SUMMARY of the Article “Hollow Victory,” Dawn Editorial, November 26th, 2024
The recently concluded COP29 summit in Baku left developing nations, like Pakistan, feeling underwhelmed by the global response to the climate crisis. While the agreement on a $300 billion annual climate finance target by 2035 represents progress from the earlier $100 billion commitment, it falls far short of the $1.3 trillion experts estimate is needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals. Wealthy nations have shifted the burden to private sector financing and high-emission economies like China and oil-rich states, avoiding their historical responsibility. For Pakistan, facing a staggering $348 billion climate finance gap by 2030, this lack of support undermines its mitigation and adaptation efforts. Despite economic challenges, Pakistan showcased initiatives like Recharge Pakistan and the National Climate Finance Strategy at COP29, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the climate crisis. However, these initiatives remain aspirational without substantial international funding and support. The urgency of the crisis is underscored by predictions that 2024 could become the hottest year on record, with global temperatures potentially rising by 3.1°C by the century’s end, leading to catastrophic consequences. To combat this, wealthy nations must not only fulfill their $300 billion pledge but also streamline fund access by cutting bureaucratic delays. Domestically, Pakistan must adopt renewable energy, enforce environmental protection laws, integrate climate-smart urban and rural planning, and enhance coordination among federal and provincial authorities. As the world looks toward COP30 in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, Pakistan must persist in its advocacy for climate justice while taking concrete steps towards sustainable development. Global solidarity and immediate action are essential to avert climate disasters, especially as skepticism among major global leaders complicates securing and deploying necessary climate finance.
Easy/Short SUMMARY:
At the COP29 climate summit, a $300 billion annual climate finance target was set for 2035, but it’s far less than the $1.3 trillion needed to tackle climate change. Rich countries avoided taking full responsibility, focusing on private funding and blaming others like China. Pakistan, already facing a $348 billion gap for climate projects by 2030, showed its commitment through initiatives like Recharge Pakistan but needs global support to make real progress. With 2024 expected to be the hottest year and global temperatures on track to rise dangerously, urgent action is required. Pakistan must focus on renewable energy, better planning, and stronger environmental laws while pushing for fair global climate funding.
SOLUTIONS of The Problem:
Global Financial Reforms
- Wealthy nations must deliver the pledged $300 billion annually and work towards increasing it to the $1.3 trillion target.
- Simplify fund disbursement processes to ensure quicker and more equitable access for developing nations.
Domestic Policy Enhancements
- Accelerate Pakistan’s transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
- Strengthen environmental laws and enforce penalties for violations to ensure sustainability.
Urban Climate Adaptation
- Develop climate-smart urban infrastructure, including green buildings and sustainable public transport systems.
- Improve flood resilience in cities through better drainage systems and protective barriers.
Rural Sustainability
- Promote sustainable agricultural practices to reduce emissions and conserve resources.
- Introduce advanced irrigation techniques to manage water scarcity effectively.
Enhanced Monitoring and Planning
- Establish a national climate change monitoring system to track vulnerabilities and progress.
- Integrate disaster risk management into local and national planning frameworks.
Public-Private Collaboration
- Encourage public-private partnerships to mobilize additional resources for climate projects.
- Incentivize private sector investments in green technologies and infrastructure.
Education and Advocacy
- Raise public awareness about climate change through education campaigns.
- Train local communities in disaster preparedness and sustainable practices.
Strengthened Provincial Coordination
- Improve coordination between federal and provincial governments for climate policies and initiatives.
- Allocate funds transparently to ensure equitable distribution for climate projects across regions.
Global Advocacy
- Continue advocating for climate justice at international forums like COP30 to highlight the vulnerabilities of developing nations.
IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the Article:
- $300 billion annual climate finance target by 2035.
- Required climate finance: $1.3 trillion annually to meet Paris Agreement goals.
- Pakistan’s climate finance gap: $348 billion by 2030.
