the usage and
and disaster events. management of natural resources
Pakistan fully recognizes that advancing and other activities impacted by
gender equality is an important part of a climate change;
sustainable and resilient path for the whole d. Undertake a comprehensive study of
population and that women are powerful the gender-­d ifferentiated impacts of
agents of change. It is therefore vital to ensure climate change with particular focus
participation of women and female gender on gender difference in capabilities to
experts in all policies, initiatives and decisions cope with climate change adaptation
relating to climate change. The Government and mitigation strategies in Pakistan;
of Pakistan is developing a national Climate
e. Develop gender-­s ensitive criteria and
Change Gender Action Plan (ccGAP) as a
indicators related to adaptation and
tool to enhance knowledge and capacities,
vulnerability, as gender differences in
identify gaps and enabling conditions, and
this area are most crucial and most
build coordination and actions to strengthen
visible;
gender-­‐responsive strategies and results
f. Develop and implement climate
to meet the country’s climate change
change vulnerability-­reduction
objectives. Pakistan’s Nationally Determined
measures that focus particularly
Contributions (NDC) revisions also include a
on women’s needs and empower
targeted plan and strategy for incorporation
women’s groups and networks;
of youth and women in greater climate action.
g. Incorporate an appropriate role for
To address the gender aspects of vulnerability
women in to the decision-­ m aking
from climate change, the Government of
process on climate change mitigation
Pakistan, in collaboration with other relevant
and adaptation initiatives;
entities, shall take the following policy
measures: h. Develop climate change adaptation
measures on local and indigenous
knowledge particularly held by
Policy Measures women;
a. Mainstream gender perspectives into i. Adopt rules under which it is
climate change efforts at national and mandatory for all Ministry of Climate
regional levels; Change(MoCC) projects to take
b. Take steps to reduce the vulnerability gender considerations into account;
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 24

j. Increase the understanding of gender l. Review and adjust relevant National

roles and responsibilities through Policies to make them gender
applying a gender analysis to the sensitive;
project and programme planning m. Include gender and climate change
cycle; in to the school curriculum and in
k. Include gender responsive budgets livestock management;
and resource allocation in all projects n. Provide enabling opportunities for
and programmes; youth to play a role in climate action.
25 | National Climate Change Policy

SECTION - 05

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

Pakistan’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per-­‐ a reduction of 15 % in GHG emissions amounts
capita are low compared to international standards. to USD 15.6billion, whereas a 10 % reduction is
In 2017-­‐18 Pakistan’s total GHG emissions were calculated as USD 5.5 billion. Pakistan has clearly
490 million tons of CO2 equivalents. indicated in its Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs) that the indicated mitigation potential can
The Agriculture, Forestry & Land Use sector is the
be realized through international support in the form
largest source of GHG emissions in Pakistan; it
of financial grants, technical assistance, technology
accounts for nearly 46% of these emissions and
transfer and capacity building under the ‘Common
is followed by the energy sector (45%), industrial
But Differentiated Responsibilities’ (CBDR) principle
processes (5%), emissions and waste (4%) (Source:
of the Paris Climate Agreement.
National GHG Inventory 2017-­‐18). As such, the
most important targets for mitigation efforts Most recently the Prime Minister in his speech at
focused on reduction of GHG emissions are the the ‘UN Climate Ambition Summit’ in December
energy and agriculture sectors. In the energy sector, 2020 has set the direction of Pakistan’s pathway
integration of climate change and energy policy to decarbonizing the country’s economy. He
objectives is particularly important as today’s declared that 60 percent of all energy produced
investment will “lock in” the infrastructure, fuel in the country by 2030 will be ‘clean and through
and technologies to be used for decades to come. renewable resources, thirty percent of all the
Similarly, the building and transport infrastructure country’s passenger and heavy-­‐duty vehicles
put in place today should meet the design needs of will be electric vehicles and that Pakistan will no
the future. Therefore, greater attention must be paid longer pursue imported coal power plants. These
to energy efficiency requirements in building codes broad pronouncements in addition to a “Ten Billion
and long-­‐term transport planning. Tree Tsunami Afforestation Initiative” can provide
the country’s roadmap for decarburization and
At a time when future emissions are set to grow
achievement of NDCs goals.
rapidly, the country also offers a huge potential for
mitigation in almost all sectors of the economy.
Based on economic analysis, a reduction of up
5.1. ENERGY GENERATION
to 20% in the projected emission figures for 2030
would require an investment of approximately USD Pakistan’s energy sector has, besides furnace oil,
40 billion, calculated at current prices. Similarly, high reliance on natural gas (the fossil fuel with
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 26

