For Pakistan to meet its renewable energy targets and significantly contribute to the global effort to battle climate change, it must continue to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and support policies and public-private partnerships. By making the most of its natural resources and adopting innovative sustainable practices, Pakistan can set a benchmark for future generations and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities such as fossil fuel combustion for generating electricity, deforestation for urban development and using conventional energy sources for power have had consequential impacts on human and natural ecosystems. The resultant greenhouse gas emissions have led to excessive global warming and climate change, causing extreme weather conditions such as floods, droughts, storms and heatwaves. Scientists argue that this alarming climate change poses an existential threat to human civilization. Nevertheless, the global response to address this grave challenge has proceeded disappointingly slow, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Against this backdrop, this article discusses the urgent need to transition to renewable sources and the potential for renewable energy adoption.

Pakistan, like many other countries, faces serious environmental problems due to the pervasive use of non-renewable sources. The Indus River, one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world, carries large volumes of polluted waste into the Arabian Sea, adversely affecting marine life and coastal populations. 

Sadly, the activities responsible for climate change are embedded in human social life. In Pakistan, everyday social practices like eating, working, commuting, etc., result in emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.1 Hence, addressing the challenge of climate change in the everyday human practice of billions of people worldwide is imperative. “It’s just one straw”, said 8 billion people. This phrase reflects an essential flaw in how people frequently view and interact with environmental problems. This statement's idea is straightforward yet immensely influential: billions of people's seemingly little activities combined over time cause serious environmental damage. This kind of mindset ignores the impact of group action and the extent to which these behaviors spread throughout the global population as a whole. 
Pakistan, like many other countries, faces serious environmental problems due to the pervasive use of non-renewable sources. The Indus River, one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world, carries large volumes of polluted waste into the Arabian Sea, adversely affecting marine life and coastal populations. This issue is exacerbated by the prevailing mentality that downplays the significance of small, daily activities. 
Hydropower
In Pakistan, 25 percent of the energy requirement is fulfilled by hydropower, which reflects the country's significant investment in using its river systems to generate electricity. However, hydroelectric project development has frequently been slow because of their high initial costs, lengthy gestation periods, and environmental considerations. Renewable energy sources comprise 7 percent of installed capacity, including biomass, solar, and wind power. This minor percentage highlights the untapped potential for the nation's renewable energy sector to grow. Despite this, new initiatives to boost funding in these fields have been made in recognition of their significance for the development of sustainable energy. 
Wind Energy
For Pakistan, wind energy is a very valuable and potential renewable energy source, especially in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. Given the good wind conditions in these locations, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) has designated them as critical sites for wind power development. Pakistan's 180-kilometre-long coastal strip stretches from Gharo to Keti Bandar for 60 kilometres and has a significant wind energy potential. The Meteorological Department of Pakistan has provided statistics indicating that this region can generate roughly 50,000 MW of electricity through wind turbines. The Government of Pakistan has made significant attempts to encourage the advancement of wind energy due to its vast potential. A demonstration of these efforts is the establishment of a wind power energy corridor running across the southern coastal regions of Sindh and Balochistan. This corridor aims to draw in capital, expedite the development process, and make it easier to incorporate wind energy into the national grid.
Another important program that supports the renewable energy industry is Pakistan's Renewable Energy Policy. By 2030, the Renewable Energy Policy aims to produce 60 percent of the country's energy from renewable sources. This goal demonstrates the government's dedication to fostering sustainable energy sources and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. The strategy offers tax benefits, expedited regulatory processes, and advantageous tariffs for renewable energy projects, among other incentives, to potential investors. Although the future looks promising, Pakistan still has certain obstacles to overcome before it attains its full wind energy potential. Integration requires sufficient infrastructure, which includes connection to the grid and transmission lines. Large-scale project financing is still challenging in light of the current economic climate. To attract and retain investment, developing technical competence and local worker capability is crucial. Additionally, regulatory processes must be streamlined with consistent policy execution.

In Pakistan, 25 percent of the energy requirement is fulfilled by hydropower, which reflects the country's significant investment in using its river systems to generate electricity.

Solar Energy
In Pakistan's renewable energy market, solar energy is an important player that helps with high electricity costs and ongoing energy shortages. Pakistan is ideally equipped for solar power, receiving an average of nine and a half hours of sunlight every day. Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to solar energy by establishing seven operational solar projects totalling 530 MW, managed by the Ministry of Energy's Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB). These projects are positioned to maximize output and efficiency in regions that receive substantial sun irradiation. Simultaneously, industry and commercial entities are adopting captive solar solutions at an increasing rate because of rising electricity costs and a grid supply that isn’t reliable. These on-site solar systems lessen dependency on the national grid and alleviate the effects of power outages and loadshedding by providing a stable and affordable alternative to traditional grid electricity. 
An unstable grid supply and growing electricity costs in Pakistan have prompted more businesses and industries to look into captive solar solutions. Installed on-site to meet an entity's energy requirements, captive solar systems provide a reliable and economical substitute for typical grid electricity. These technologies decrease dependency on the national grid and minimize the effects of loadshedding and power disruptions. In larger cities, there has also been a significant rise in the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels for residential use. Rooftop solar systems are becoming more and more popular among homeowners and businesses as a way to benefit from the abundant sunlight and lower electricity costs. This tendency is especially noticeable in cities with significant electrical use because grid reliability is often concerning.
The Government of Pakistan introduced net metering restrictions in September 2015, particularly for installations under ¹ MW, to promote a wider uptake of solar energy. With net metering, customers who use solar energy to generate electricity can feed any extra back into the grid. They get credits on their utility bills in exchange. Owing to the regulatory structure, consumers may utilize solar panel installation as a great incentive to offset their electricity expenses. Additionally, members assist grid stability and reliability by feeding excess energy into the national grid, which fosters a more sustainable energy environment in Pakistan. Due to advantageous geographic conditions, government policies that support solar power growth, economic benefits as a cost-effective energy alternative, technological advancements that lower solar costs, and environmental advantages in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan's energy sector shows promise for solar power growth.

