Center for Climate and Environmental Research (CCER)

As per the Global Climate Watch Risk Index 2020, Pakistan is the fifth most climatically vulnerable and affected country in the world. In the last ten years, Pakistan has suffered heavily due to the impacts of climate change and several studies show that in the coming years and decades the vulnerability is likely to be intensified due to increased floods/droughts, heatwaves, locust attacks, and water scarcity. Pakistan has lost 0.53% per unit GDP and suffered economic losses worth US$ 3.73 billion. Against this background, the need for building local climate resilience and institutional capacity is critical. Action research and work on climate vulnerability, adaptation, GHG mitigation, disaster risk management, and green climate financing have become critically important for a smooth transition towards sustainable development. For this purpose, the Centre for Climate and Environmental Research (CCER) has been established at the Institute for Art and Culture (IAC) as part of the global cause to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Center for Climate and Environmental Research (CCER) is an independent and autonomous research & development center established by the Institute for Art and Culture (IAC). The mission of CCER is to develop ideas and innovative solutions, in addition to strategies for multifaceted climate problems. Our strategies and policies highlight the unique contribution that our knowledge products can make to addressing climate change, as well as the challenges we confront in transitioning to sustainable development. It makes excellent sense to manage our people, our resources, our communities, and our environment sustainably.

CCER’s applied research-oriented and relevance-based practices foster intellectual freedom and local capacity building on issues related to the environment and climate change. CCER aims to provide the necessary scientific support and guidance for the domestic and regional policy makers for the adaptation of climate change impacts. We are committed to spreading awareness on the core principles of relevance, access, quality, and impact.

The establishment of the CCER is a manifestation of an urgent need to develop the human and institutional capacity of Pakistan to enhance its understanding of climate change and its impacts, as well as develop relevant technical research capacity. It aims to establish knowledge networks and collaborations with the regional and international entities, while also promoting the cutting-edge teaching of Sustainability Sciences and Knowledge products.

The operational structure of the CCER is proposed to be divided between Research and Academic sections. Both operational arms will closely coordinate and complement each other, ensuring that high-quality and relevant research is carried out and shared with the academic component.

The Academic function designed the first Graduate Degree Programme which contributes to different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country. The Graduate Program ensures the sustainable development and the smooth functioning of the program by focusing on a multi-disciplinary understanding of climate change processes, scenarios, vulnerabilities, and international and national policy responses.

Research Working Groups with a dedicated research focus, responsible for coordinating and undertaking high-quality research, coupled with sharing and disseminating the knowledge and information through knowledge products.