the lowest carbon intensity), and low reliance on local communities are properly assessed and
coal (fossil fuel with the highest carbon intensity) addressed;
in utter contrast to the patterns of primary energy c. Ensure to create a conducive environment for
consumption and electricity generation worldwide. the sustainable growth of the Alternate and
It is largely for this reason that the CO2 emissions Renewable Energy (ARE) Sector in Pakistan
per unit of energy consumption in Pakistan are as envisioned and laid down in Alternate &
generally low. Renewable Energy Policy-­2019;
To find solutions to meet current and future energy d. Promote the development of renewable energy
needs, a creative and sustainable energy policy resources and technologies such as solar, wind,
framework is necessary that may help in reducing geothermal, off-­shore renewables and bio-
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The recently energy;
launched Alternate & Renewable Energy (ARE)
e. Promote futuristic building designs with solar
Policy 2019 has a vision of the development
panels for energy self-sufficiency, especially in
of an efficient, sustainable, secure, affordable,
public sector buildings;
competitive and environment friendly power system
f. Plan the necessary expansion of nuclear power
in the country.
for Pakistan’s energy security while ensuring
The Prime Minister on 3rd June 2021 launched the the highest safety standards;
country’s first-­ever “Green Eurobond” by WAPDA for
g. Explore the possibility of obtaining technological
financing environmentally friendly energy projects
know-­ how and its transfer for installation of
to enhance the clean energy share in the country’s
clean coal technologies such as Pressurized-­
power generation mix, which heavily relies on fossil
Fluidized-­
Bed-­Combustion (PFBC) and Near-­
fuels.
Zero Emission Technology (NZET);
The change in energy mix, development of renewable h. Ensure that coal-­fired power stations per
energy resources and an increased share of nuclear format high-­efficiency level and are designed in
and hydroelectric power provide an opportunity such a way that they can be easily retro-­fitted
to reduce carbon emissions in Pakistan’s energy for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS);
sector. The Government of Pakistan shall take the
i. Consider introducing carbon tax on the use of
following policy measures for mitigating its GHG
environmentally detrimental energy generation
emissions:
from fossil fuels;
j. Promote and provide incentives for activities
Policy Measures required for increasing the energy-­‐mix and
a. Give preferential status to the development and switching to low-­‐carbon fossil fuels, and
promotion of hydro power generation as well as develop indigenous technology for CO2
Alternate and Renewable Energy resources; Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS),Waste
Heat Recovery, Co-­‐generation; Coal Bed
b. Ensure that the negative impact of hydro
Methane Capture; and Combined Cycle Power
power projects on the environment as well as
Generation;
27 | National Climate Change Policy

k. Give priority to the import of natural gas, economy, including energy, water and waste/
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied sewage, to achieve the objectives of carbon
Petroleum Gas (LPG) over import of oil and coal, emission reductions;
except for meeting specific fuel requirements, c. Promote energy efficiency and management
e.g. liquid fuel for transportation, cooking coal activities that include new and innovative energy
for the steel industry; efficiency methodologies and techniques in
l. Improve technical capacities and various sectors, especially power generation,
institutional arrangements of existing GHG transport, industry, biomass, and waste;
emissions data collection, data sharing and d. Conduct, support and incentivize energy audits
archiving system in the country; for industry and businesses;
m. Promote energy innovations including net e. Introduce measures to promote sustainable
metering, home solar installations, smart grids energy consumption and production
etc. to promote Renewable energy adoption and
f. Incentivize projects in the field of energy
development;
efficiency and energy conservation;
n. Promote and mobilize local and foreign
g. Enact and enforce energy conservation
investments in Renewable energy markets by
legislation and audit standards;
providing incentives and support mechanisms;
h. Ensure high quality management of energy
o. Promote off-­‐grid renewable energy
production and supply, including reduction in
development in rural and remote areas by
transmission and distribution losses;
providing regulatory frameworks.
i. Improve energy efficiency in building by
standardizing building and construction codes
5.2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY and legislating/creating incentives for retro
CONSERVATION fitting, maximum use of natural light, better
Energy efficiency improvement, energy conservation insulation and use of energy efficient lights,
and demand reduction provide excellent and cost boilers, appliances and ground water pumping
effective ways to ensure sufficient energy supply units;
to achieve economic development goals, reduce j. Promote and gradually make it mandatory to
carbon emissions and achieve climate change specify the energy efficiency/fuel consumption
mitigation goals. The Government of Pakistan shall, rates of energy using equipment and devices of
therefore, take up the following policy measures: common use.

Policy Measures
5.3. TRANSPORT
a. Strive to conserve energy and improve energy
efficiency in all energy using devices and The transport sector has shown the highest
processes; emission growth rate of all sectors and accounts
for about a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions in
b. Examine the gradual introduction of “Green
Pakistan (source: National GHG Inventory, 2017-­
Fiscal Reforms” in different sectors of the
‐18).Managing emissions in the transport sector is
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 28

therefore crucial for tackling climate change. What metropolitan cities;

