Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman has said the developed world is the highest emitter of greenhouse gases, and should do more to reduce emissions instead of pressing the countries most at risk.

She made these remarks at “The Future of Democracy” discussion during the annual meeting of global leaders at the World Economic Forum 2022 in Davos.

In the context of pressing global agendas that need to be addressed with equity and justice, she talked of the global climate change issue as a joint but proportionate responsibility for the big emitters of the previous and current century.

“We are sitting in the antechamber of climate catastrophe. It is highly unfortunate that our leaders’ vested interests have overshadowed the real changes needed in the world," she added.

"Transitions from fossil fuels are the need of the hour but the developed world is still the highest emitter of greenhouse gases, putting their short-term national stakes and corporate interests above the safety and survival of our world. Instead of pressing the countries most at risk, the big emitters should act responsibly and do more."

"Perhaps then all of us will be better motivated to act faster to build a more sustainable and resilient future. At the same time, no democracy, even a climate-vulnerable one like Pakistan can afford to sit back and not act for their own community. The costs of inaction are too high."