Nations should tackle environmental degradation: Wajid
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan has urged the World Community that preserving nature and combating environmental degradation is the common responsibility but sharing burden of responsibility has to be equitable according to respective contribution of the nations in causing the degradation.
As it is necessary for the global community to ensure food security, water security, energy security and on top of it environmental security for all, therefore, it is imperative that a holistic and dynamic system’s approach is adopted for environmental protection, combating climate change and advancing development goals in a sustainable way.
These views were expressed by Federal Minister for Environment Syed Wajid Hussain Bukhari while addressing Delhi Sustainable Development Summit on Thursday. Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the summit. More than 500 participants including Presidents of Maldives, Iceland, Prime Minister of Norway, Ministers and representatives from governments, development agencies, and the private sector are attending the annual summit, which focuses on sharing experiences and promoting workable solutions to the region’s natural resource problems.
The Minister who is heading the Pakistani delegation in the summit said that the developing countries may be contributing the least to emission of greenhouse gases but they are the most vulnerable to climate change. However, the fact remains that, climate change is caused by current and past emission by industrialized countries that have more resources to cope with the impacts. The response to climate change must, therefore, be based on the principles of ethics, justice and equity”.
He said that despite low emission (0.43% of the world) Pakistan belongs to category of regions which will be worst hit by the Climate Change. The direct consequences include reduction in crop yields; shortening of growing cycle of crops; increased evapo-transpiration; surge in insects, pests and disease etc. The indirect adverse effects may include water logging, salinity, desertification etc. Pakistan needs generous support of the international community in becoming an effective and efficient partner in saving the planet. Delhi Summit is a historical opportunity for the Asian and Global Leadership to take account of the efforts made so far, identify the bottlenecks to success and carve out a way forward.
The minister suggested that the way forward is “polluter pays principle, active partnership by developing countries in the carbon market mechanisms, recognize the voluntary actions by developing countries in adaptation of global strategies and recognizing equal emission rights on per capita basis.