Punjab to Phase Out 15-Year-Old Vehicles to Combat Climate Change

Web Desk — The Ministry of Climate Change has announced plans to phase out vehicles older than 15 years in Punjab, attributing 80% of climate-related issues to emissions from outdated vehicles. The move is part of a broader strategy to address Pakistan’s environmental challenges.

Key Highlights

–Vehicle Emissions: Older vehicles contribute to 80% of Punjab’s climate issues due to their high emission levels.

–Research Initiatives: The Ministry has partnered with universities to enhance climate change research and develop sustainable solutions.

–Global Climate Diplomacy: Pakistan aims to strengthen its role in bridging developed and developing nations in climate change negotiations.

Details of the Climate Change Strategy

The announcement was made during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Hina Rabbani Khar. Key discussions included:

-Vehicle Phase-Out Plan:

• The Secretary of Climate Change emphasized the need to remove 15-year-old vehicles from Punjab’s roads to reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts.
• He urged collective action, stating, “We need to do better for Pakistan and address the challenges of climate change.”
• Collaborations in Research:
• The Ministry has signed agreements with private universities and suggested involving universities in Islamabad for collaborative climate research.
• The Additional Secretary supported this idea, highlighting its potential for impactful solutions.

-International Climate Agreements:

• Nabil Munir highlighted a $3 million agreement for developing countries discussed at COP 29, though Russia did not participate due to ongoing conflict.
• Talks with South Korea are also underway for climate-related partnerships.

Climate Diplomacy and Pakistan’s Role

Chairperson Hina Rabbani Khar stressed the importance of effective climate diplomacy, cautioning against divisive strategies. She remarked, “The world is now divided into developed and developing climate diplomacy,” and urged Pakistan to act as a bridge between the two. She emphasized Pakistan’s need to leverage its limited global space to address climate challenges effectively.