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LAHORE:
Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik on Saturday said the global climate crisis must be seen not only as an environmental challenge but as a failure of international cooperation and justice.
In a session on the second day of ThinkFest 2026 at the Alhamra Arts Council, Dr Malik highlighted the need to move beyond isolated scientific research and embrace what he called “scientific diplomacy”.
He said science has the unique power to bridge divisions between nations, enabling collaboration through shared research and global projects despite political differences. “Science is the only language that remains universal,” he remarked.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, the minister noted that the country contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions but remains among the worst affected by climate-related disasters. For developing nations, he said, scientific collaboration is a necessity for survival rather than a luxury.
The minister also called for global accountability, pointing out the imbalance between financial benefits and environmental costs. He said countries that benefit most from carbon-intensive industries often face the least immediate consequences, while the poorest nations are hardest hit by climate impacts.
“It is fundamentally wrong for a few to privatize profits while climate consequences are socialized among the majority,” he said, urging the creation of a global mechanism to hold high-emitting countries financially accountable.
Dr. Malik’s comments were warmly received by the audience, positioning Pakistan as a strong voice for climate justice. He urged the international community to reshape global policies based on data and ethics to ensure a fair and inclusive response to climate change.
