THE government has vowed to achieve the target of producing 60 per cent clean energy by 2030 to mitigate the impact of climate change. While setting ambitious targets is easy, the country’s record of meeting them is abysmally low.

Three issues worsen the climate change problem in Pakistan. One, most of the people in Pakistan are not aware of climate change and how it impacts their lives and environment. Two, those who are aware, have no power to contribute to mitigating its impacts. Three, those who have both awareness and authority to address the problem by reducing carbon footprints and opting for renewable energy, are either not serious or have vested interest.

Their vested interest lies with oil, coal and other mafias that thrive on continuing with a fossil energy source which is expensive and contributes to carbon emission.

Despite being neglected by the government, solar energy has now been used for domestic and commercial purpose. In the coming decades, more innovations and improvement in solar and other clean and renewable sources as well in the automobile industry are expected to reduce carbon emissions and help in mitigating the impact of climate change.

The role of the government will be closely watched in this respect.

Gulsher Panhwer
Johi

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2020