Facing staggering climate-related losses exceeding USD 30 billion in 2022 alone, Pakistan desperately needs USD 40-50 billion annually for effective climate mitigation and adaptation, according to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).
The alarming figures were revealed during the launch of OICCI’s 3rd Pakistan Climate Conference Report, titled ‘Creating an Enabling Environment for Private Sector Participation in Climate Resilience.’
The report highlights the nation”s vulnerability, ranked first on the Climate Risk Index 2025 despite minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond the financial toll, air pollution claims over 128,000 lives prematurely each year, and agricultural productivity has plummeted by 10-20 percent due to climate fluctuations, further jeopardizing livelihoods and economic stability.
Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC and E) Aisha Humera Chaudhry stressed the recognized reality of Pakistan”s climate vulnerability and called for substantial and prompt funding directed towards domestic solutions. She emphasized the private sector”s pivotal role, exemplified by the OICCI and its member companies, in the national climate approach, urging international counterparts to support Pakistan’s environmental goals with considerable funding.
OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem underscored the economic imperative of decarbonization, warning that Pakistan’s current reliance on fossil fuels jeopardizes exports under emerging global trade regulations, such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. He declared decarbonization and green investments vital for sustained economic expansion and international competitiveness.
SDPI Executive Director Dr. Abid Suleri advocated for cooperative policy and fiscal instruments. He highlighted the importance of market-driven approaches and private sector involvement as solutions to the escalating climate crisis, emphasizing the urgent need to transition from commitments to a supportive environment for private investments in climate resilience through consistent policy, transparent data, and accessible financial tools.
ACCA President Ayla Majid highlighted the significance of expertise in finance and skills development in climate action, stating that efficient deployment of funds with transparency and measurable outcomes is crucial. She emphasized capacity building in financial management, technical know-how, and governance as key to translating commitments into tangible resilience for Pakistan.
The report identifies actionable measures in regenerative agriculture, industrial decarbonization, plastic circularity, and carbon market development, stressing the importance of coupling climate funding with supportive policies and capacity building to address Pakistan’s climate financing deficit.
As the sole private sector delegate from Pakistan at COP28 and COP29, OICCI continues to advocate for public-private partnerships in climate action, engaging with regulatory bodies, including the State Bank of Pakistan and SECP, to promote green taxonomies and ESG reporting frameworks.