Najam Discusses the Intersection of Economic Development and Climate Change
Adil Najam, Dean Emeritus and Professor at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, recently discussed the critical link between economic development and climate change during an appearance on Dawn News’ “Fiscal Focus” program, hosted by Danish Khan. The conversation explored how countries like Pakistan can balance economic growth while addressing the escalating climate crisis.
Najam emphasized that climate change has become “the biggest development challenge of our time,” explaining that economic progress is unsustainable without climate-conscious policies. He warned that climate impacts—ranging from floods to heatwaves—are not just environmental issues but major economic threats. “If you don’t address climate change, you won’t be able to sustain your economic development,” Najam stated, pointing out the direct risks to sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and public health in vulnerable nations like Pakistan.
Najam also brought attention to the growing urgency for governments to integrate climate action into their economic planning. He highlighted how climate-related disasters could destabilize economies, pushing more people into poverty. “Climate change doesn’t just create new challenges; it multiplies existing ones,” Najam said, stressing the need for long-term strategies that consider both mitigation and adaptation.
During the interview, Najam called for global cooperation, reminding viewers that climate change is a collective problem that no single country can solve alone. He touched on the concept of “climate justice,” arguing that wealthier nations, who bear greater responsibility for emissions, should support countries like Pakistan that face disproportionate climate impacts despite contributing little to the problem.
The full interview is available on Dawn News’ YouTube channel, where Najam’s insights on balancing development with climate resilience offer important guidance for policymakers navigating the dual challenges of economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Adil Najam is Dean Emeritus and Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He served as the Inaugural Dean of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies from 2014-2022. He is also a former Vice-Chancellor of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and currently serves as the Global President of WWF International. Read more about Najam on his Pardee School faculty profile.