The Punjab Cabinet, under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Punjab, has approved the province’s first Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.
As the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab, the first action plan to tackle climate change and a comprehensive policy of its kind has been formulated.
According to the details, resources have also been provided for the implementation of the action plan.
Under the Chief Minister’s vision, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb monitored the preparation of the action plan and policy.Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb will formally launch the action plan and the Climate Resilient Punjab Policy.
The policy suggests practical measures to address all aspects of climate change and their solutions.The policy and action plan have been developed through consultations with national and international experts, as well as all stakeholders.
The policy incorporates 30 global, provincial and local government action plans, agreements, policy documents and commitments into the Climate Resilient Punjab Policy and Action Plan.The policy also includes suggestions from global environmental donors, civil society, researchers and national organizations working for environmental protection.
The policy includes measures to combat climate change, prevent its effects, protect and promote forests and wildlife and address air and water pollution.Punjab contributes 54.2% to the national gross domestic product (GDP) but climate change is affecting its growth rate.Due to extreme heat, Punjab witnessed 199 forest fire incidents in 2023, while 377 incidents occurred in 2024.
Climate change has put all 36 districts of Punjab at risk of floods.The policy includes a detailed analysis of weather trends and their impacts from 1960 to date and assesses the potential climatic effects up to 2040, 2060, 2080, and 2100.To achieve policy objectives, amendments to environmental laws, effective enforcement, use of modern technology and public awareness measures have been suggested.
Recommendations also include incorporating environmental subjects into the education curriculum, establishing environmental departments in every sector, and promoting federal-provincial collaboration.A special committee, led by the Senior Minister of Punjab, will also be formed to ensure the achievement of policy objectives and implementation.
