Abstract:
China has recently made a paradigm shift with respect to its development policy, however the new policy does not take into account the climate change challenges that this increased development might pose. Pakistan, one of the developing nations in the region is following suit. Both the countries have previously not done much with regards to the climate change and is relying on the
‘concrete economy’ for their economic progression in the world. A challenge in China and Pakistan is being faced by its already vulnerable Giant Panda and the Markhor populations which may be pushed towards the direction of extinction if the perils of climate change are not dealt with, in time. Using qualitative, like personnel interviews, and quantitative methodological techniques, such as linear regression analysis, this paper focuses on establishing a link between and measuring the extent of, the exacerbation of climate change indicators, and eventually as a result extinction of wildlife species, by bringing into practice unsustainable activities of economic growth and development which are a part of the new global development paradigm. Results of this study show a well-established but an indirect link between aggravation of climate change and unsustainable economic growth, which eventually leads to extinction of wildlife species, particularly the Markhor and Panda, with development of infrastructure (roads, bridge, buildings) being one of the highest contributors to the cause. The results of this study, stand tantamount and in line with the given hypothesis and tend to answer the research questions that were posed at the start of this study. A solid way forward derived from this is that the government must take all steps to comprehensively integrate the provisions of the COP21 Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals into all aspects of the economy and must pay heed to the environmental impacts of each development project. These policy interventions are not just limited to the scale of government, but also the electorate, relevant NGOs, civil society organizations and academic circles, which must invest in scientific research, advocacy and micro-level interventions to ensure that the perils of climate change are mitigated and leave minimum impact on the human and wildlife populations alike, whilst economic development happens.
