COP31 must deliver climate justice, not empty pledges, says Sherry

Senator Sherry Rehman has urged COP31 in Antalya to shift from mere declarations to delivering a fair, reachable, and equitable climate financing framework. She warned that Pakistan and other climate-vulnerable nations are being placed on a dangerous trajectory of disasters, debt, and reduced development opportunities. Rehman appreciated Turkey's hosting of COP31 and its presidency of the conference, recognizing Turkey's role in uniting nations amidst growing geopolitical tensions and intensifying climate crises.

She expressed hope that the Antalya conference would not merely generate new pledges but translate climate solidarity into concrete financial commitments and tangible outcomes for vulnerable nations. Referring to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' warning at the COP31 Leaders' Summit, Rehman emphasized that fossil fuels must be phased out, as continuing to subsidize them contradicts the urgent need for climate finance.

Global fossil fuel subsidies amount to around $7 trillion, she noted, questioning the world's ability to redirect resources to vulnerable countries facing the brunt of climate impacts. Rehman stressed that time is running out for the 1.5°C warming goal, with current policies propelling the world toward approximately 2.7 degrees centigrade warming, which would have catastrophic effects on countries like Pakistan.

Pakistan has already experienced devastating floods in 2022, affecting 33 million people and causing about $30 billion in damages. The 2025 floods alone are estimated to have caused $1 billion in agricultural losses. Rehman stressed that these are recurring disasters, threatening Pakistan's economy, food security, infrastructure, and development prospects.

She demanded climate justice, financial accountability, and a fair international system, rather than mere charity.