Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam on Friday said that while the climate change impacts grow more frequent and intense, innovative approaches such as painting and visual arts can play a vital role to sensitise policymakers and public about various threats being faced by the wildlife species.
“In the face of escalating threats to wildlife and their habitats, the role of painting and visual art has never been seen more crucial as in today’s times of global warming. Artists can effectively use their talents to illuminate the pressing issues surrounding wildlife vulnerability, inspiring action and fostering a deeper connection between communities and the natural world,” the PM’s climate aide remarked during her keynote address at an inaugural ceremony of the Wildlife Art Exhibition here at the Pakistan National Council of Arts.
Through compelling imagery, artists’ role is of unprecedented importance to highlight the beauty and fragility of endangered species and threatened ecosystems for public awareness. Because, paintings and visual have always served as powerful visual narratives that hold the power to effectively engage the public, prompting conversations about the urgent need for conservation.
Romina Khurshid Alam observed that art possesses the unique ability to evoke emotions and cultivate empathy. Therefore, by exhibiting wildlife in their natural habitats, artists can play an effective role to encourage viewers to reflect on the struggles faced by these creatures and the environmental challenges threatening their existence.
Art can also help people reflect cultural values and perspectives on nature. By amplifying local voices and traditional ecological knowledge, artists contribute to a richer understanding of conservation and the diverse ways communities engage with wildlife, she added.
“Artists are natural storytellers, using their work to convey the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems. Through their paintings, they educate audiences about the impacts of habitat loss, climate change, and pollution, creating a sense of urgency and responsibility,” she emphasised.
Highlighting the important role of visual and painting arts in raising a call for action, the arts through their painting and visual artwork not only can enhance awareness but also serve as a call to action. By showcasing the vulnerability of wildlife, artists motivate individuals and communities to participate in conservation efforts and advocacy initiatives, turning concern into meaningful change. She said that art exhibitions showcasing artwork on endangered wildlife and their threatened habitats can also create opportunities for education and advocacy.