makes this task difficult is the fact that the scope g. Support the private transport sector by
for technical improvement is limited, at least, in the providing incentives for reducing emissions and
short run and that transport volumes are closely environmentally friendly transport services;
linked to economic growth. To meet this carbon
h. Promote the development and adoption of
emission reduction challenge Pakistan has recently
environmentally friendly transport technologies
approved an ambitious National Electric Vehicles
and efficient management techniques;
Policy (NEVP)-­‐2020, with targets and incentives
aimed at seeing electric vehicles capture 30% of all i. Promote greater use of Compressed Natural
the passenger vehicle and heavy-­‐duty truck sales Gas (CNG) in the transport sector to the extent
by 2030, and 90% by 2040. consistent with the availability of CNG in the
market;
Similarly, emissions from the aviation sector are
j. Secure financing for technology innovations
also a matter of concern. Indeed, aircraft emissions
for urban planning and the transport sector,
which are injected directly into the upper atmosphere
specifically to address mitigation issues;
are much more harmful than similar emissions
at the surface because of their longer residence k. Promote the development and installation of
time in the upper troposphere. However, despite new pipelines for efficient transport of oil in the
difficulties, some policy instruments are available to country;
reduce emissions in road and air transport. Hence, l. Improve walking pathways for pedestrians
the Government of Pakistan shall take the following alongside roads with proper traffic sign boards
policy measures: to encourage non-­‐motorized modes of travel;
Policy Measures m. Encourage non-­‐motorized modes of travel,
such as bicycle and walking for shorter
I Road Transport
distances.
a. Sensitize the public to the importance of
proper vehicle maintenance for fuel efficiency
enhancement and reduction of emissions; II Aviation

b. Ensure the provision of a fuel efficient public a. Encourage the national airline to give due
transport system in the country; consideration to new fuel efficient aircrafts,
causing minimum carbon emissions, while
c. Setup and strictly enforce vehicle emission
planning fleet up-­‐gradation;
standards;
b. Support the International Civil Aviation
d. Promote the development and adaptation of
Organization’s (ICAO’s) initiative for carbon
electric vehicles envisioned in Electric Vehicle
emission reduction through improved air traffic
Policy-­‐2020 by providing incentives and by
management, which includes improved weather
developing necessary infrastructure;
services and free flight air routes, instead
e. Examine and implement actions required for the of defined routes, that hold the potential for
use of bio-­‐fuel for local transport; reduced flight time and thus fuel consumption;
f. Plan and develop mass transit systems in c. Participate actively in ICAO’s activities and
29 | National Climate Change Policy

initiatives and ensure that the new strategies to collect, recycle, treat and dispose of increasing
and policies of ICAO do not hurt the economic quantities of solid waste and wastewater. However,
interests of developing countries’ aviation for sustainable development, establishment of
industries. affordable, effective and truly sustainable waste
management practices are a major challenge.

III Railway The Government of Pakistan launched Clean Green

Pakistan Movement (CGPM) in November 2019 and
a. Ensure the provision of an efficient railway
the Clean Green Pakistan Index (CGPI) is its core
system in the country;
pillar. This is a city / tehsil and neighborhood-­‐level
b. Upgrade and expand the railway network in the
index which aims to rank them according to their
country, as the advantages of railway over road
cleanliness and greenery. The CGPI performance
travel in terms of carbon emissions are well
indicators include safe drinking water, solid waste
recognized.
management, liquid waste management/hygiene,
plantation, and total sanitation. The Government
IV Inland Waterways Transport of Pakistan, in this regard, shall assist provincial
a. Develop and promote inland waterways governments to take the following measures:
transportation. Policy Measures
a. Promote the use of digitalization as a tool for
5.4. URBAN PLANNING & WASTE climate change adaptation and sustainable
MANAGEMENT development in urban centers;

Climate change presents a range of socioeconomic b. Mainstream Sustainable Consumption and

implications for urban planning on two counts. One, Production National Action Plan (SCP-­‐NAP)
urban planning is a process by which adaptation to implementation at provincial level for achieving
climate change impacts is possible in urban areas. sustainable city goals;
Two, urban planning influences the level of emissions c. Make installation of wastewater treatment
produced by human settlements by changing fuel plants as an integral part of all urban sewerage
and energy consumption patterns. To adapt and schemes;
mitigate the impacts of climate change, there is d. Adopt integrated waste management,
a need to introduce changes in urban planning treatment, and disposal systems for all types
and building systems. In February 2021 the Prime of waste, while assigning priority to solid waste
Minister launched an ‘urban forestation drive’, on management;
the lines of Miyawaki technique developed in Japan,
e. Adopt separate collection, disposal and re-­‐use
where the trees grow 10 times faster and 30 times
of recyclable, composite and bio degradable
denser. In Islamabad CDA has selected 21 sites and
waste, preferably at source;
in Lahore PHA has selected 51 sites to grow urban
f. Develop and implement plastic waste
forests on the lines of Miyawaki technique.
management tools such as reduce, reuse,
Further, increasing populations and urbanization, recycle, and encourage eco-­‐packing and
are making a major challenge for municipalities
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 30

substitutes for plastic; 5.5. INDUSTRIES

g. Update town planning design principles for The major industries in Pakistan include textiles,
lower carbon footprints; fertilizer, sugar factories, cement, steel and large
h. Encourage and incentivize private sector for petro-­‐chemical plants. These industries, among
designing zero emission buildings through others, contribute more than 5% to the total GHG
renewable energy technology; emissions of the country due to the industrial
processes in use, in addition to being responsible
i. Curb rural-­to-­urban migration, develop
for more than a quarter of the emissions attributed
infrastructure and support facilities in smaller
to the energy sector. The Government of Pakistan
agro-­based towns and periphery urban areas;
shall take the following measures to play its role in
j. Ensure proper “Land Use Planning” and
reducing these emissions in the long-­‐term:
encourage vertical instead of horizontal
expansion of urban housing projects; Policy Measures

