The trajectory of the global green transition, marked by the shift toward low-carbon energy and sustainable economic practices, has reached a crucial point in 2025, with significant divergences appearing between advanced Western economies and emerging markets like Pakistan. While Western countries, particularly the US and parts of Europe, have seen a slowdown or pushback in ambitious climate policy efforts due to political shifts, energy security concerns, and economic pressures, emerging economies are increasingly embracing clean energy as a strategic priority.

Pakistan targets 60% renewable electricity by 2030, including 13 GW of new hydropower and expanded solar energy.

Pakistan exemplifies this dynamic by pursuing an increasingly robust green agenda despite challenges, signaling how emerging markets can lead aspects of the transition even amid global uncertainties. In the US and some European nations, recent policy changes reflect a cautious retreat from aggressive clean energy mandates. The rollback of some renewable subsidies, relaxed emissions standards, and reprioritization of fossil fuel production amid inflation and geopolitical disruptions have slowed the pace of the green transition.

This has heightened concerns about the ability of advanced economies to meet climate targets and sustain leadership in clean technology innovation. In contrast, Pakistan and many other developing countries view the green shift not only as an environmental imperative but also as an opportunity to enhance energy security, reduce costly fossil fuel imports, and foster economic growth through new sectors and jobs.

Pakistan’s recent policy initiatives reveal a clear push towards green energy and sustainability. The launch of the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-2030 aims to electrify transportation by targeting 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, with the long-term goal of 100% electric new vehicle sales by 2060. This is expected to not only slash the country’s heavy reliance on imported oil, saving over $1 billion in fuel imports, but also reduce urban air pollution and associated health problems.

The NEV Policy aims for 30% electric vehicle sales by 2030, reducing fuel imports by over $1 billion annually.

Additionally, Pakistan is developing an Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP) to accelerate its shift towards clean, affordable energy systems that align with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). This is critical given Pakistan’s annual energy imports of about $15 billion and its urgent need to enhance energy access and affordability.

The nation’s ambitions go further still. Pakistan has set a bold target of achieving 60% renewable electricity by 2030, with plans to add 13 gigawatts of new hydropower and expand solar energy significantly. Solar energy already accounts for roughly 25% of utility electricity, fueled by favorable policies such as net metering and low import tariffs on technology. This so-called “silent solar revolution” underscores the country’s growing clean energy sector amid a mix of hydropower and nuclear energy providing low-carbon baseload power.

Despite positive momentum, challenges remain. Pakistan’s renewable energy share still stands at about 7%, with continued reliance on fossil fuels, including increasingly imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). Experts emphasize the importance of enhanced investments, regulatory reforms, and stronger climate policy enforcement to meet ambitious renewable targets.

Pakistan’s climate policies must also address adaptation, focusing on agriculture, water management, and livelihoods, given the country’s vulnerability to floods and glacial melt. A National Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality by 2035 aims to build the necessary legal and institutional frameworks, enforce climate acts with sectoral carbon budgeting, and expand renewable capacity to 50% by 2029.

Despite progress, Pakistan’s renewable share remains around 7%, necessitating investment, reforms, and climate adaptation focus.

Pakistan’s approach is emblematic of broader trends in emerging markets that see the green transition as integral to economic resilience, public health, and energy independence. The country’s coordinated strategy integrates vehicle electrification, renewable energy expansion, and climate adaptation with strong support from international development partners.

It exemplifies how emerging economies can become engines of green growth even as some advanced economies face retrenchment. The policy environment balancing economic realities with environmental commitments highlights Pakistan’s pragmatic yet forward-looking approach to climate action.

However, the global green transition’s uneven pace poses risks. If advanced economies fail to sustain momentum, global emissions trajectories may worsen, complicating efforts to keep temperature rises within safe limits. For Pakistan, success depends on securing financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building support to solidify gains and scale renewable deployment. Effective monitoring, transparent governance, and inclusion of indigenous knowledge will be essential to ensure policies translate into tangible outcomes.

The future of the green transition reveals a complex landscape where emerging markets like Pakistan are becoming key drivers of clean energy innovation and climate progress. They are managing to advance ambitious renewable goals, build electric mobility infrastructure, and craft comprehensive climate roadmaps amid economic and geopolitical constraints.

Emerging markets like Pakistan drive green growth as some Western economies retreat amid geopolitical and economic pressures.

This divergence with some Western economies suggests a multipolar energy future where leadership and responsibility are shared. Pakistan’s example underscores both the promise and challenges of building a sustainable, low-carbon future in developing contexts, making it a critical actor in the global climate dialogue and a model for other emerging economies striving to balance growth with environmental stewardship.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.