Antalya, Türkiye – Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, has called for strengthened international scientific cooperation, equitable climate financing and concrete global action to protect mountain ecosystems and glaciers, while addressing a high-level event titled “Advancing the Mountain Agenda” at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye.
Highlighting the growing vulnerability of mountain ecosystems to climate change, the Federal Minister stated that mountains are among the first ecosystems to experience the adverse impacts of rising global temperatures. He emphasised that changes in mountain environments have far-reaching consequences for water security, biodiversity, livelihoods and human settlements across the world.
Dr. Musadik Malik noted that more than 13,500 glaciers have been identified in Pakistan, making their protection critical for the country’s ecological and water security. He cautioned that the increasing threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) poses serious risks to thousands of people, their homes, livelihoods and infrastructure in vulnerable mountain communities.
The Minister stressed that global scientific collaboration is essential to strengthen research, glacier monitoring and knowledge-sharing on mountain ecosystems. He observed that research conducted in mountainous regions could also contribute to a better understanding of climate-related risks in plains and polar regions, highlighting the interconnected nature of global climate systems.
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Emphasising Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, the Minister pointed out that the country contributes less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet remains among the countries most severely affected by climate change. He underscored that climate change is not merely an environmental challenge but a question of human survival, economic security and the future of coming generations.
On climate finance, Dr. Musadik Malik called for a fair and equitable distribution of financial resources, noting that a substantial share of global climate finance remains concentrated in major emitting economies. He emphasised the need to ensure that vulnerable developing countries receive adequate financial and technical support to address the impacts of climate change.
The Federal Minister urged the international community to move beyond declarations and commitments towards tangible action, particularly in strengthening climate adaptation, scientific research, technology transfer and financial support for vulnerable countries.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Musadik Malik emphasised that protecting mountain ecosystems is not solely a regional responsibility but a shared global obligation. He called for stronger international partnerships, climate justice and coordinated scientific efforts to safeguard mountain environments and the communities that depend on them.
