LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet has given its approval to the province's first comprehensive climate change policy and action plan to address climate-related challenges following extensive consultations with both national and international experts, focusing on improving water resources, biodiversity, disaster management, health, and climate justice.
Under the policy, key initiatives include reducing pollution across various sectors, increasing afforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture and livestock practices, and integrating environmental considerations into future planning.
The policy aims to expand green areas by 5pc by 2027, conduct disaster risk assessments for all vulnerable districts, and establish modern flood management systems by 2030.
The policy also targets a 15pc increase in forest cover by 2030, transitioning 60pc of the province’s energy needs to alternative sources, and reducing overall energy consumption by 10pc. It also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25pc within the same timeframe.
A committee led by senior minister will oversee the implementation of the policy, focusing on climate change mitigation, forest conservation, wildlife protection, and pollution reduction. Punjab, which contributes 54.2pc of the national GDP, faces severe climate-related threats, including increased crop damage, floods, and rising temperatures.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb hailed the policy as a milestone in Punjab’s climate strategy, as per the chief minister’s vision.