KARACHI: The Sindh government has officially approved the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) policy to fight climate change, marking a major step toward protecting the environment and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the province.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Environment Dost Muhammad Rahimoon said that Sindh has finalized its climate targets under the United Nations’ Paris Agreement.
Under the new plan, Sindh aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030, with 15 percent of the reduction funded through provincial resources and 35 percent supported by international assistance.
Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Zubair Ahmed Channa said the policy offers a detailed action plan covering major sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, forestry, water, waste management, and urban infrastructure.
The projects include expanding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, phasing out diesel vehicles, promoting electric transport, and launching large-scale tree plantation and mangrove restoration programs. These initiatives are expected to improve air quality and create new job opportunities.
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Channa added that significant waste management reforms are also part of the plan, focusing on recycling, composting, plastic reuse, and waste-to-energy projects. In addition, water conservation measures such as efficient water use, wastewater treatment, and groundwater recharge will help ensure sustainable water resources in both rural and urban areas.
He further said that the province aims to increase forest cover by 150 percent and protect 100,000 hectares of land as forest reserves. The government will also introduce climate-resilient seeds and modern agricultural technologies to enhance farmers’ productivity.
Secretary Channa noted that the Chief Minister of Sindh has not only approved the NDC 3.0 policy but also sent Sindh’s recommendations to the Federal Ministry of Climate Change to ensure that the province’s priorities are included in national climate planning.
