Jakob Linulf, the Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, emphasized the urgent need for both countries to collaborate on developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the environment and biodiversity worldwide.
The other day, he addressed a workshop organized for journalists on Climate-Smart Reporting: Carbon Market and Equitable Development by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
The envoy mentioned, “Denmark has encountered numerous challenges along the way, which is why it is eager to share its lessons with Pakistan to prevent the repetition of similar mistakes.”
Representing a country that has successfully transitioned to green energy, the ambassador emphasized Denmark’s achievement in transforming its energy sector from fossil fuels to a mix of solar, wind, and biomass.
Linulf expressed that carbon markets present a new opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its economy and reduce carbon emissions through sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The Danish ambassador underscored the collaboration between the Embassy and SDPI for sharing experiences and knowledge. He also highlighted the potential for Danish companies with advanced technologies to partner with Pakistani counterparts in addressing climate change impacts.
Pakistan is currently grappling with a dual crisis – an economic crisis intertwined with the effects of climate change. The devastating floods in 2022 submerged one-third of the country, displacing millions and causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage to livestock, infrastructure, and crops ready for harvest.
It was emphasized that the carbon market could serve as a crucial tool in developing efficient strategies to leverage the latest mechanisms for reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
Moreover, it was suggested that business leaders, particularly in industries such as steel, fertilizer, and cement, could play a pivotal role in driving the transition towards sustainability. Carbon adjustment, along with fuel management and waste control, were highlighted as effective methods in this regard.
During the workshop, SDPI’s Senior Economist and Energy Expert, Dr. Khalid Waleed, shed light on the concept of carbon markets, their economic implications, and the importance of media in raising awareness about the potential impacts of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on the country’s exports.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, the Executive Director of SDPI, stated that the workshop aimed to bridge knowledge gaps, draw from international best practices, and chart a collaborative path forward with relevant stakeholders. He emphasized the influential role of journalists in shaping public opinion and guiding policymakers towards embracing efficient carbon markets. Additionally, he highlighted the mutual benefits that think tanks and media outlets could derive from sharing experiences to mitigate carbon emissions.
Dr. Suleri emphasized the significance of emphasizing the pressing nature of climate change and the crucial role that carbon markets play in bringing about transformation, particularly in the context of South Asia’s numerous environmental crises.
