High Commissioner Jane Marriott praises Pakistan’s initiatives to address climate-induced disasters

Celina Ali

Islamabad: British High Commissioner Jane Marriott this week praised Pakistan’s initiatives in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund to address climate-induced disasters, emphasizing its significance as a key priority for the United Kingdom at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28).

In an interview, Marriott expressed the UK’s support for the fund’s operationalization, urging major carbon emitters to contribute. The Loss and Damage Fund, formed at COP27, aims to provide financial aid to climate-vulnerable nations experiencing unavoidable climate change impacts. Marriott credited Pakistan for its instrumental role in its creation.

She highlighted ongoing discussions on enhancing contributions to the fund and emphasized the need for more involvement from major emitters. The COP28, scheduled in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, will address global climate action.

Marriott underscored the importance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for economic reforms in Pakistan, expressing the UK’s desire to support its success, particularly in sectors like information technology (IT). She also mentioned the UK’s plans to announce new climate projects in Pakistan during King Charles III’s 75th birthday celebration.

Reflecting on King Charles’s advocacy for climate responsibility since the 1960s, Marriott acknowledged his foresight and the UK’s commitment to climate-related projects in Pakistan. She discussed the UK’s response to the devastating floods in Pakistan, including a $48 million contribution for humanitarian relief, education, and health support.

Marriott stressed the importance of resilience in addressing climate change, noting that Pakistan, as the eighth most climate-vulnerable country producing less than 1% carbon, should focus on building resilience. She emphasized integrating environmental impact assessments into policy decisions, considering factors like carbon footprint and conservation.

Marriott outlined the UK government’s climate priorities: limiting temperature rise, building resilience, and addressing biodiversity loss. She encouraged Pakistan to join the Sustainable Blue Economy Action Group to safeguard its coastline and contribute to global environmental goals.