Lahore: The provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz approved the first climate change policy and action plan.
Under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the first action plan to combat climate change and the first comprehensive policy of its kind was prepared. Resources have also been provided for the implementation of the action plan. Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb will officially launch the Action Plan and Climate Resiliency in Punjab Policy.
The page-long policy has proposed all aspects of climate change and practical measures to address them. A policy and action plan was prepared in consultation with all stakeholders including local and foreign experts. Action plans, agreements, policy documents and commitments of 30 global, provincial and local governments have been incorporated into the Climate Responsive Punjab Policy and Action Plan.
The proposals of international environmental donors, civil society, law enforcement agencies, and national organizations working for environmental protection have also been included. The policy includes measures to combat climate change, prevention, forestry, wildlife protection and promotion, air and water pollution.
Punjab contributes 54.2 percent to the national GDP and climate change is affecting its growth rate. 7 lakh citizens in central and eastern Punjab are at risk of severe heat wave. In Punjab, due to climate change, the problems of crop losses, destruction by floods and intensity of rains are increasing. Due to the effects of climate change in South Punjab, financial losses of 51.5 million dollars are estimated.
