Breathe Pakistan conference opens with urgent climate warnings

The second edition of the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference began in Islamabad, bringing together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to address the country’s growing climate challenges.

Organised by DawnMedia, the two-day conference is being held at the Serena Hotel Islamabad and aims to promote dialogue and practical solutions for climate resilience.

In her opening remarks, Dawn CEO Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani stressed that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality for Pakistan and the wider region. She highlighted that increasing floods, heatwaves, water shortages, and poor air quality are now recurring challenges affecting millions of lives.

She warned that climate change poses a serious threat not only to the environment but also to Pakistan’s economic stability, public health, and long-term development. Emphasising collaboration, she said governments, the private sector, communities, and media must work together to address the crisis effectively.

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Lakhani also called for a shift in national priorities, urging greater focus on climate adaptation alongside mitigation efforts. She stressed the need for balanced climate financing, expansion of renewable energy, and modernisation of infrastructure without hindering economic growth.

Meanwhile, Sherry Rehman highlighted the gap between global climate ambitions and actual implementation. She criticised fragmented efforts worldwide, noting that the global climate movement remains underfunded and lacks cohesion despite the scale of the crisis.

The conference builds on the success of its first edition, which helped spark national dialogue on climate justice, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and public-private partnerships.

Participants are expected to explore actionable strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience while contributing to global efforts against climate change.