- 2024 expected to be the hottest year on record.
- Global temperatures are on track to rise by 3.1°C by the end of the century.
MCQs from the Article:
1. What is the annual climate finance target set for 2035 at COP29?
A. $100 billion
B. $300 billion
C. $500 billion
D. $1.3 trillion
2. How much annual climate finance do experts estimate is needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals?
A. $500 billion
B. $800 billion
C. $1 trillion
D. $1.3 trillion
3. What is Pakistan’s estimated climate finance gap by 2030?
A. $200 billion
B. $300 billion
C. $348 billion
D. $400 billion
4. Where will COP30 be held?
A. Brazil’s Amazon rainforest
B. Paris, France
C. New York, USA
D. Baku, Azerbaijan
5. What is the predicted rise in global temperatures by the end of the century?
A. 2.5°C
B. 3.1°C
C. 3.5°C
D. 4°C
VOCABULARY:
- Lowballed (کم اہم سمجھنا): To undervalue or offer less than expected.
- Muddles (خلط ملط کرنا): Confuses or complicates.
- Mitigation (نرمی): Efforts to reduce the severity of a problem.
- Adaptation (موافقت): Adjusting to new conditions.
- Resilience (لچک): The ability to recover quickly.
- Aspiration (امنگ): A strong desire to achieve something.
- Equitable (منصفانہ): Fair and impartial.
- Red Tape (سرکاری پیچیدگیاں): Excessive bureaucracy.
- Disbursement (ادائیگی): The payment of funds.
- Robust (مضبوط): Strong and effective.
- Solidarity (یکجہتی): Unity or agreement among individuals.
- Skepticism (شک): Doubt as to the truth of something.
- Catastrophic (تباہ کن): Involving or causing great damage.
- Ambitious (بلند حوصلہ): Having a strong desire for success.
- Sustainable (پائیدار): Capable of being maintained over time.
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Hollow victory
Editorial
THE conclusion of COP29 in Baku has left developing nations — struggling with the mounting costs of climate disasters — feeling lowballed. While the adoption of a $300bn annual climate finance target by 2035 marks a threefold increase from rich nations’ previous $100bn commitment (which was met two years late in 2022), it is a pale shadow of what the world needs to slow down climate change. Climate experts have stressed the need for $1.3tr in annual climate finance to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals. The Global North’s insistence on private sector financing and blame-shifting to high-emitting economies like China and oil-rich Gulf states further muddles the discourse. For Pakistan, the stakes are particularly high. With a $348bn climate finance gap looming by 2030, our efforts at mitigation and adaptation risk being stalled. Despite this, we demonstrated resilience at COP29. From the Recharge Pakistan initiative to the National Climate Finance Strategy, Islamabad’s proposals reflect its determination to confront the crisis. The Pakistan Pavilion, a hub of dialogue and advocacy, was a testament to this commitment, even amid severe economic constraints. Yet, without significant global support, such steps remain aspirational at best.
The world cannot afford to delay action. With 2024 poised to be the hottest year on record and global temperatures on track to rise by 3.1°C by century’s end, inaction will be catastrophic. Wealthy nations must not only deliver on their $300bn promise but also ensure equitable access to these funds. Red tape that slows disbursement must be dismantled. At home, Pakistan must accelerate the transition to renewable energy, implement strict environmental protection laws, and establish a robust climate change monitoring system. Our cities need climate-smart urban planning, while rural areas require sustainable farm practices and water management solutions. The government must also enhance coordination between the federation and provinces on climate initiatives. However, real progress will depend on both domestic action and global solidarity. The recent floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events worldwide underscore our shared vulnerability. As we look towards next year’s summit in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, Pakistan must continue its advocacy for climate justice while demonstrating tangible progress on its own commitments. The presence of climate-sceptic leadership in major economies adds urgency to securing and implementing robust financing mechanisms now. The time for half-measures is long past.
Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2024