Pakistan Ramps Up Climate Resilience With $1.5 Billion in Green Finance
Amid worsening climate challenges, Pakistan has secured over $1.5 billion in climate financing to combat environmental degradation and build long-term resilience, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25.
The bulk of the funding includes $1.4 billion from the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) and $82 million from the Green Climate Fund, complemented by the issuance of a Rs30 billion Green Sukuk and the launch of the National Climate Finance Strategy.
These funds are supporting a wide range of sustainability initiatives. Central among them is the National Adaptation Plan, endorsed by the federal cabinet, which outlines 117 climate adaptation measures across six of the country’s most climate-vulnerable sectors.
Flagship projects like Recharge Pakistan, a $77 million initiative for ecosystem-based flood management, and the Pakistan Glacier Protection Strategy are key to the national resilience roadmap.
Despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, Pakistan is suffering disproportionately from the impacts of climate change. The State of the Pakistan Climate 2024 report recorded a 31% surge in average rainfall and a rise in national average temperature to 23.52°C, with Sindh and Balochistan facing extreme heatwaves, cyclones, and unstable weather patterns.
To address urban climate threats, the government has introduced the Pakistan Green Building Code, implemented an Urban Resilience Policy Framework, and promoted low-emission transport via the CPEC-II Green Corridor. The launch of Pakistan’s first Carbon Market Policy is also expected to attract clean-tech investment and support carbon reduction.
Climate action at the provincial level is also gaining traction. Punjab unveiled its Climate Resilient Vision 2024 and launched anti-smog efforts, Sindh finalized a Provincial Climate Action Plan, and KP added 121.5 million trees to its reforestation drive under the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami. Balochistan enacted an anti-plastic law and set up a Climate Finance Cell.
At the international level, Pakistan showcased these initiatives at COP29, using its national pavilion to highlight its commitment to global climate goals. However, the Economic Survey emphasizes that international climate justice and sustained global partnerships remain essential, given that Pakistan’s climate exposure far outweighs its emissions.
With climate volatility rising, Pakistan’s climate future depends on effectively translating these financial commitments into action, scaling regional programs, and securing long-term international collaboration.
