In Minchinabad, Pakistan, Muhammad Basit Ghauri is enthusiastic about the energy transition underway. He observes that solar panels are now commonplace, adorning homes, public buildings, shops, and mosques. This widespread adoption of solar energy is a significant change, especially in areas distant from major cities.
Ghauri, who works for a Pakistani think tank, notes that solar energy, once a luxury, has become a practical solution for lower-middle and lower-income households. This shift is part of a broader trend, with China's advancements in environmental and climate initiatives serving as an inspiration for countries in the Global South.
China's commitment to promoting a global ecological civilization is having a ripple effect, benefiting developing nations like Pakistan. This commitment emphasizes global environmental governance to find worldwide solutions for environmental protection and sustainable development.
The energy transition in Pakistan is driven by the decreasing costs of solar energy and the rising prices of electricity from the country's unreliable grid. Solar panels from China have played a crucial role in this shift. Pakistan purchased a significant amount of solar panels from China last year.
China accounts for a large percentage of global solar photovoltaic module manufacturing and has significantly reduced the price of solar panels over the past decade. Pakistan can also learn from China's experiences in developing its solar energy industry. China's dominance in global manufacturing is a result of strategic investments and a long-term vision.
Punjab's Chief Minister engaged in discussions with China's Minister of Ecology and Environment, expressing a desire to strengthen collaboration on air quality management, the renewable energy industry, and low-carbon development. Environment ministers from Cambodia and Nigeria have also expressed interest in learning from China's experiences to advance environmental and climate initiatives in their respective countries.
Cambodia's minister for the environment highlighted the value of China's experiences in helping them minimize environmental impacts. Nigeria's minister for the environment emphasized China's understanding of the challenges faced by developing nations.
An environmental law organization's director for China believes there is a major opportunity for developing countries to learn from China's green and low-carbon development. China has achieved significant environmental improvements alongside impressive economic growth.
China's potential to collaborate with other developing nations in advancing their green and low-carbon development initiatives is significant. Solar and wind power are becoming more affordable than fossil fuels, and electric vehicles are becoming competitive. Countries with industrialization could start producing these green technologies, creating new business and employment opportunities.
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