At the COP30 Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz captivated global attention with her groundbreaking vision for a Green and Sustainable Punjab. Taking center stage among world leaders, she declared that “Punjab is now the new epicenter of South Asia’s Green Revolution.”
Her powerful address positioned Punjab as a climate action pioneer, unveiling bold environmental reforms focused on clean air, renewable energy, smart transport, and digital sustainability.
Punjab’s Green Revolution: A Model for the Region
In her keynote speech, CM Maryam Nawaz announced a significant expansion of Punjab’s Clean Air Budget, increasing it from Rs. 94 billion to Rs. 123 billion. She emphasized that the provincial government is “not just cleaning the streets — we are cleaning our children’s future.”
Under her leadership, Punjab is transitioning to a zero-emission transport network, introducing AI-powered smog control systems and converting all public vehicles to electric mobility.
Key Highlights of Punjab’s Climate Transformation Plan
-
1,500 Electric Buses, 120,000 e-bikes, 1,100 e-taxis to operate in 42 cities.
-
Solar-powered charging depots and AI-based traffic systems to reduce emissions.
-
Waste-to-energy plants turning garbage into green fuel under the Suthra Punjab Initiative.
-
Creation of 150,000 new green jobs, boosting eco-friendly employment.
Maryam Nawaz proudly stated, “Every waste pile is now becoming a source of clean energy.”
Saving Wildlife & Reviving Forests
Punjab’s environment revival isn’t limited to cities. Under the Punjab Wildlife and Biodiversity Program, over 35,000 birds and 700 animals have been rescued. Construction of South Asia’s largest wildlife hospital is already underway.
A dedicated Forest Protection Force, equipped with drones, GPS trackers, and AI monitoring dashboards, now safeguards millions of newly planted trees across riverbanks and nature reserves.
“Where jungles had fallen silent and birds had vanished, today life has returned,” Maryam told the audience to thunderous applause.
Clean Water, Smart Villages, and Climate-Ready Farming
The Punjab government is also building 2,500 model villages, each with clean drinking water, solar lighting, and sanitation systems. In addition, 41 district water authorities and 66 city projects have been launched to improve water management and reduce pollution.
Punjab’s farmers are leading the Green Economy with AI-driven farm machinery, solar-powered irrigation, and climate-smart agriculture. The government has already distributed Rs. 80 billion in interest-free loans, reducing crop residue burning by 65%, in collaboration with SUPARCO and NASA.
Fighting Smog with AI and Real-Time Monitoring
Punjab has established 100 Air Quality Monitoring Stations linked to an AI-powered Smog War Room in Lahore — the first of its kind in South Asia.
This system integrates with global satellites to provide early warnings for smog, floods, and climate risks. The Punjab Climate Observatory, connected to NASA’s monitoring systems, now gives real-time data to policymakers for rapid response.
A Global Message from Maryam Nawaz
Drawing comparisons between the Amazon Rainforest and the Indus River Basin, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that “human survival is tied to the survival of nature.”
She reminded delegates that Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global carbon emissions yet remains one of the most climate-affected countries in the world. Recalling the 2025 Punjab floods, which displaced over five million people, she praised her government’s digital disaster response as a “turning point in climate resilience.”
Concluding her speech, Maryam declared:
“True leadership today is not about power over others — it is about partnership with nature.”
She urged global leaders to make COP30 the decade of climate action, calling for innovation, fairness, and shared responsibility between the Global North and South.
Final Thoughts
The CM Maryam Nawaz COP30 address marked a defining moment for Pakistan’s environmental leadership. Her Green Punjab Vision combines technology, sustainability, and social empowerment — setting an inspiring model for developing nations worldwide.
With initiatives like AI-based smog control, electric mobility, and smart farming, Punjab is not only fighting climate change — it’s leading the next Green Revolution in South Asia.