KARACHI is facing three environmental issues: lack of management of garbage, air pollution and contaminated water. The management of garbage is the foremost issue as it also causes air pollution and contaminates water.

To address the issue we need to: 1) Create awareness among people about the ‘reduce, recycle and reuse’ concept; 2) Reduce pesticides and fertilisers’ use in agriculture; 3) Stop buying packaged items as the packages are waste; 4) Ensure proper disposal of garbage; 5) Buy biodegradable products; 6) Last but not least, media must play its role in creating awareness among the masses.

Air pollution is mainly caused by transport and industries. The alarming effects of air pollution are respiratory and heart-related diseases, acid rain, eutrophication, adverse effects on wildlife and depletion of the ozone.

The following measures should be taken to reduce air pollution: Encourage people to use public modes of transport; resort to car pooling to save energy and money; conserve energy by switching off unnecessary fans and lights to reduce the burning of fossil fuels.

The government and all quarters should concentrate on promoting clean energy resources like solar, wind and geothermal energy. Use energy efficient devices like CFL lights which consume less electricity and result in lower electricity bills. These also help reduce pollution by consuming less energy.

Abdul Wajid Waggan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2017