k. Conduct comprehensive climate risk & a. Incorporate economic incentives to promote

vulnerability assessment at district level; emission-­‐reduction by upgrading industrial
processes and technologies;
l. Undertake hazard mapping and zoning of areas
before construction; b. Prepare voluntary “Corporate Social
Responsibility” (CSR) guidelines and encourage
m. Ensure that rural housing, particularly
the corporate sector to create a CSR fund to
reconstruction following flood damages is
cover carbon emission reduction efforts in
climate resilient;
industrial sector;
n. Ensure that the industries in large urban areas
c. Detailed aerosol emission impact assessment
are located in the designated areas;
studies must be made a requirement prior to the
o. Make installation of solar water heaters installation of any new small and large industry
mandatory in commercial and public buildings that may be considered a potential source of
where water heating is necessary; pollution;
p. Encourage and support communities d. Promote integration of the “Cleaner Production”
participation in recently launched urban strategy in the Industrial sector by making more
forestation drive to ensure its success; efficient use of inputs such as energy, water and
q. Raise awareness of public on hazards of single-­‐ raw materials;
use plastic to instigate behavior change; e. Promote the use of energy efficient motors in
r. Ensure that the urban forestation drive, on the the industrial sector;
lines of Miyawaki technique, is continued to be f. Encourage the industrial sector to have periodic
implemented in all urban areas of the country; “Energy Efficiency Audits”;
s. Development and adoption of “Green Building g. Develop capacity to monitor and estimate
Code” may be expedited to help reduce negative emissions locally for each industry;
impacts of climate and natural environment.
31 | National Climate Change Policy

h. Ensure that technology transfer is accelerated ecologically sustainable green revolution;

for industries like cement manufacturing, to b. Promote wide-­‐scale adaptation of better
control emissions without hampering the management practices for agriculture and
production process; livestock with a reduction in the use of chemical
i. Explore and introduce incentives for industries fertilizer, water and pesticides;
to adopt low-­‐emission technologies e.g. c. Explore methods to reduce nitrous oxide release
dual-­‐functional materials for Carbon capture, from agricultural soils,
utilization, and storage (CCUS);
E.g. by changing the mix of chemical fertilizers
j. Legislate opportunities for industry to facilitate commonly used;
transition to circular economy model and boost
d. Promote use of green manure, better manure
the market demand for recycled products.
storage and management;
e. Promote development of bio gas and manure
5.6. AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK digester for methane reduction and energy
The agriculture and livestock sectors accounted production through GCF support;
for about 40% of Pakistan’s total GHG emissions in f. Develop and adopt new breeds of cattle which
2017-­‐18. These emissions were largely methane are more productive in terms of milk and meat,
(CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and originated mainly and have lower methane production from
from four sub-­‐sectors:1) enteric fermentation in enteric fermentation;
cattle (all in the form of methane); 2) rice cultivation;

3) Release of nitrous oxide from agricultural soils/ g. Encourage farmers to use appropriate feed
nitrous fertilizer; and 4) manure management. mixes and additives to reduce methane
During 1994-­‐2015 GHG emissions from agriculture production from enteric fermentation/digestion
and livestock in Pakistan grew at the rate of about 4% in cattle;
per annum (Source: National GHG inventory 2017-­ h. Manage water in rice paddies to control releases
‐18). There is a pressing need to find ways to contain of methane from agricultural soils and introduce
these emissions or at least slow down their growth low water dependent rice varieties;
rate. This will require technological innovations and k. Promote not ill farming for methane abatement;
financial resources, for which Pakistan will need the
l. Promote cultivation of crops used for bio-­‐
support of the International community. To mitigate
fuel production, to the extent feasible without
and minimize GHG emissions from the agriculture
threatening the country’s food security;
and livestock sectors, the Government of Pakistan
shall take the following policy measures: m. Develop capacities of the relevant institutions
to undertake appropriate mitigation actions to
Policy Measures
reduce GHG emissions from the agriculture and
a. Promote integration of indigenous knowledge livestock sectors.
and the latest technology with scientific
research to spearhead efforts towards an
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 32

