Today climate change is biggest challenge, says PM Shehbaz Sharif

RIYADH (APP) - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underlined the need for combined efforts to explore the true potential of clean energy resources, coupled with utilization of modern tools and technical gadgets to fully harness the talents of young generations and explore future avenues for progress and prosperity.

Addressing the ‘Future Investment Initiative Summit’, the prime minister said that clean energy potential would be the new driver of economic prosperity and stressed upon the world community to come forward and support these joint efforts.

“Nothing could be of more importance to us than this very challenge: how to ensure that our collective tomorrow is better than our today. And that we are ready for it; that we have the tools, skills and technology which enables us not just to navigate the complex world of tomorrow – but to also shape it today in a manner that has the most beneficial impact on humanity,” he added.

The prime minister said: “Global warming is upon us. Extreme temperatures, over time, are changing weather patterns and disrupting the usual balance of nature and our ecosystem. Countries like Pakistan, with negligible carbon footprint, are vulnerable to the adverse impact of Climate Change. Today the climate change is the biggest challenge.”

He elaborated that Pakistan had experienced historic heat wave in March and torrential rains from June to August this year which led to unprecedented floods.

“These rains and floods have impacted 33 million people, and more than 1,500 people have died. More than two million houses have been damaged, and over 3.5 million acres of crops have been lost, with farmlands, orchards, bridges, and road networks destroyed,” he added.

The prime minister expressed the resolve that they were committed to rebuilding lives, livelihoods and climate resilient infrastructure. Sustainability thus was predicated on climate action now.