Written by: Sana Haroon
Posted on: April 15, 2024 | 
| 中文
Dried soil in Thamewali, Punjab, due to a severe drought
Environmental sustainability is the ultimate need of the hour as the world is about to experience the biggest catastrophe of climate change. The irresponsible consumption of natural resources, unprecedented use of chemical weapons, and massive industrialization have led to environmental degradation. Hence, it is pertinent for people to rethink their economic and social practices and conserve ecosystems for future generations.
For the past few decades, climate change has been a much-debated topic. The change in wind precipitation and global temperatures resulting in social chaos, displacement and resulting in climate refugees is caused by climate change. As the world is confronting global changes in temperature, precipitation, wind and length of seasons, climate change is the greatest catastrophe for the present and future generations. Economic loss, prolonged droughts, food and water shortages and social disorder caused by climate change are causing devastation on a large scale.
A smoggy view of Orange Line train at Lakshmi Chowk, Lahore
Here, the question emerges as to why climate change is a much-debated topic in the present times and why environmentalists are keen to tackle this threat. This issue can best be understood and tackled with responsibility by understanding the seriousness of the situation in different parts of the world.
A grave situation has been created by the rapid pace at which glaciers and icecaps are melting now. Consequently, rivers are flooded, displacing local inhabitants. An example of this is in the northern areas of Pakistan, where the Harchi Valley is at risk of flash floods. The local residents used to meet their requirements from the river water in carrying out their household activities. Climate change has caused more than 7000 glaciers in that area to melt, resulting in floods and rise in temperature.
Glaciers in the Karakoram Mountain Range are melting rapidly
Secondly, climate change has caused the world to witness prolonged droughts. For example, Central Chile has been facing an extreme drought for 12 years. This area was once famous for its Mediterranean climate and fertility, but climate change has altered its landscape mercilessly.
Thirdly, due to climate change, some regions encounter a heavier amount of precipitation compared to previous times. Research in 2020 unveiled that global warming caused the North American region to experience intensifying rainstorms, endangering the lives of residents as a result of climate change.
Fourthly, the larger damaging and devastating wildfires are responsible for killing wildlife and incurring massive economic losses. Moreover, as the forest cover shrinks so does the habitat for wildlife and the source for mitigating pollution.
Wildfires have devasted forests in Canada, caused by climate change
Heavy rainfalls and droughts lead to crop destruction, hence inducing water shortages and food crises. It compels people to fight over these necessities for survival, creating social instability, and it becomes an uphill task to curb political and economic chaos.
Climate change experts and environmentalists emphasize that carbon emissions from the industries of giant multinational corporations and harmful gases released from vehicles contribute to a large chunk of environmental pollution. Therefore, governments and people should adopt effective measures for environmental sustainability.
Factories are a major source of carbon emissions
Firstly, the economy’s growth should not be assessed through the prevailing economic GDP growth model, and a different yardstick used for it. Industries started to produce more to meet the needs of consumers due to exponential population growth. If the GDP growth model is modified as a symbol of economic success, industries will be encouraged to switch to safer alternatives and change previous practices, and reduce high carbon emissions.
Secondly, a considerable amount of money should be allocated by governments for climate-related issues from the budget earmarked for the revival of economies. For example, industrial practices should be altered to adopt a zero-carbon economy. This measure will not only promise enormous investment opportunities but also bring back gainful employment with a livable planet and preserve nature.
Thirdly, an adequate solution to restore the environment is to replace conventional vehicles with green energy electric vehicles. Furthermore, these practices must be instilled by people in their everyday life. The role of governments is also crucial, for example, President Emmanuel Macron of France pledged millions of dollars for the French car industry to focus on producing green energy electric vehicles to place the conventional vehicles.
Vehicles are a major source of pollution
Fourthly, concerted global action is required by all countries to enforce international agreements, binding them to reach a zero-carbon target by 2050, for only signing these agreements will not solve the problem. Instead, penalties should be imposed in case of non-compliance. Giant economies like China and the USA should control their carbon emission levels. Greta Thunberg, a young climate activist stated: “We demand a safe future. Is that too much to ask?”
Greta Thunberg, the famous climate activist
Governments must disincentivize carbon technologies and incentivize low-carbon technologies. A vital source of global warming, the burning of fossil fuels can be lessened this way, hence combating climate change.
Climate change is a global challenge confronting the world. The world has managed to get back on track in the past after witnessing disasters like pandemics, world wars, and global recessions. But climate change will wreak unprecedented havoc, and it will be difficult to recover from that destruction. Therefore, it is pertinent to alter hazardous practices and switch to safer alternatives.
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