Press Release | Senator Sherry Rehman debunks three myths about climate change

Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, delivered the closing keynote address at Acumen Pakistan's Climate Action for Pakistan (CAP) conference. 

In her remarks, Senator Rehman debunked three prevalent myths about climate policy, emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, and called for enhanced climate diplomacy.

Senator Rehman while talking about first myth said "Threre is myth that policy alone will trigger the action. However, creating policy is just the beginning. Effective climate action requires implementation at every level, from federal ministries to local communities. One of the great deficits in our country, and many parts of the world, is our ability to understand and communicate that climate change, climate stress emergencies, and the risks it poses are complex. They need constant vigilance and action. Action is not the same as policy."

Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted the importance of local resilience and self-reliance, noting that second myth, is waiting for external aid after disasters is not a sustainable strategy. She said, "If enough disasters strike, someone somewhere will come and rescue us, is another myth. They may rescue you, but they will not bail you out. There are two differences. There will be somebody pushing a rope down the raft."

The third myth is, Sentor said, "Marketplace will regulate the climate norms. A little point on the side there about the marketplace: if you expect it to regulate the climate norm, it won't. 7.2 trillion of the subsidies being given to big oil and gas. Just look at that number and think about it." Senator Rehman criticized reliance on market forces to drive climate action, urging a more proactive and integrated approach by governments and communities.

Senator Rehman emphasized the dire situation Pakistan faces with water scarcity and food security. She called for immediate and concerted efforts to manage water resources and adapt to changing climate conditions to prevent severe future crises. "We are suffering because of the carbon footprint of other countries. The UN has long said that you will be water-scarce by 2025. Do you want to wait for rationing like Cape Town where the water is rationed out because it will have to be? And the elites will still be able to get it. The conflicts will rise on the ground."

Senator said, "Next year, at COP 29, they will be focusing on NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions). Everyone will be asked to present a report on their NDCs, and we will be asked and prodded to review ours for higher ambition, higher commitments." She added, "We lost some $40 billion in loss and damages; we calculated it—it’s out there. But we’re not on that committee. Our diplomacy in this area has failed to secure a place at the table where these critical decisions are made, and it’s essential for us to have representation and advocacy in these international platforms. Without being there, we can't influence or benefit from the funds and policies designed to address the climate crises impacting countries like ours."

Lastly, Senator urged all the stakeholders to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions.