LAHORE: Climate activists of the Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee (PKRC) joined thousands of cyclists in coordinated events held in nine Asian countries on Sunday.

The organisers of the cycling event titled ‘Pedal for People and Planet’ – also held in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal – called on governments and corporations to act to save the planet from impending climatic catastrophe.

In this connection, a cycle rally was held in Lahore, starting from PCSIR Laboratories and culminating at the Punjab University New Campus bridge on the Canal Road, after covering three kilometers distance.

The rally participants were holding placards and flags inscribed with messages related to climate change. “Climate Justice for our children’s future,” one placard read.

Addressing the rally, PKRC general secretary Farooq Tariq said Pakistan was one of the worst-hit countries because of climate change, yet there was a lukewarm response to the issue here.

He demanded imposition of a climate emergency in the country, discouraging mega dam projects and switching over to sustainable energy systems in order to cater to the growing energy needs.

He rejected the previous government’s “billion tree” project as unscientific, saying it lacked a well-thought-out policy.

“We need to make use of effective scientific methods while implementing public projects,” he said.

Saima Zia of Crofter Foundation said until there was a significant increase in climate finance pledges by the developed countries, the goal of greening the energy in developing countries would remain elusive.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2022