5.7. CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND FORESTRY f. Use the vast mass of cultivable wasteland as a
carbon sink and to build up organic soil matter;
Mitigation of climate change is a global responsibility.
As outlined in the Task Force Climate Change Report, g. Provide incentives and alternative fuel
Pakistan’s Forestry and Other Land Uses sector and livelihood options to forest dependent
contributes about 5% to the total GHG emissions communities to prevent deforestation;
of the country, considerable mitigation potential h. Promote farm forestry practices by planting
exists in the sector through carbon sequestration multipurpose fast-­‐growing species to meet
via afforestation and reforestation measures as well the needs for timber, fuel wood and fodder for
as preventing deforestation in Pakistan. livestock;
The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with i. Encourage and support forestry personnel in
national entities and support from multilateral carbon forestry project development;
agencies, shall take the following measures in the j. Establish linkages with regulated and voluntary
forestry sector to sequester atmospheric carbon, carbon markets to promote and encourage
thereby mitigating climate change. forestry mitigation projects in Pakistan;
Policy Measures k. Secure financial assistance from the World
a. Enhance natural carbon sinks by afforestation, Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
reforestation and protecting natural systems, (FCPF) and UN-­‐REDD (Reducing Emissions
including rehabilitation of degraded areas that from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)
contribute to carbon sequestration; program as well as from other international
sources to formulate a national program for
b. Devise a strategy to avoid carbon dioxide
avoiding deforestation and promoting forest
emission from planned mangrove plantation
restoration;
drives under ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami’ (TBTT)
and Reducing Emission from Deforestation and l. Prepare the framework for a national REDD
Forest Degradation (REDD+); strategy on priority basis and ensure its
implementation in accordance with international
c. Quantify carbon stocks in existing forests with
conventions/processes;
specific focus on recovered and protected
forests to identify the monetary values of these m. Develop the legal and institutional frame work
ecosystems; for improved forest management, investment
clearly specifying rights to REDD + credits;
d. Strictly prohibit illegal forest cutting and
conversion of forest land to non-­‐ forest uses; n. Restore and establish the blue carbon
sequestration capacity of mangroves, and tidal
e. Enact and enforce laws and regulations
marshes.
required for addressing illegal trade in timber
and deforestation.
33 | National Climate Change Policy

SECTION - 06

6. CAPACITY BUILDING AND

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING

Expertise to address climate change is meager in the Climate Change1. The specific role of this inter-­‐
country. Pakistan is hardly prepared to meet the 21st ministerial committee is to oversee the status of
century’s biggest challenge of climate change as far implementation of the National Climate Change
as human resources and institutional capacities are Policy across the federating units, and to ensure the
concerned. Insufficient trained human resource is a creation of an enabling environment for integrated
big constraint, in part, due to a brain drain, limited climate compatible development.
investment in climate change education, and lack
The committee would also provide the highest level
of demand and opportunity for skilled individuals in
of strategic guidance and a platform to coordinate
Pakistan. The country does not have enough climate
efforts across the country.
change scientists, modelers, technologists and
experts who can handle international negotiations, Further, a number of area specific policy measures
which are critical for every country. Similarly, there is are mentioned in relevant sections and will generally
lack of credible institutions in Pakistan to deal with not be repeated here. However to address the
comprehensive climate change science, modeling, deficiencies in climate change related requirements,
management, adaptation, mitigation, and policy human resources and institutions, the Government
issues. Since capacity building and institutional of Pakistan shall take the following measures:
strengthening is a priority area for the government, Policy Measures
as such one of the recent key developments is the
I. Institutional Mechanisms
passage of Pakistan Climate Change Act-­‐2017,
which envisages establishment of a high-­‐powered a. Establish Climate Change Cells in sectoral
Pakistan Climate Change Authority and Pakistan federal and provincial ministries;
Climate Change Fund. The Fund will mobilize b. Ensure that actions envisaged in CC Act-­‐2017
resources from both domestic and international regarding the establishment of Climate Change
sources for providing finances to support mitigation Fund and CC Authority are functional at the
and adaptation initiatives in the country. earliest;
Recently the Government of Pakistan has c. Create an enabling environment for private
constituted a Prime Minister’s Committee on sector engagement in CC adaptation and

1.Composition of Committee: The committee headed by the prime minister includes federal ministers of planning& development,
finance, power, food security, water resources, climate change and provincial chief ministers.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 34

mitigation activities that will catalyze greater Impact Assessment (EIA) processes;
and more frequent investments at a lower k. Help establish institutional linkages among
cost and will also accelerate the replication of national institutions in the South Asian region
climate-­‐resilient technologies and approaches to facilitate sharing of knowledge, information
in core development sectors; and capacity building programs in climate
d. Develop and enforce rules under which climate change related areas and jointly tackling the
change assessment is mandatory for all trans boundary water, air quality and pandemic
development project’ s approval, where federal concerns (locust, Covid etc.);
funding is involved; l. Strengthen the carbon market initiative through
e. Develop and strengthen a Monitoring, National Committee on Establishment of
Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for Carbon Markets and interim secretariat housed
evaluation of emission reductions and change in MoCC for Indigenous design of the carbon
in land systems, in order to make full use of the market in Pakistan;
UNFCCCREDD + facility; m. Ensure that IEE/EIA and other mechanisms are
f. Improve inter-­ministerial and inter-departmental strictly observed in all development projects,
decision-­making and coordination mechanisms particularly infrastructure projects, by the
on climate change issues both at provincial and concerned agencies;
federal levels to develop Pakistan’s stand on n. Identify national institutional needs to develop
various international policy issues relating to the capacity for carbon trading;
climate change;
o. Create National and Provincial Implementing
g. Strengthen the national institutional Entities (NIE & PIE) to deal with adaptation and
framework for undertaking tasks related to the mitigation projects at federal and provincial
implementation of UNFCCC programmes; levels respectively;
h. Ensure the integration of climate change II Capacity Enhancement
and overall developmental imperatives, and
a. Develop climate change professionals by
that climate change and socioeconomic
sending young scientists and students to
development are pursued as inseparable
reputable institutions abroad for higher studies;
objectives;
b. Strengthen national climate change science
i. Ensure that agriculture, water, forest,
related institutions, in particular the Global
energy, health, biodiversity, and DRR related
Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) and
vulnerabilities induced by climate change get
universities, in terms of necessary financial and
duly integrated and addressed in the relevant
technical support;
national policy documents;
c. Develop/introduce curriculum on climate
j. Take necessary measures to redesign
change and environmental planning with
administrative structures and procedures of
particular emphasis on Disaster Risk Reduction
Federal and Provincial EPAs and Planning and
(DRR)and introduce it into the formal education
Development Division to integrate climate
system at all levels, particularly in to the higher
change concerns into Initial Environmental
35 | National Climate Change Policy

