Abstract
This study aims to examine the risks and opportunities associated with adopting sustainability in higher education, focusing on Pakistan. The issues related to climate change and global warming have surpassed shocking levels to the extent that it is being discussed in major forums on a frequent basis. Most recently a summit organised in Paris, United Nations conference on climate change (COP21), aims to address these issues. More than 150 Heads of States and Governments are due to participate in this conference, making it one of the largest diplomatic conferences ever organised, aside from the United Nations General Assembly sessions. Literature review shows us that many steps have been taken in order to address these issues, however, as we are reminded by Albert Einstein". it is important to avoid doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results". Pakistan, being a developing country, is at a cross-road as a wide range of issues bear down upon it. Maintaining sustainability and stabilising the sustainability agenda is not one of the primary focus for its government. As it is known that poverty and sustainability go hand-in-hand, Pakistan must first adhere to the agenda of the Rio Convention of 1992 for eradication of poverty in order to increase the production and sustainability so that the needs of the majority of people can be met. Pakistan currently stands at number 8 on the list of 10 countries that will bear the worst implications of climate change. It is estimated that current pledges to cut carbon emissions will cost developing countries 50% more in the near future as compared to previous years. Higher education around the world is of prime focus as the forces of change present various challenges. These challenges are multifaceted, interconnected and are reinforced by social, economic, cultural and environmental developments. This setting puts higher education in a leadership role which calls for development of future leaders who are fully equipped to handle these challenges effectively.
