Climate Change Costs Pakistan $24bn Annually
Planning Commission Water Resources Chief Naseer Ahmed Gilani said that Pakistan is facing an annual loss of $24 billion due to the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.
He was addressing a seminar, early in June, titled combating climate change impacts arranged by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in connection with the World Environment Day.
Speaking on the occasion he stressed for serious efforts towards environmental conservation with special focus on energy conservation and efficient use of the natural resources.
CDA Member environment Syed Mustafain Kazmi said the CDA has planted 0.5 million plants in various areas of the capital in collaboration with educational institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the objective of the seminar was to enhance awareness on environmental issues. He observed that during the plantation campaign, special focus has been given to the landscaping of the city and plantation of fruit and indigenous species of plants.
The seminar was organised by the CDA Environment Wing in collaboration with partner organisations in connection with the World Environment Day. Being custodian to the environment, the civic body is bound to ensure a healthier environment to the next generations, he added.
He said, “the theme of the World Environment Day for the current year calls for returning to the nature, what it has given to us”. The day is being celebrated by involving the general public, the stakeholders and civil society to conserve and protect the green character of the capital which makes Islamabad unique among the other capitals of the world.
The CDA has introduced mechanical sweeping mechanism for cleanliness of the major avenues and striving hard to improve the waste management system. A dedicated program has been initiated for the protection and conservation of the Margalla Hills, National Park and the rich biodiversity as well as projects have been initiated for cleansing of nullahs flowing through the city.
He was of the view that the collaboration with the different stakeholders including the private sectors has been extended to conserve natural environment of the captial.
Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, who presided over the seminar, said the global climate has changed drastically over the last century and Pakistan is vulnerable amid the population explosion, urbanization, deforestation. Pakistan is facing serious food security issues due to climate change impacts on agriculture, which is resulting in low productivity, crop failures, extreme floods, droughts and cyclone events, he added.
He said solid steps were being taken to mitigate the effects of the climate change. However, collaborated and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders is essential to cope with the challenges.
He appreciated the Capital Development Authority, especially the Environment Wing for launching new plantation projects, environment conservation activities and launching the bio remediation projects in Islamabad.
Ahmad Kamal representing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stressed the need to enhance capacity in wake of natural disasters as the country is short of resources in comparison to the threats and challenges being faced due to weather changes and climate change impacts.
National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Environmental Sciences Chairman Dr Imran Hashmi lauded the efforts of the CDA for preserving the green character of the city. He stressed the need for having a sophisticated solid waste disposal mechanism in the city.
SOURCE: dailytimes.com.pk - http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/08-Jun-2015/climate-change-costs-pakistan-24bn-annually
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