education system; k. Strengthen institutional capacities to ensure

d. Ensure institutional strengthening of the existing regular updates of GHG inventories;
Climate Change Section, Climate Finance Unit, l. Develop an institutionalized system to measure
CC Reporting Unit, Climate Resilient Urban and monitor GHG emissions from various
Settlement Unit, Environmental Health Unit and sectors including trans-­‐boundary pollution and
other relevant institutions dealing with Climate maintain a database on this;
Change and REDD+ matters; m. Expand and upgrade meteorological services
e. Develop knowledge based management (KBM) and monitoring stations in various parts
and networking with strategic climate change of the country, particularly in the northern
research establishments to ensure benefits mountainous areas, glacial regions feeding IRS
from international scientific advancements; and over the Arabian Sea ad joining Pakistan’s
f. Provide training and support, at national and coastline, to the level recommended by the
international levels, to the concerned officials World Meteorological Organization (WMO);
and experts of line ministries and departments n. Actively participate in new international
to further enhance their knowledge and initiatives to create a Global Frame work for
capacities on climate change issues; Climate Services (GFCS);
g. Explore and provide training opportunities to o. Ensure capacity development for making reliable
enhance capacity for preparing projects and projections of climate changes scenarios,
programs in the climate change area; seasonal forecasts and inter-­‐annual forecasts
for different parts of Pakistan;

h. Develop national capacity to gauge the quantum p. Promote the use of GIS/ RS based studies to
and nature of climate change in Pakistan assess and quantify past temporal trends and
for reliable climate change vulnerability monitor future changes in snow cover, glacial
assessments in various sectors, particularly volume, glacial lake formation and burst,
water and agriculture; deforestation, land degradation (salinity, water
logging), soil erosion, inundation of Indus deltaic
i. Enhance disaster mitigation and preparedness
region and other coastal areas;
capacities at federal, provincial and district
levels; q. Undertake scientific studies to preserve glaciers
and explore grafting techniques;
j. Enhance capacity to undertake comprehensive
assessments of the economic implications r. Strengthen the country’s tropical cyclone
of climate change impacts on various sectors monitoring and prediction system;
with and without using different adaptation s. Establish a national clearing-­‐house for regularly
measures; updated climate change related data sharing
and networking;
t. Build domestic response capacity in order to
use current and future funds effectively.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 36

SECTION - 07

AWARENESS RAISING

Public education and outreach are vitally important as climate change relevant ministries and
to create broad awareness of climate change departments;
issues and its impact. As such the importance of c. Ensure advocacy and mass awareness
communicating with the general public and engaging regarding the importance of water and energy
stake holders in climate change related issues conservation, the impact of climate change on
is fully recognized by Pakistan. The Government various sectors including forest ecosystems,
of Pakistan is putting up a lot of emphasis on biodiversity and soon, using mass media,
reducing the depletion of country’s “natural capital” public-­‐private partnerships, students and
-­‐ the services that nature provides, including fresh community mobilization; and incorporate these
water, forests and bio diversity etc. as these assets issues in to the formal education systems at all
are significantly important for achieving poverty levels;
reduction and sustainable development goals.
d. Public awareness regarding aerosol pollution
The Government, both in collaboration with the must be carried out as part of environmental
private sector and independently, is already working education program in Pakistan;
actively to raise awareness about the issue. The
e. Arrange climate change sensitization
scale of the change required, however, and the
workshops for policymaker sat national and
vast number of people and interests that must be
provincial levels;
influenced, calls for outreach activities of a much
f. Ensure that all understand the value of country’s
greater magnitude. Therefore, the Government of
“natural capital” and try to reduce their depletion;
Pakistan, in collaboration with the relevant entities,
shall take the following measures: g. Raise awareness of local communities
on protecting the forests and sustainable
Policy Measures
management;
a. Conduct nationwide surveys to gauge the h. Create awareness of the corporate sector on
opinions and capabilities of key stakeholders sustainable development and carbon markets.
and other potential partners;
b. Develop a national climate change awareness
program involving communities, as well
37 | National Climate Change Policy

