High Commissioner Jane Marriott highlights urgency of addressing climate change

Celina Ali

Islamabad: British High Commissioner Jane Marriott has highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and the UK-Pakistan Partnership’s commitment to positive planetary impact.

Addressing UK’s climate goals, Marriott outlined a three-pronged approach: limiting climate increase to 1.5%, building global resilience, and halting biodiversity loss.

Despite acknowledging Pakistan’s economic challenges, she expressed confidence in its growth potential. Marriott also highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and the UK-Pakistan Partnership’s commitment to positive planetary impact.

In an interview, she emphasized the United Kingdom’s substantial contribution to the International Climate Financing Fund (ICFC) and its active involvement in green projects in Pakistan, aligning with climate goals. Marriott underscored key areas of focus in the UK-Pakistan partnership, highlighting the challenge of climate financing and the importance of collaborative efforts.

She acknowledged the need for leveraging private sector investment to drive sustainable initiatives, expressing optimism about Pakistan’s economic potential and the transformative impact of private sector-led growth.

Marriott stressed the significance of implementing the right regulations and creating space for economic development, envisioning a trajectory akin to successful growth models observed in other nations.

She encouraged global recognition of Pakistani innovation, particularly in prestigious awards like the Earthshot Prize, emphasizing the potential for these contributions to address global challenges.

Referring to King Charles III’s 75th birthday, Marriott discussed the UK-Pakistan Partnership, emphasizing the monarch’s early advocacy for climate and organic farming. She highlighted the partnership’s commitment to building resilience globally and protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030.

Acknowledging the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, Marriott praised their substantial contributions to the UK’s cultural and economic landscape. She commended the diaspora’s role in fostering cultural and business exchanges between Pakistan and the UK, emphasizing the unique bond formed through family ties and visits.

Marriott expressed belief in leveraging the diaspora’s affection for their heritage to strengthen relations between the two nations through cultural exchanges, business interactions, and family visits, noting the special connection that unites the countries.