KARACHI: Political leaders, climate activists, members of civil society and students held different events across the city on Wednesday to mark World Environment Day and expressed the determination to address environmental challenges and explore ways to make a positive impact.

The 3rd Karachi Climate Festival — a collaborative effort by Firozan, the Pakistan American Cultural Centre (PACC) and the Pak-US Alumni Network — brought together a diverse audience at the PACC auditorium.

From eager children to concerned elders, attendees of all ages had gathered there to be aware of environmental challenges and explore ways to make a positive impact in that regard.

The event commenced with a moving rendition of the national anthem by differently-abled students of the Karachi Vocational Training Centre. The harmonious mix of instruments and audience participation transformed the previously quiet auditorium, making it attentive and energised for the performances ahead.

Karachi produces 1,200 tonnes of solid waste and 450 million gallons of wastewater daily, seminar told

Right after the anthem, the attendees jammed on popular national songs like ‘Dil Se’ and ‘Ay Jawan’ which added to the energy.

The audience appreciated the entire event and acknowledged the presence of former Senator Javed Jabbar, who emphasised the importance of individual actions to combat environmental challenges.

At another event organised by the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), children showcased projects on green energy and eco-friendly homes.

On that occasion, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab emphasised collective action and announced plans for SEF schoolchildren to each plant a tree to fostering environmental stewardship.

He shared a personal experience of planting a gul mohar tree for his daughter and advocated naming trees after loved ones to deepen care.

He also stressed the need of stopping discharge of raw sewage into the Indus River and the sea and transforming Karachi into green spaces with government support.

Murad calls for protecting planet

A gathering to mark World Environment Day was held at Chief Minister House, where CM Syed Murad Ali Shah said: “We have gathered to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet and preserving its beauty for future generations.”

He said that Sindh faced significant environmental challenges due to urban sprawl and industrialisation, including the decline of freshwater bodies, marine and urban air pollution, inadequate waste management, ecosystem destruction, and groundwater changes.

He emphasised the need for effective, result-oriented roles from relevant departments and announced monthly progress meetings on the issue. Ministers outlined ongoing efforts such as improved hospital waste management, tree planting, and banning plastic bags.

Provincial ministers Dr Azra Pechuho, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, and Dost Ali Rahimoon attended the meeting along with other officials.

Also on Wednesday, Karachi University’s Institute of Environmental Studies held a seminar titled “Our Land, Our Future” at the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Muhammad Farrakh Nawaz noted that Karachi produced 1,200 tonnes of solid waste and 450 million gallons of wastewater daily, with air pollution 20 times above the WHO limit.

Dr Jameel Hasan Kazmi emphasised using remote sensing and GIS to combat land degradation.

Dr Mussarat Jahan Yousaf spoke about converting waste into useful products.

KU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi highlighted Karachi’s environmental issues, exacerbated by its urban sprawl.

The event, attended by academics, students, and industry representatives, also included a plantation activity and collaboration with various organisations.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2024