SECTION - 08

INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL

COOPERATION

Climate change is a global concern and its adverse Policy Measures

impacts are affecting most developing countries.
The Paris Climate Agreement-­‐2015 is globally seen a. Undertake appropriate consultations to develop
as a landmark development, whose central aim is Pakistan’s stand on climate change related
to strengthen the global response to the threat of international policy issues;
climate change by limiting the global temperature b. Ensure continued attendance and presentation
rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius by of Pakistan’s stand at the UNFCCC Conference
reducing GHG emissions. After the Agreement, all the of Parties and other related meetings;
countries have submitted their plans to implement c. Promote mechanisms for strengthening
their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to and raising the institutional, systemic and
cut GHG emissions. individual capacity-­‐building to implement CC
Developing countries face the dual challenge of adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer,
addressing the negative impacts of climate change and development actions to achieve SDG-­‐ 13
and pursuing socioeconomic development. Hence, Climate Action and related SDGs;
it is essential that they work together to face these d. Support exchange of meteorological data,
challenges. Pakistan is committed to engaging including that obtained from high altitude
vigorously with the international community to find monitoring stations;
solutions and help the world towards a new era of e. Develop strong institutional linkages with
global cooperation on climate change. South Asia UNFCCC, UNEP, IPCC, WMO, UNESCO and
is particularly prone to climate change and related others;
disasters making the need for a regional response to
f. Pakistan should whole heartedly support the
meet the challenge of climate change more urgent
international efforts agreed in the Paris Climate
and compelling. In order to achieve this international
Agreement;
and regional cooperation, the Government of
Pakistan shall take the following measures:
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 38

g. Facilitate exchange of real time hydrological l. Support the establishment of a SAARC Climate
data in the region for improved flood forecasting Change Research Centre, preferably in Pakistan
and warning services; in close proximity to the Global Change Impact
h. Work with countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Studies Centre (GCISC);
Kyrgyzstan and other mountainous countries m. Seek establishment of a regional Inter
to take initiatives on mountain ecosystems, governmental Expert Group on Climate Change
particularly glaciers and their contribution to to develop clear policy direction and guidance
sustainable development and livelihoods, and for regional cooperation as envisaged in the
to high light the region’s vulnerability to climate SAARC Plan of Action on Climate Change
change; n. Encourage relevant SAARC centers to undertake
i. Encourage exchange of results from simulation studies on the evolving pattern of monsoons to
modeling experiments for inter-­‐annual assess vulnerability due to climate change and
and decadal climatic projections, seasonal integrate Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)
forecasts, and predictions of climate extremes with Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR);
in the region; o. Undertake, together with other South Asian
j. Provide support to strengthen the WMO-­‐ countries, advocacy and awareness programs
UNESCAP sponsored Inter governmental Panel on climate change, among others, to promote
on Tropical Cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the use of green technology and best practices
Bay of Bengal for improved monitoring of and for transition to low-­‐carbon sustainable and
forecasting tropical cyclones; inclusive development in the region;
k. Help establish institutional linkages among p. Explore international and regional linkages for
national institutions in the South Asian region resource mobilization to help build gender-­‐
to facilitate sharing of knowledge, information sensitive responses;
and capacity building programs in climate q. Promote student exchange programs among
change related areas and jointly tackling the SAARC universities, particularly in the climate
trans boundary water, air quality and pandemic change discipline..
concerns (locust, Covid etc.);
39 | National Climate Change Policy

SECTION - 09

FINANCE

Pakistan is signatory to major environmental was identified as a base for carbon markets, so that
conventions and protocols. As a signatory to the countries can smoothly take up transition to a low
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate carbon economy cost-­‐effectively. In recognition
Change (UNFCCC) and a member state of the of global adoption of Carbon Pricing Instruments
World Bank, Pakistan qualifies for financial and (CPIs) to curb GHG emissions, Pakistan initiated
technological assistance. In the UNFCCC Cancun a study on the “Introduction of (CPI) in Pakistan”
conference, developed countries committed to in 2019 with an aim to assess and recommend a
creating a sizeable “Green Climate Fund” with set of options for the introduction of carbon pricing
fast start finance. To secure an appropriate share instruments in Pakistan.
from this initiative, expected to be available in the
In order to benefit from future international financial
near future, a country needs to create an enabling
mechanisms and to help Pakistan adopt CPI to meet
environment that can facilitate and attract this
the mitigation targets, the Government of Pakistan
funding.
shall take the following measures related to options
After mainstreaming adaptation and mitigation for a future international financing mechanism:
through ecologically targeted initiatives covering
Policy Measures
afforestation, biodiversity conservation, Pakistan will
position itself firmly on an environmentally resilient a. Ensure that the sufficient funds are always
pathway to sustainable growth and prosperity. available in recently established National
As part of its climate-­‐resilient growth initiatives, Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) to
Pakistan is presently working on an innovative caters emergencies caused by natural disasters
debt-­‐for-­‐nature swap agreement with international and for implementing the programmes and
creditors, and has launched an initiative to establish projects to reduce the risks from natural
a Nature Performance Bond with a defined set of disasters;
ambitious ecosystem restoration targets to provide b. Continue to assess how best to position
Pakistan with accelerated access to finance for Pakistan vis-­‐a-­‐vis other groups of developing
development. countries in order to secure adaptation funding;

