Pakistan’s Path towards Carbon Neutrality: Analyzing Process and Challenges Since the Paris Agreement Commitments

Abstract

The study focused on an examination and analysis of Pakistan's efforts, challenges, and policy response towards its journey towards a carbon-neutral future in the Paris Agreement (PA) with specific focus on both mitigation and adaptation aspects. Climate change is a ceaseless and so far an ongoing concern around the world, pushing countries to become low-carbon and in line with the PA goal of keeping global warming between 1.5°C and 2°C. While Pakistan accounts for only a small fraction of the Global GHG emissions of less than 1% of the total emissions, it is one of the most climate change fragile countries. Pakistan has developed new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and implemented various climate policies since joining the PA in 2016 that take both economic and environmental aspects into consideration. The approach is a qualitative-descriptive and analytical approach where secondary data from key policy documents is used. Analysis indicates that Pakistan has implemented a wide range of climate change measures, which includes measures for mitigation like more focus on RE, more EVs, no more coal, and extensive afforestation; and adaption which primarily concerns flood management, ecosystem restoration, and water resources governance. Although there have been some emission reductions with support from these efforts, investments in implementation on the ground are still constrained by financial resources, lack of institutional capacity and strong dependence on external climate funds. In summary, this study indicates that the shift of Pakistan towards a carbon neutral economy will be contingent on the enhancement of governance framework, strengthening of domestic capabilities along with ongoing international assistance in the form of funding and technical know-how.