Frequently Asked Questions
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Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It's urgent because its impacts, like extreme weather events and hydrological stress, are already severely affecting countries like Pakistan, which is highly vulnerable despite its low emissions. Acting now is crucial to mitigate these escalating threats. Â
Ans: Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow or stop global warming. This includes shifting to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices. Adaptation means adjusting to the actual or expected impacts of climate change that are already unavoidable. This can involve building climate-resilient infrastructure, improve water management, and enhance disaster preparedness. Both are essential for a comprehensive climate strategy.
Ans: A carbon credit is a tradable permit that represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) that has been either removed from the atmosphere or prevented from being emitted. Companies that reduce their emissions below a certain level can sell their surplus credits, while those that find it harder to reduce emissions can buy credits to meet their targets. This creates a market-based incentive for businesses to invest in cleaner technologies and reduce their environmental impact. Â
Ans: Emission Trading Systems (ETS), also known as cap-and-trade systems, are regulated markets where governments set a cap on total emissions for specific industries, and companies trade allowances (permits to emit) to stay within that cap. Examples include the EU ETS and California's system. Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) allow companies and individuals to voluntarily purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions, often to meet sustainability goals or corporate social responsibility commitments. Carbon Libre operates in both these global markets and anticipates Pakistan's own domestic cap-and-trade system.
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Capacity building is vital because climate change is an intergenerational challenge requiring widespread understanding and action. By equipping individuals, especially youth and children, with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking about climate change, we empower them to understand, adapt to, and mitigate future challenges. This ensures that climate action continues to build momentum and fosters a more resilient, sustainable future for everyone. Â
Ans: Nature-based solutions (NbS) involve leveraging ecosystems—such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves—to address climate challenges. These solutions help absorb carbon dioxide, protect biodiversity, and reduce the impact of extreme weather events. For example, restoring mangroves can buffer coastlines from storm surges while sequestering large amounts of carbon. Integrating NbS into climate strategies not only mitigates emissions but also enhances community resilience and supports sustainable livelihoods.
Ans: Climate finance refers to local, national, or international funds that support mitigation and adaptation actions. Developing countries like Pakistan often lack the financial resources to transition to low-carbon economies or to build climate-resilient infrastructure. Climate finance—channeled through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund or bilateral aid—helps bridge this gap by funding renewable energy projects, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation programs, ensuring a just and inclusive climate transition.
Ans: A Just Transition ensures that the shift to a low-carbon economy is fair, inclusive, and socially equitable. It emphasizes protecting workers' rights, creating green jobs, and supporting communities that depend on fossil fuels or carbon-intensive industries. Without a just approach, climate policies could deepen social inequalities. For countries like Pakistan, it means prioritizing job retraining, rural development, and social protection to ensure no one is left behind in the journey toward sustainability.