Islamabad: Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, a noted environmentalist, has commended the government for its proactive measures to address the pressing challenge of climate change. Climate change is a significant concern necessitating immediate action. The government has not only developed a comprehensive climate change policy and implementation framework but has also intensified efforts to tackle the issue by curbing deforestation, promoting electric vehicles, and implementing other measures.
According to Radio Pakistan, Dr. Ahmad emphasized that while these initiatives could have been implemented earlier, they are timely enough to make a difference. In the past, climate change effects were largely regional, but their impact has now expanded globally. Europe has experienced a noticeable rise in temperature, leading to various challenges. In the United States, former President Donald Trump initially dismissed climate change, but recent wildfires in the US and Australia have underscored the seriousness of the issue, prompting a shift in perspective. The global community is now collectively committed to combating climate change.
Dr. Ahmad also highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-related problems due to its geographical location. The country has experienced severe droughts, glacier bursts, and cloudbursts in recent years, with the 2010 and 2022 incidents being particularly notable. This year, glacier bursts have triggered flash floods, causing extensive damage. Furthermore, there is a need to raise awareness at the domestic level to prevent construction in riverbeds, which exacerbates flooding. Dr. Ahmad stressed the importance of educating tourists about the risks associated with flash floods and landslides and suggested restricting tourist traffic in vulnerable areas.