Climate change poses serious threat to food security, economy, human survival: Gilani

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that climate change poses a serious multidimensional threat affecting food security, water resources, agriculture, economic stability, and human survival.

Addressing the Breathe Pakistan Conference organized by the Dawn Media Group, he said, “Peace, stability, and international cooperation are essential to ensure meaningful climate action.”

The conference was attended by parliamentarians, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, climate experts, academics, media professionals, civil society members, and private-sector stakeholders.

The Chairman of the Senate highlighted that the impacts of climate change are already evident in rising temperatures, shrinking water reserves, stressed agricultural systems, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including floods.

He underlined that climate security is closely linked with peace and stability, adding that Pakistan is actively strengthening resilience in the energy, agriculture, food, and water sectors while mobilizing climate finance and enhancing global partnerships.

Referring to Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, he said the country has consistently demonstrated restraint and responsibility in challenging situations while firmly safeguarding its sovereignty.

He added that operations such as Marka-e-Haq and Bunyan-un-Marsoos reflect national unity, discipline, and resolve. He also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in easing tensions during recent global crises.

The Chairman of the Senate expressed concern that, despite being among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Pakistan has received less than one billion Dollars in climate financing over the past three decades.

He termed current global commitments, including those made under COP29, insufficient and stressed that climate finance must be fair, predictable, and timely.

Highlighting Pakistan’s climate initiatives, he referred to the Climate Change Act, afforestation drives, the Living Indus Initiative, the Green Pakistan Programme, and Parliament’s transition to solar energy.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong advocacy for climate justice at international forums, including COP27 and COP29.

He said the pledged 300 billion dollars annually by 2035 still falls short of the actual needs of vulnerable countries. He further emphasized that the Loss and Damage Fund should be treated as a matter of justice rather than charity.

He also called for enhanced regional cooperation in glacier preservation, water management, and early warning systems.'

The Chairman Senate stressed that climate resilience efforts must directly benefit farmers and vulnerable communities.

He called for stronger coordination among Parliament, government institutions, academia, media, civil society, and the private sector, supported by improved data, effective planning, and increased investment in climate adaptation.

He urged all stakeholders to translate conference discussions into concrete legislation, policy reforms, and actionable strategies, reiterating his commitment to strengthening climate governance and oversight. “The future belongs to those who act with courage, unity, and foresight,” he concluded, expressing confidence that Pakistan has the capacity and responsibility to lead by example.