Combating Climate Change in Pakistan : The role of Government, Civil Societiy and Individuals.

 

“Climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race we can win” (Guterres, 2019).

   Introduction

• Climate change refers to the significant modification of global temperatures and downfall patterns. While natural factors also contribute to its circumstance, the Industrial revolution marked the morning of a rapid fire increase in climate change.

• According to a report," Earth was about 2.45 degrees Fahrenheit( or about 1.36 degrees Celsius) warmer in 2023 than in the late 19th- centuries".

• Conditioning like Pollution, Overpopulation, extravagant consumption of Auto buses, Deforestation release large amounts of greenhouse gases, analogous as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere, leading to a global rise in temperatures and altered downfall patterns.

 Climate Change in Pakistan

•  Like numerous countries affected by climate change, Pakistan is also a victim. From metropolises like Bahawalpur and Jacobabad suffering from the hottest heatwaves to districts in Baluchistan and Sindh suffering from the deadliest floods , Pakistan has been floundering to combat climate change since its onset.

• According to a report agitating the deadliest flood tide in Pakistan’s history, which passed in 2010, it was stated that,“The total number of people killed ranged from 1,200 to 2,200, while roughly 1.6 million houses were damaged or destroyed, leaving an estimated 14 million people homeless.’”

• According to BBC news “ further than 500 people have failed in the month of June 2024 as heat ways grips country ” Climate change is not just about biodiversity or deforestation it's about everything.

How Pakistan Can Combat Climate Change? :

The issue of climate change is a pressing global concern, with nations setting objects to address it through agreements like the Paris Agreement, UNFCCC, and Kyoto Protocol. Pakistan has agreed to these agreements, but effective action requires further than just commitments. To make a meaningful impact, concrete measures must be taken to combat climate change. The following pivotal measures can help

1. Public Transport:

Pakistan needs a comprehensive public transport system to address climate change. Our reliance on particular vehicles is harming the climate, and it’s time for a change. Multitudinous Pakistanis depend on taxi, autos, cabs and bikes for day- to- day transport, which are affordable but not always safe or reliable. We can learn from countries like Japan, Singapore, France, and Germany, which have developed effective public transport networks. While we’ve made some progress with metro systems in Lahore and Islamabad, and a BRT system in Peshawar, there’s still important to be done. To produce a sustainable transport system, we need to concentrate on three pivotal areas: modern structure, effective programs, and public-private alliances. By working together, we can get better air quality, and give a reliable transport option for all.

2. Electronic Cars:

An other efficient way to combat climate calamities is to adopt electric cars. While walking and cycling are the best means of transportation for the environment, efficient use of electric cars is also a viable option. Electric cars are environmentally friendly, being energy efficient and emitting no pollutants, unlike traditional gasoline-powered cars. Therefore, they offer a good option for eco-friendly transportation. In line with this, the Pakistani government introduced an EV policy, and the country saw its first electronic car debut in 2020. While the government’s efforts are commendable, the lack of implementation and seriousness in their plans is concerning. To make a meaningful impact, the government must take their initiatives seriously and ensure effective execution.

3. Waste Management :

Proper waste management includes the actions and activities required to manage waste from its inception to its disposal. Waste management can be done in three simple ways such as waste reduction, waste storage and recycling. Pakistan, a developing country, struggles with the issue of proper waste management strategies. There was work done in this sector but the work done was by no means enough. One of the main reasons for greenhouse gases emissions is bad strategy for waste management. Pakistan needs to work on this sector by educating public, through efficient policies and their implementation, proper infrastructure and technology.

4. Technological System:

One of the other ways to combat climate change through human activities is by advancing technological systems. One of the main reasons for climate problems is the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO2, CH4, and N2O. Technology has advanced and developed systems like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), and Direct Air Capture (DAC) that focus on removing carbon from the environment. CCUS has been used by countries like the USA, Netherlands, and Australia. The Environmental Department in Pakistan should start working on it.

5. Legal Framework:

Policies require a legal framework to be effectively regulated. Countries like the USA, New Zealand, France, and the Bahamas have established legislation to combat climate change. While recent Pakistani presidents have taken initiatives to address climate change, such as promoting solar energy and restricting coal-fired power stations, these efforts are ineffective without comprehensive legislation governing industrial and sectorial activities. Therefore, Pakistan needs to establish legislation to regulate its environmental sector.

6. Daily Life activities:

We as Pakistanis need to start with our habits if we are to fight against global warming. We should change ourselves before expecting a change. Huge difference can be made by small things like eating more vegetable and reducing our meat consumption helps cut down methane emission. Additionally, other things like riding bicycles or walking instead of using cars or any means that produce smoke, using waste again, less plastics, and committing to sustainable will also be beneficial in changing the status quo. Also, tree planting and environmental care is paramount on this matter.

Conclusion:

Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues, and Pakistan has been suffering its impacts since its onset. To combat this, Pakistan can adopt various strategies and make changes to its ways. As the country belongs to us, it’s our responsibility to prevent climate change from devastating it completely. Let’s take ownership and join hands to ensure a secure