South Asian countries can benefit each other through collaboration on acquiring green renewable energy as it is more feasible at regional level than at a country level given the cost barriers.
These views were ex-pressed by delegates from Pakistan and India on 2nd day of three day’s dialogue on climate change here Tuesday.
The delegates were discussing at ‘Pakistan-India Track II Dialogue on (Climate) Change for peace’ organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India with the support of Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS).
Speaking at session ‘Water and climate Change: Arshad Abbasi, Advisor. SDPI stressed on environmental impact assessment “for all trans-boundary hydropower projects and called for declaring  glaciers as protected areas arguing that climate change negotiation between India and Pakistan can only be successful after demilitarization of Siachin glacier.
He said, ‘progress in South Asian region has been held hostage by lack of cooperation between India and Pakistan’.
He further added that use of coal as major source of energy generation in India is polluting environment which needs to be immediately restricted.
Chandra Bushan, Deputy Director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India commended efficient water use and climate resistant I practices in agriculture sector with joint assessment of vulnerabilities and adaptation due to climate change in arid zones of both country particularly in Rajhistan and Sindh.
Dr. Asad Sarwar Qureshi of International Water Management Institute (IWMI) suggested t we have to rationalize cropping pattern with an increased focus on productivity rather than increasing irrigated area.
Speakers at session ‘energy and climate change’ asked for equitable access to affordable energy with in South Asian region.
During session on ‘climate change adaptation’, Shafqat Kakakhel, Former Deputy Executive Director, UNEP said Pakistan and India needs to actively participate in global efforts on climate change adaptation but their foremost priority must be to protect sectors of economy which are adversely affected by climate change.
Session on ‘Gender and climate change’ was chaired by Dr Saba Gul Khattak, Member Social Sector, Planning Commission of Pakistan.
Mome Saleem, Research Associate, SDPI said Climate Change will have serious implications for women due to their greater responsibilities and less access to resources beside their limited mobility, Sexual division of  labour, lack of education and access to information.
She regretted over absence of gender dimension in climate financing and asserted to ensure women’s role in decision making process at national as well as global level, gender mainstreaming in, National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) and capacity building through media and community based interventions.