Haider Ali
Amid barbed wires, armed troops, and impassable borders separating Pakistan and India, an insidious intruder effortlessly breaches these heavily guarded frontiers. It does not carry a passport or require a visa; it is the polluted smog that blankets the skies above. This malevolent haze knows no boundaries, respecting neither sovereignty nor citizenship. In this bizarre paradox, a pressing reality emerges – a mutual problem demands a mutual solution. The question then remains is this: How can something so harmful transcend borders while the much-needed remedy of cooperation languishes in the bureaucratic quagmire of geopolitics?
In this shared struggle for clean air and a sustainable future, the need for a united front becomes increasingly evident. This is where the imperative of climate diplomacy between Pakistan and India takes center stage, transcending political divides and geographical boundaries to confront the existential challenge of our era. Two South Asian giants, Pakistan and India, find themselves at a pivotal juncture where climate diplomacy could be the key to addressing shared environmental challenges and fostering regional stability. The stakes could not be higher, with both countries facing the looming threat of water scarcity, extreme weather events, and agricultural disruption. Harnessing the power of climate diplomacy offers not only environmental benefits but also the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Subcontinent.
In this context, climate diplomacy emerges as a potential game-changer. It offers a unique avenue for Pakistan and India to find common ground and start transforming their adversarial relationship into one characterized by cooperation and an understanding of shared responsibility. However, the path to effective climate diplomacy between Pakistan and India is marred by historical tensions, territorial disputes, and a longstanding rivalry. The mistrust that characterizes their relationship must be overcome for meaningful climate diplomacy to take root. One way to address this challenge is by depoliticizing climate issues. Climate change is an existential threat that transcends borders, ideologies, and political affiliations. By reframing climate action as a shared survival imperative, both countries can move beyond their historical grievances and focus on the greater good. International mediation, including from major global powers – like in the case of the Indus Waters Treaty – can play a vital role in pushing Pakistan and India towards climate cooperation.
The first step of such climate cooperation should be the establishment of a comprehensive bilateral climate agreement. Such an agreement can include scientific collaboration to produce South Asia- specific reliable research. Moreover, it can include a joint-committee to produce policy frameworks that would allow both nations to collaborate on mitigating the effects of climate change, adapting to its impacts, and managing their shared resources more sustainably. The agreement should also promote technology transfer, capacity-building, and financial support mechanisms to facilitate climate action. Public engagement, international collaboration, and periodic reviews should be integral components, ensuring the agreement’s relevance and effectiveness in addressing climate change-induced challenges comprehensively.
Furthermore, climate diplomacy between Pakistan and India should extend beyond bilateral agreements. Both nations must actively engage in regional and international climate fora, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This participation would allow them to collaborate on regional climate initiatives, share best practices, and advocate for their mutual interests on the global stage. The international community also has a significant role to play in facilitating climate diplomacy between Pakistan and India. Major global powers, such as the United States, China, and the European Union, can use their diplomatic influence to encourage both nations to prioritize climate cooperation. Incentives such as climate financing and technology transfer can further improve the deal, making it more attractive for Pakistan and India to engage in climate diplomacy.
The economic repercussions of climate change cannot be ignored, and this is another area where climate diplomacy could bring significant benefits. Both Pakistan and India rely heavily on agriculture as a primary source of livelihood and gross-domestic product (GDP). Climate-induced disruptions, such as extreme weather events and changing rainfall patterns, pose a severe threat to agricultural productivity. By pooling their resources and expertise, these neighboring countries could develop innovative strategies to adapt to changing climate conditions, such as the promotion of drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming practices.
The potential for renewable energy collaboration between Pakistan and India is another promising avenue for climate diplomacy. Both countries have enormous untapped renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind power. By jointly investing in renewable energy infrastructure and technology development, they could not only reduce their dependence on fossil fuels but also bolster their economies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In recent years, there have been encouraging signs of climate consciousness in both Pakistan and India. Both countries have announced ambitious renewable energy targets, recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels. However, to fully harness the potential of climate diplomacy, they must view each other as partners in this endeavor rather than adversaries.
The imperative of climate diplomacy between Pakistan and India extends beyond environmental considerations. It has the potential to reshape the regional and global geopolitical landscape. A peaceful and cooperative relationship between these two nuclear-armed neighbors could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and security. It could reduce the risk of conflict over shared resources, lessen the burden of climate-induced displacement, and foster a sense of trust and goodwill that extends beyond environmental issues. The time for climate diplomacy between Pakistan and India is now, and the world is watching, hoping that these two countries will rise above their differences and chart a course towards a sustainable and harmonious future.
Haider Ali is an MPhil Political Science Scholar at the School of Integrated Social Sciences, The University of Lahore.
The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pakistan Politico.