It’s not uncommon to see countries in geographical proximity and even beyond to forge partnerships to accomplish mutually beneficial goals. One such exemplary and iconic partnership exists between Pakistan and China. Both countries are known to pursue industrial, trade, and developmental goals. This year, the two countries are celebrating their 74th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Carrying on with the same support, their aspirations and goals are evolving and considering new avenues. At this point, both countries are interested in tackling a critical global concern, which is even severe in the region, especially in Pakistan—climate change and its impact. While the two states are already considered and regarded as regional frontrunners by undertaking multiple joint initiatives to boost trade and developmental projects under the aegis of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the second phase of this key initiative that primarily focuses on green development would raise the bar for the rest of the nations in the territory.
The good news is that this is not just a vague goal, but we have already begun to see quite a few projects underway. For instance, the wind farms that we see in Sindh and solar parks in Punjab are all because of this collaboration between China and Pakistan. Another mega plant that is a crucial part of CPEC phase II is 720 MW Karot Hydropower Project, which already started its operations back in 2022. These heavy-investment projects are supported by China Three Gorges Corporation and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and are expected to reduce roughly 3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Pakistan’s Climate Challenges Emerge as a Major Reason for Seeking Cooperation
The most important reason why China takes a keen interest in contributing to and advancing this go-green initiative is Pakistan’s increased climate vulnerability. Unfortunately, Pakistan comes in at number 8th in the Global Climate Risk Index (GermanWatch, 2021). The country also encountered some natural disasters in recent years like destructive flooding events, record-breaking heatwaves, erratic rainfalls, and ever-melting glaciers. In fact, if we look at the figures of monsoon flood of 2022, it tells us that around 33 million people got affected and caused damage of roughly $30billion. All these climate changes and Pakistan’s weak infrastructure also make other countries in the region more vulnerable, especially the neighbouring country, China. To protect itself and other countries in the region, China decided to lend a helping hand to Pakistan to deal with these climate issues and to adopt practices that can aid the country in going green. Following this spirit of helping its neighbouring ally, China helped Pakistan in installing solar and wind energy projects so that the usage of fossil fuels can be reduced. It was also a major contributor to ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami’ reforestation campaign.
Transforming Transportation and Agriculture Sectors with Climate-Friendly Projects
In addition to planting seeds and installing energy projects, this partnership also shifted its focus on transforming transportation and agriculture sectors. One policy that reaped the most benefit from this collaboration is Pakistan’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy in terms of Chinese investment and transfer of technology. Many Chinese corporations like BAIC Group, BYD, and SAIC Motor are working in close collaboration with Pakistani companies to introduce electric vehicles, establish charging stations for such vehicles, and enable local manufacturers to make batteries. When it comes to the agriculture sector, China is enabling Pakistan to adopt climate-friendly agricultural practices, tools, and resources. With the help of China, now Pakistan has access to drought-resistant seeds, drip irrigation, and digital weather forecasting.
Strengthening Technology Transfer Routes and Climate Science Diplomacy
While the above-mentioned projects are quite impressive, both countries are also strengthening the foundation of this bilateral green agenda by collaborating at institutional levels. For that purpose, the meteorological departments of Pakistan and China are also working closely. This allows them to share data and tools to conduct weather forecasting with precision and accuracy and stay alert about extreme weather conditions.
Revolutionizing The Future, Making it Green
Following the same spirit, China and Pakistan can further enhance their efforts and accelerate the progress of their sustainable development projects. Some key steps that the two countries should consider taking include:
- Creating dedicated green funds can greatly help both China and Pakistan undertake various sustainable energy projects as these require a mammoth investment. By leaning on private corporations and seeking help from financial entities, creating this green fund can be made possible.
- Another way to boost sustainable development projects is to readily provide green loans and technical support to small- and medium-sized entities and NGOs.
- A key aspect to accelerate such green initiatives also involves training local government bodies to deal with the risk of climate change, to undertake and plan green projects, and to monitor environmental change and its impact.
- Promoting projects and programs that train Pakistani professionals using China’s already implemented green strategies like flood mitigation, water resource management, and climate adaptation. Employee exchange programs and field visits can significantly support these projects.
- Both countries also need to adopt and promote green supply chain models. This will transform the industrial mechanism and will help turn the entire process of manufacturing into a climate-friendly process. Promoting eco-labelling and establishing sustainable standards can also change the production process.
- There’s also a need to develop a climate-proof infrastructure such as green buildings and urban designs. Both countries need to focus on upgrading existing infrastructure to be resistant to climate shocks and creating new green and eco-friendly buildings.
- In addition to working on all these projects, training the government, and promoting research and development activities, there’s also a dire need to raise awareness among the public. With dedicated and well-curated awareness campaigns, achieving this goal is not out of reach.
The writer is Senior Professor at Bahria University, Karachi.
She can be reached at: Saminariaz91@gmail.com
