Malik Ashraf
CLIMATE change is the defining issue of our times. Environment scientists believe that if emissions of green house gases are not reduced or controlled the global temperature might register a rise between 1.1 to 6.5 centigrade by the end of the 21st Century with all the accompanying cataclysmic consequences for the entire humanity. But it is regrettable to note that in spite of the recognition of the severity of the challenge, as reflected in the Kyoto and Paris accords, the response is not as encouraging as it should have been. UN Secretary General speaking on the sidelines of the Davos summit early this year said “We are losing the race” He also expressed similar sentiments at the conclusion of the UN summit in Poland in January which was designed to advance the Paris Climate Accord. He said he was not hopeful that the nations would find the necessary resolve. However, he stressed the need for political will and understanding by the governments that climate change was the most important priority of the modern times. His pessimism stemmed from the fact that the nations which are responsible for global warming and have been the part of the global agreements on cutting the green house gas emissions have not fulfilled their commitments. The Paris Accord has been rattled by withdrawal of US under President Trump and the threatened pull-out by Brazil. Other countries responsible for global warming include China, Russia, Germany, Australia, Japan and Korea which are also not fully abiding by their obligations under these international agreements
Pakistan is seventh in the list of ten countries which have been badly affected by the climate change though no fault of its own. Memories of the devastating flash floods of 2010 still haunt those who suffered due to that cataclysmic phenomenon. The fact is that climate change is not only severely impacting small and developing countries like Pakistan it is also devastating the affluent countries as well, in the shape of freak weather, hurricanes and severe flooding of the settled areas. Under the circumstances it is universally acknowledged that the best defence against climate change is increase in the forest areas and planting of more and more trees. This recipe is more relevant to developing countries. Viewed from this perspective the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan is a crucial step in the right direction. No wonder that representatives of several global environmental organizations from United States of America and France in a letter have acknowledged and appreciated the initiative saying Ten Billion Tree Tsunami “Continuing a plantation drive even during the pandemic situation is a laudable act. The drive will be helpful in resolving multiple issues of unemployment, climate change and water scarcity. These efforts have laid the foundation for a green economy. Imran Khan’s vision will help save the world from environmental disasters. It is an exemplary effort for other world leaders”.
One can hardly take an issue with the observations made in the letter in regards to the impact on environment of the proposed Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project and economic benefits likely to accrue from the implementation of the effort. It is indeed a very laudable and much needed initiative in view of the changing climate pattern around the globe. It is also encouraging to note that the PTI government realizing the imperative of mitigating the impact of climate change has also made an unprecedented commitment in the form of Clean and Green Pakistan Movement (CGPM) which aims at creating an enabling environment that underpins healthy atmosphere. It has surely raised the bar in regards to saving Pakistan from the adverse impact of the climate change and turning it into a vibrant and developed entity on the global map. The CGPM builds on five pillars with a focus on behavioural change and institutional strengthening. These pillars include Plantation; Solid Waste Management; Liquid Waste and Hygiene; Total Sanitation and Safe Water. The national roadmap sets strategic priorities ranging from reforms required for an enabling environment and the effective implementation approaches with appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The CGPM rightly lays emphasis on collaboration and institutional strengthening by sharing the human and other resources. It is envisaged as people led initiative, therefore all of its strategic actions are people centered.
Planting of ten billion trees is the flagship initiative of the Clean and Green Pakistan Movement. The magnitude and scope of this initiative is undoubtedly unprecedented which reflects the real concern and commitment of the government in dealing with the issues related to climate change and clean environment. It envisages transition towards environmentally resilient Pakistan by mainstreaming notions of adaptation and mitigation through ecologically targeted initiatives covering increasing the area under forests and biodiversity conservation. The remedy to mitigate the impact of climate change undoubtedly lies in planting more and more trees. Unfortunately the area under forests in Pakistan is only 5% of the total land mass whereas as per the global standards it should be more than 20%. There is, therefore, an imperative need to run a persistent awareness campaign to educate the masses about the impact of climate change and their contribution to the national effort including refraining from cutting trees. Since the subject now relates to the provinces they also need to extend full cooperation to the federal government by taking appropriate steps in line with the policy framework enunciated by it. The media has a very vital role in creating awareness and motivating the people to plant trees voluntarily as well as impressing upon them the significance of other components of the programme. For this purpose all the media outlets including the print media must try to dilate on the subject related to environment and climate change on a regular basis.
— The writer is freelance columnist based in Islamabad.
