TREES are living organisms, but we often tend to take them as mere ‘obstacles’ in the way of fast-paced ‘modernisation’. The moment a project is planned or a city is set to take shape, trees are among the first things to be chopped down. A case in point is the demolition of mangroves in Karachi’s Korangi Creek.

Mangroves are vital to the entire coastal ecosystem. They protect shorelines, store massive amounts of carbon and support diverse marine life. Despite their ecological importance, they continue to be destroyed by what I call ‘climate terrorists’.

They should not be confused with terms such as ‘timber mafia’ or ‘land-grabbers’. These actors deserve to be identified for what they are because the sensitivity and consequences of their actions demand a stronger language. They terrorise communities, grab land and eventually sell it to proponents of misplaced modernisation who then build apartments and houses for the privileged to provide them a beautiful view of the sea. In doing so, they pay little attention to the consequences for the environment, local communities and, ultimately, themselves.

Pakistan is among the countries bearing some of the worst consequences of the climate change phenomenon. We should, therefore, be planning for climate resilience, not dismantling the natural defences that protect us from its impacts. Modernisation does not have to come at the expense of the environment. It can, in fact, be environmentally responsible.

Consider the work of Laurie Baker, the British-born architect, who created buildings and houses in India that fully responded to local conditions, used resources thoughtfully, and demonstrated that development and environmental sensitivity can, and should, coexist. Unfortunately, for us, modernisation too often translates into utter demolition.

The government should consider the destruction of mangroves a matter of climate emergency and take immediate and necessary measures to protect this invaluable ecosystem.

The rationale is simple: we must safeguard the environment, strengthen our resilience in the face of climate change, and prevent those who make profit by destroying the very natural systems that protect us. We cannot bring down our climate protectors in the name of progress.

Shakh-e-Nabat
Gujrat

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026