While the transition to a low carbon economy, whilst c. Ensure the access and effective use of
sustaining the development of the economy, requires opportunities available internationally for
a cost-­‐effective policy solution and carbon pricing adaptation and mitigation efforts, e.g.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 40

through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Clean g. Create domestic carbon market opportunities
Development Mechanism (CDM), Adaptation by introducing an appropriate investment
Fund (AF), Global Environmental Facility (GEF), framework linked with regional banking
World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility institutions;
(FCPF) and Carbon credit trading ; h. Explore the innovative private finance schemes,
d. Establish a “Pakistan Climate Change Fund” for such as green bonds, blue bonds, nature bonds
financing climate change related projects; etc.;
e. Continue to push for transparent delivery of new i. Engage provinces to set-­‐up the carbon pricing
and additional fast start funding by developed architecture;
countries; j. Set-­‐up the legal and regulatory instruments
f. Develop public-­‐corporate-­‐civil society to operationalize the Emission Trading System
partnerships for financing and implementation (ETS).
of climate change adaptation and mitigation
projects;
41 | National Climate Change Policy

SECTION - 10

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Climate change, being one of the most difficult and c. Prepare detailed area analysis for possible wind
complex threats the world faces, needs innovative and solar energy sites in Pakistan, and establish
technological solutions to solve the climate change regional partnerships for technology transfer
challenges of both mitigation and adaptation. and development;
The UNFCCC Cancun conference agreed to set d. Seek technological breakthroughs to harness
up a special “Technology Mechanism” for the the potential of geothermal energy in the
development and transfer of new technologies northern mountain areas off-­shore renewable
from developed to developing countries. This energy at coastal areas of Pakistan;
mechanism named,Climate Technology Centre
e. Explore new technological breakthroughs in the
and Network’ (CTCN) is a body mandated by the
field of bio-­fuels;
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) to assist developing countries in f. Obtain and introduce clean coal technologies;
spreading environmentally sound technologies to g. Ensure technology transfer for the design and
address climate change challenges. As such to find manufacture of emission monitoring equipment,
the technological solutions to the climate change to be installed near urban and industrial areas in
challenges in Pakistan, the Government shall take Pakistan;
the following policy measures: h. Establish a base for technology transfer and
Policy Measures absorption at technical institutes, engineering
colleges and universities;
a. Ensure that the technology needs to support
actions on mitigation and adaptation are i. Ensure transfer of technology for designing
nationally determined and are based on national electric/hybrid vehicles in Pakistan;
priorities; j. Develop new breeds of crops and livestock,
b. Promote the development and use of local which are less vulnerable to climate change
technologies, based on innovation and impacts;
technological advancement in the field of climate k. Promote public private partnerships for
change, as an effective way to implement technological innovations and technology up
adaptation and mitigation measures; scaling.
Government of Pakistan - Ministry of Climate Change | 42

SECTION - 11

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM

Following the adoption of updated National Climate 3. Member Infrastructure PC/Additional

Change Policy, the Federal Government shall assist Chief Secretaries Provincial Planning and
the provinces to develop their “Action Plans”. All Development Departments;
relevant ministries, departments and agencies shall 4. Chairman NDMA/Federal Flood Commission;
also devise plans and programs to implement the
5. Secretaries of Provincial/AJK/GB Environment
policy provisions relating to their respective sectors/
Departments;
sub-­‐sectors. Similarly, the provincial governments,
AJK, Gilgit-­‐Baltistan and local governments shall 6. Heads of PMD/GCISC/Pak EPA/ENERCON;
also devise their own strategies, plans and programs 7. Chief Environment, Planning and Development
for implementation of the Policy. To ensure Division;
effective Policy implementation and to oversee 8. Three representatives from the corporate
progress in this regard, “Climate Change Policy sector/Chambers of Commerce and Industries;
Implementation Committees” shall be established
9. Three eminent experts from the field;
at the federal and provincial levels. One of the tasks
of these committees shall be regular monitoring 10. Three representatives from civil society
and updating of the National Climate Change Policy organizations;
at appropriate intervals. The composition of the 11. Director General (Climate Change/Environment)
committee is as under: Member/Secretary.

I. National Climate Change Policy

Implementation Committee II. Provincial Climate Change Policy
Implementation Committee
1. Minister of Climate Change at the Federal Level
(Chair); 1. Provincial Minister for Environment
2. Secretaries of Ministries responsible for Climate (Chairperson);
Change/Planning and Development/Foreign 2. Chairman/Additional Chief
Affairs/Science and Technology/Industries and Secretaries Planning and
Production/Finance/Water Resources, Energy, Development Department;
Food Security and Research/ Health Services / 3. Secretaries Environment/Agriculture/Forest/
Defense;
43 | National Climate Change Policy

Irrigation/Health/Energy/Local Government/ The “National and Provincial Climate Change

Public Health Departments; Policy Implementation Committees” shall meet
4. DGs PDMAs; biannually. The Provincial Committees, which will
be the key actors in implementation of the proposed
5. Three representatives from corporate sector/
climate change agenda, shall report the status
Chambers of Commerce and industries;
of implementation of the Policy to the National
6. Three representatives from Civil Society Committee. The National Committee shall report
Organizations; to the “Prime Minister’s Committee on Climate
7. Three eminent experts from the field; Change” on a regular basis.
8. Director General Environmental Protection
Agency, member/Secretary.