- Experts call for concrete actions to mitigate effects of climate change in Pakistan
Experts gathered Monday for the Climate Summit Pakistan, organised by the COMSATS Centre for Climate Research & Development (CCRD) and the United Nations, in the run up of the global Climate Change Summit hosted by the UN Secretary-General tomorrow in New York called for concrete actions to mitigate effects of climate change in Pakistan. They said that investments in water conservation, renewable energy, agriculture, water storage and reforestation are vital to sustainable development.
Advisor to COMSATS CCRD Ambassador Shahid Kamal emphasised the importance of fostering dialogue and actions on climate change among key stakeholders and of empowering Pakistani youth to take concrete actions. He said, “Time has come to act on the risks posed by climate change, recognise our shared humanity and common challenge, and build a sustainable future.”
Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations in Pakistan Timo Pakkala highlighted that the main objective of the climate change summit is to ensure that all the concerns about climate change in Pakistan are addressed both nationally and internationally. He was delighted to see students gathering at the event and said, “Around 70 percent of the total population of Pakistan is under the age of 29 and we have invited representatives from universities and schools to tell us their opinion on this topic. We are now choosing the future we want and youth voices need to be taken in high consideration because they will carry the consequences of the decisions we make.”
Moderated by renowned TV anchors Faisal Rehman and Shabnam Riaz, the summit focused on six thematic areas: agriculture, cities, energy, funding and resilience, pollutants and water.
Some 20 experts from academia, international organizations, member states, government, corporate sector and civil society discussed Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and to some of its extreme manifestations like floods and droughts.
They urged policymakers and political leaders to take concrete and immediate actions for mitigating effects of climate change in the country.
A group of students aged 8-13 years from Saya School went on stage to share their proposals for an environmental-friendly way of living. Zoha, a 12 year student said, “Increasing the use of bicycles and planting trees outside our homes are small steps that can lead to a healthier lifestyle.”
The young students also participated in an exhibition of unique art work titled “Pakistani Youth Voices for Climate Change Action” and planted olive trees in COMSATS’ park.
Pakistan is signatory to major environmental conventions and protocols and the United Nations supports the government through several projects that will hopefully lead to strengthen Pakistan’s role in the global climate change movement.
