Call for Climate Emergency in Pakistan
Speakers Urge Government to Act Amidst Population Growth and Climate Change
KARACHI – At a seminar addressing the challenges posed by Pakistan’s rapidly growing population and changing weather patterns, speakers called on the government to declare a ‘climate emergency’ to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The event was a collaborative effort by the Karachi Press Club’s Skills Development Committee and the Global Awareness and Empowerment Network.
Extreme Weather and Population Growth
Speakers highlighted the alarming impact of extreme weather events exacerbated by the country’s exponential population growth.
They noted that recent years have seen devastating losses due to unpredictable weather patterns.
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz emphasized that global temperatures have increased by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past 150 years, and further increases are anticipated.
He explained that this warming trend has disrupted seasonal weather systems, accelerated glacier melting, and raised sea levels.
Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Dr. Sarfaraz pointed out that Pakistan was among the top eight countries highly vulnerable to climate change from 2019 to 2020 due to its high population growth rate.
Analyzing data from the last four years, he warned that Pakistan now ranks among the top four countries most affected by climate change.
He also expressed concern over the country’s poor air quality and the extensive release of greenhouse gases, urging for both short and long-term solutions.
Impact on Karachi and Energy Sources
Yasir Hussain of the Climate Action Centre stressed the need for immediate corrective measures, particularly in Karachi, which is expected to experience more extreme heat in the coming years.
He advocated for the cessation of coal as an energy source due to its harmful environmental impact and called for the protection and expansion of green spaces in the city.
Collaboration and Mindset Change
Speakers urged the government to collaborate with all stakeholders to address the climate emergency, ensure food security, and protect people’s lives and livelihoods.
They also emphasized that positive changes in individual and societal mindsets could significantly improve the environment.
Panel of Experts
The seminar featured speakers such as Shoaib Ahmed and Saqib Sagheer from the Karachi Press Club, Director of Social Welfare Department Saeeda Sheikh, social activist Mehnaz Rehman, and senior environmentalist Naeem Quraishi.
They collectively stressed the urgency of taking concrete actions to combat climate change in Pakistan.