Another important program that supports the renewable energy industry is Pakistan's Renewable Energy Policy. By 2030, the Renewable Energy Policy aims to produce 60 percent of the country's energy from renewable sources.

Small, mini, and micro hydropower projects are just as vital to Pakistan's renewable energy policy as large-scale hydroelectric projects. These initiatives are praised for their capacity to supply inexpensive, clean energy, especially in isolated and mountainous regions with limited grid connectivity. Since small hydropower plants are economically viable and sustainably operated, they have become more critical in Pakistan's energy landscape. These initiatives constitute crucial parts of the Government of Pakistan's renewable energy policy, which aims to diversify the energy mix and lessen reliance on fossil fuels. These projects tend to operate in Pakistan's northern areas, where the potential for producing electricity through rivers and streams is abundant. The Government of Pakistan has prioritized developing small hydropower by enacting laws and taking proactive measures. The nation's objective to increase hydropower capacity by 13,000 MW by 2030 is reaffirmed in the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP). 
Pakistan's sustainable development goals align with this plan's effective use of regional assets. Pakistan's small hydropower plants provide clean, renewable electricity production without releasing greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere. They improve infrastructure in rural locations, create jobs that boost the local economy and are more affordable than more extensive options because of their lower operating costs. Additionally, these initiatives increase energy availability by lowering dependency on imported fuels and supplying dependable electricity in off-grid areas. In Pakistan, there are several obstacles to the widespread use of small hydropower, regardless of its benefits. Specialized knowledge is needed to navigate the technical complexity of constructing systems for rough terrain and fluctuating water flows. Another obstacle is capital, particularly in isolated places with expensive infrastructure. Project schedules might be extended, and costs can rise due to regulatory delays in permits and approvals. Furthermore, effective community engagement is crucial to address local concerns regarding land usage, environmental issues, and community benefits and ensure project acceptance and sustainability. In order to optimize the potential of small hydropower in Pakistan's energy plan, certain obstacles must be addressed.
Innovative Solutions to Reduce Waste
Reusable Cutlery-Utilizing Agricultural Waste. Pakistan, an agricultural country, ranks as the 10th largest producer of rice globally. The nation produces over 6 million tonnes of premium rice annually. Researchers found in a 2018 study that husk makes up about 20 percent of rice paddy, indicating that the country produces close to 1.2 million tonnes of rice husk annually. The agro-based biomass industry and rice milling produce a significant amount of rice husk, an organic waste. Most of this cheap organic waste is sold to farms at extremely low costs or burnt, contributing to pollution. On the other hand, rice husk may be used to make environmentally friendly cutlery that is an excellent substitute for single-use plastic items. Pakistan could minimize pollution and optimize the value of this agricultural by-product by transforming rice husk into "eco cutlery," which will promote a more ecologically conscious and sustainable economy.²
Eco Bricks. Eco Bricks uses plastic trash, specifically shopping bags and bottles, to reduce plastic waste. These innovative bricks are Pakistan's first competitors in the building sector as they are more durable, lightweight, and reasonably priced than conventional red bricks. Superior and resilient, Eco Bricks are used worldwide in a wide range of construction projects, such as government buildings, military, commercial, residential, and educational buildings, as well as security facilities like warehouses and HESCO walls. Eco Bricks are finished, usable products made with environmental responsibility. Eco Bricks are a reasonably priced and long-lasting substitute for builders that address the issue of plastic pollution by combining leftover plastic into building materials.³
In conclusion, Pakistan is at a turning point in its progress toward environmental stewardship and sustainable development. With creative solutions, the nation's shift to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and small hydropower, holds tremendous potential for resolving energy scarcities, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting economic growth. Pakistan has shown great dedication to realizing the promise of renewable energy, even in the face of obstacles such as technical difficulties, budgetary limitations, legal barriers, and problems with community involvement.
Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to renewable energy technology through a number of proactive actions, such as the creation of wind energy corridors, solar net metering rules, and the support of the development of small hydropower projects. These initiatives seek to improve energy security and resilience against the effects of climate change while diversifying the energy mix. 
For Pakistan to meet its renewable energy targets and significantly contribute to the global effort to battle climate change, it must continue to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and support policies and public-private partnerships. By making the most of its natural resources and adopting innovative sustainable practices, Pakistan can set a benchmark for future generations and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The writer is an undergraduate scholar of Leadership and Management Studies at National Defense University, Islamabad. A social activist and philanthropist, she is also the founder of SYS, an online platform promoting child education and women empowerment. 
E-mail: [email protected]

1.      (Shove, Pantzar and Watson, 2012).
2.      Khan, Waheed, Khan Shehzada, Tayyaba Bibi, Shams Ul Islam, and Sajjad Wali Khan. “Performance Evaluation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rice Husk Ash (RHA) in Improving Mechanical Behavior of Cement.” Construction & Building Materials 176 (July 1, 2018): 89–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.04.213.
3.     Eco Bricks | National Expansion Plan of NICs,” n.d. https://nep.pitb.gov.pk/node/588#:~:text=Eco%20Bricks%20aims%20to%20decrease,%2C%20lightweight%20nature%2C%20and%20affordability.