Pakistan seeks global scientific partnership to study 13,500 glaciers

By Abdul Samad Tariq

ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik has called for international scientific cooperation to study glaciers and mountain ecosystems, warning that melting ice and the growing risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are threatening vulnerable communities and their livelihoods.

Speaking at the UN Climate Change Pavilion at COP31, the minister said the first impact of climate change was often felt in mountainous regions, making collaborative research on glaciers and associated environmental risks essential.

He said more than 13,500 glaciers had been identified in Pakistan, while the increasing threat of glacial lake outburst floods required coordinated scientific research and international cooperation.

“Pakistan contributes less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains among the countries most severely affected by climate change,” he said.

He warned that glacier melt was putting thousands of people, their homes and sources of livelihood at risk, adding that climate change was not merely an environmental challenge but a question of human survival.

The minister called for equitable distribution of climate finance, saying developing countries facing severe climate impacts needed timely financial assistance.

He observed that climate financing remained concentrated among major emitting countries, despite the vulnerability of countries contributing little to global emissions.

He said scientific research in mountainous regions could also help improve understanding of climate risks in plains and polar regions, stressing the need to move beyond international declarations towards practical cooperation.

Highlighting Pakistan’s proposed initiatives to promote research and innovation, Musadik Malik outlined plans for a Green Virtual University to connect Pakistani students, researchers and faculty members with leading international universities and scientists.

Under the proposed initiative, Pakistani students would have opportunities to participate in joint research, faculty exchanges and student exchange programmes and work with internationally recognised researchers without necessarily having to study abroad.

He said Pakistan had already signed an agreement with Italy in this regard, while cooperation with the United Kingdom was being pursued through a Green Compact. Discussions had also been held with Iceland and countries associated with the Arctic Circle.

The minister said the initiative would help Pakistani graduates gain access to international scientific expertise and contribute to research on climate change and sustainable development.

He also stressed the need to encourage young people to turn innovative ideas into commercially viable green businesses rather than relying exclusively on government employment or conventional grant-based funding.

Referring to the potential of students from universities including LUMS and Government College University, he said Pakistan’s young graduates could develop innovative enterprises if provided with financial and institutional support.

He proposed a framework to facilitate green entrepreneurship, enabling young people to develop commercially sustainable solutions in areas such as clean drinking water, renewable energy and environmental protection.

Musadik Malik also referred to emerging opportunities in carbon trading and innovative financing mechanisms, saying international institutions and investors could collaborate with Pakistani entrepreneurs to support environmentally sustainable businesses.

Discussing Pakistan’s energy transition, he highlighted efforts to promote renewable energy and cleaner transportation, including a shift towards electric vehicles.

He said international cooperation, scientific research and investment in young people were essential to addressing the climate crisis and building a sustainable future.

The minister reiterated that climate justice required fair international cooperation and urged developed countries and global institutions to ensure timely financial and technical support for developing countries bearing the consequences of climate change.