This paper focuses on Pakistan’s response to climate change,
acknowledging its minimal contribution to global warming, yet
emphasizing the inadequacy of simplistic policies such as adaptation
and mitigation. With a population of just twenty-two million and an
unstable economy, Pakistan faces the challenge of aligning climate
policies with its strategic priorities. Despite being a prominent
advocate for climate justice within the G77, translating these
aspirations into actionable policies remains a significant hurdle. This
study aims to explore Pakistan’s specific objectives in addressing
climate change and understanding the concept of climate justice as a
transformative force in global climate governance. Despite
Pakistan’s meager annual carbon dioxide emissions of 0.9%, the
nation has experienced the adverse impacts of climate change,
particularly in the context of a risk society. This phenomenon exacerbates vulnerabilities, leading to insecurity in critical areas
such as food and water resources. The urgency of addressing climate
change is underscored by recent catastrophes, such as the
unprecedented floods of 2010 and 2022, which affected millions,
resulted in numerous fatalities, and incurred substantial economic
losses. The humanitarian and economic toll highlights the need for
comprehensive policy responses. The key prerequisite for Pakistan to
effectively combat the consequences of climate change lies in
securing climate finance aligned with principles of climate justice.
This research underscores the imperative for Pakistan to receive
climate finance promptly. This funding is crucial for addressing the
aftermath of the 2022 floods, enhancing climate-resilient
infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, and formulating
a comprehensive policy response to the multifaceted challenges posed
by climate change. By elucidating Pakistan’s specific research
objectives and the importance of climate finance, this study
contributes to the broader international discourse on climate justice
and effective climate governance.