*Developed Countries Must Pay Climate Debt and Fulfil Historical Responsibilities: Shahid Imran*

*Lahore, October 18:* Shahid Imran, Convener of the Regional Committee on Food at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has urged developed countries to pay their climate debt to developing nations affected by climate change and fulfil their historical responsibilities for global warming.

Addressing a seminar on “Impacts of Climate Change on Food and Agriculture,” organised by Family Food Group of Industries, Shahid Imran said Pakistan suffered losses of approximately $30 billion due to the devastating floods of 2022, while the loss of human lives and the full extent of the disaster’s impact could not be adequately quantified. He added that climate change had contributed to prolonged food insecurity in the country.

He said a just transition to address climate change was an urgent necessity rather than a luxury or an optional undertaking. He stressed that global climate policies must prioritise justice, equality, and the historical responsibilities of countries for the rise in global temperatures.

Shahid Imran noted that developing countries, despite contributing a relatively smaller share of global greenhouse gas emissions, were bearing the severe consequences of climate change. Floods, droughts, rising temperatures, and declining agricultural productivity were posing serious threats to their economies, food security, and livelihoods.

He urged developed countries to provide adequate climate finance to developing nations, facilitate the transfer of modern technologies, and help strengthen their capacity to cope with climate-related disasters. Such support, he said, was essential to enabling vulnerable countries to mitigate climate risks and safeguard their agricultural and food systems.

He further emphasised that Pakistan needed to prioritise climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable food systems, and stronger international cooperation. These measures, he said, were necessary to protect the livelihoods of farmers, labourers, small businesses, and vulnerable communities while ensuring long-term economic stability.