“COPinMyCity Karachi 2019” was a 2-day conference around climate change, organized by the Institute of Business Administration’s (IBA) Go Green Society, supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Pakistan, and the Ministry of Climate Change at the Institute of Business Administration Karachi.
The objective of COP in my City
The objective of the conference was to introduce Pakistani youth to international climate negotiations. Additionally, our goal was to develop a better understanding of the imminent threats we face from Climate Change.
Over two days, delegates from 20 colleges and universities participated in the negotiations, from across Karachi as well as interior Sindh and Balochistan. Consequently, the debate was centered around curtailing carbon emissions, promoting afforestation, and contributing to the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund. The delegates were representing different negotiating parties including state-groups such as Pakistan, China, and the European Union; as well as non-state groups including Climate Activists, Press Corps, and the Fossil Fuel Lobby.
A key component of these negotiations was a simulation that projected the impact of the decisions taken – in the form of the Earth’s temperature rise by the year 2100. Under the Paris Agreement, the aim is to limit it at 2 degrees Celsius. However, the delegates at COPinMyCity Karachi came close to 2.3 during the final simulation.
Pakistan’s Response to Climate Change
Federal Minister and Advisor to Prime Minister, Mr.Malik Amin Aslam was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. He shared his insights on the key components of the global negotiations process and the numerous initiatives by the Government. Moreover, he applauded the delegates’ enthusiasm to tackle climate change and their depth of knowledge. Mr.Aslam further mentioned how he ‘was actually inspired by the ideas of the youth – they actually solved the climate riddle with a near practical outlay.’
He also talked about how Pakistan is emerging as a major global player in afforestation, though the government’s effort to plant 10 billion trees across Pakistan.
Furthermore, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, Dr.Farrukh Iqbal also spoke on the occasion and discussed his thesis on emissions trading. He also referred to his own experience of watching the Indus delta disappear over time as a consequence of neglecting the environment.
Conclusion
Evidently, only some could share victory for being amongst the top negotiators of their bloc. Notably, Taimoor Ali Khan was recognized as the Best Negotiator, while Lalarukh Wasif and Huzaifa Farooq shared Honorable Mentions. But the real victory was getting people engaged in this conversation. Undoubtedly, the delegates left the venue with renewed hope and energy towards replicating the negotiations model at their own respected varsities. Lastly, the delegates even described the event as an ‘eye-opening experience’.
To conclude, IBA Go Green Society as well as the Friedrich Neumann Foundation for Freedom remains committed to supporting such positive discussions.
