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There is growing recognition that no nation will be
immune to the impacts of the changing climate
system. The case for Pakistan is compelling as
Pakistan is highly vulnerable to global climate
change. The need for building climate resilience is
critical for promoting economic growth and
development of the country.
Extreme rainfall, shifting rain patterns, floods,
melting of glaciers, droughts and increase in
temperatures are reflective of the challenges
Pakistan is facing as a result of climate change.
The impacts of climate change require
monitoring and assessment of climate variability
and measures to address challenges of
adaptation and mitigation.
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
(CIIT) has attached importance to studying the
impacts of climate change, vulnerability and
adaptation; and developing Pakistan's research
and educational capacity in this field. For this
purpose, CIIT has established the Centre for
Climate Research and Development (CCRD) in
Islamabad.
About CIIT
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
commonly known as CIIT was founded in
Islamabad (Pakistan) in August 2000. CIIT is one
of the premier institutions of higher learning in
the country. It is located in Islamabad with
campuses in Abbotabad, Attock, Lahore,
Sahiwal, Vehari and Wah.
Vision
Focus Areas
CCRD will emerge as a vibrant research entity in
climate research with a broad mix of indigenous
knowledge, skills, and scientific talent geared
towards responding to the challenges confronting
Pakistan from global climate change.
The work of Centre for Climate Research and
Development (CCRD) is in the following areas:
Study of extreme weather conditions and
associated environmental challenges by improving
capabilities for scientific research;
Assessment of climatic conditions and climate
variability in the region;
Conduct of research on the consequences of
climate change, leading to formulation of
mitigation and adaptation strategies;
Work with institutions in Pakistan for
designing policies and programs in the framework
of the national Climate Change Policy.
Mission
The mission of CCRD is to enhance Pakistan's
capacity in understanding the impacts of climate
change; develop relevant research capacity;
establish knowledge networks and links in the
region and internationally; and promote teaching
of climate sciences.
Objectives
CCRD shall harness the talents of faculty
members, experts and students in enhancing
national capacity in climate change research and
management.
Composition of CCRD
CCRD has set up multi-disciplinary groups to work
on multiple dimensions of climate change.
Research
CCRD is currently engaged in projects relating to
energy, water, urban development, agriculture, air
quality, climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Partners
CCRD has cooperation agreement with:
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
(PIK) of Germany;
International Centre for Climate &
Environment Sciences (ICCES) and Institute of
Atmospheric Physics (IAP) of China.
These renowned institutions will work with CCRD
to promote cooperative activities, research,
training and academic programs.
Educational Programs
CCRD’s Master programs will be oriented towards
understanding the dynamics, complexity and
interaction between natural, social and economic
processes and systems linked to climate change
and sustainable development.
Events
The first event from the platform of the Centre for
Climate Research and Development (CCRD) was
the holding of an international conference on
“Asian Monsoon and Climate Change” on 20-21
January 2014 in Islamabad. This conference was
organized in association with the Potsdam
Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) of
Germany, and International Centre for Climate &
Environment Sciences (ICCES) and Institute of
Atmospheric Physics (IAP) of China. An impressive
range of presentations were made by international
and national experts covering a broad spectrum
of the Asian monsoon system, its characteristics,
impacts of climate change and associated
economic and social effects for the region.
Second event was Climate Summit 2014 Pakistan
which was jointly held by Centre for Climate
Research and Development (CCRD) and United
Nations Pakistan on 22 September 2014 in
COMSATS Islamabad campus, to highlight the
importance of Global Climate Summit hosted by
Mr. Ban Ki-Moon Secretary General of the United
Nations on 23 September 2014 at United Nations
Headquarters in New York. Over 20 experts from
academia, government, non-governmental and
international organizations, corporate sector and
civil society discussed Pakistan's vulnerability to
climate change and its manifestations like floods
and droughts. The summit focused on themes of
Agriculture, Water, Air Pollution, Cities, Energy,
and Funding & Resilience. Students from schools in
Islamabad displayed their posters and paintings in
an art exhibition titled 'Pakistan Youth Voices for
Climate Change Action'.
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
Park Road Chak Shahzad, Islamabad,
Pakistan. Tel: 051-8435051, 8318470
Website: www.ccrd.edu.pk