Clean and Green Pakistan: Achieving the Goal for Future

Pakistan is facing a severe environmental crisis due to a combination of factors, including rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and deforestation. The country’s air and water quality are deteriorating, and natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. Climate change is also exacerbating the situation, with increasingly frequent and severe floods, droughts, and heat waves. Serious initiatives need to be taken for a clean and green Pakistan.

These issues are not only affecting the environment but also the health and livelihoods of millions of people in the country. The lack of proper waste management and sewage system, along with the increasing population, are also contributing to environmental degradation. The government and citizens alike need to take urgent steps to address this crisis before it’s too late.

Graana.com outlines a few steps below that can be taken to achieve a clean and green Pakistan.

 

Major Environmental Problems Faced by Pakistan

Pakistan is facing several major environmental problems, which include:

 

Air pollution

The increasing industrialisation and urbanisation in Pakistan have led to high levels of air pollution, especially smog in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. The burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions are the main sources of air pollution.

 

Water pollution

The lack of proper sanitation and waste management systems in Pakistan has resulted in widespread water pollution. Industrial effluents and agricultural runoff are major sources of water pollution, which affects not only the country’s drinking water but also its rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

 

Deforestation

Pakistan has experienced significant deforestation in recent years, which has led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and a reduction in the ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Illegal logging and the conversion of forests to agricultural land are the main causes of deforestation.

 

Climate Change

Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, which include increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, and the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas. These events can have a significant effect on the country’s agricultural production, water resources, and infrastructure.

 

Solid Waste Management

Pakistan is facing a severe crisis of solid waste management. The major cities are producing a huge amount of waste on a daily basis, but the inadequate infrastructure and lack of proper disposal systems make it difficult to manage.

 

Over-Exploitation of Natural Resources

 

Pakistan’s natural resources, such as water, minerals, and forests, are being over-exploited due to the lack of proper management and regulations. This has led to the depletion of these resources and has also caused environmental degradation.

 

Important Steps to Achieve a Clean and Green Pakistan

The following are some of the most important steps that can be taken to curb the environmental problems in Pakistan:

 

Implement Stricter Regulations and Enforce Laws

The government of Pakistan must take stricter measures to control pollution and deforestation. This can include penalties for companies and individuals who violate laws and regulations, as well as stricter standards for industrial practices and waste disposal. The government should also invest in the necessary infrastructure and technology to monitor and enforce these regulations.

 

Invest in Clean Energy and Sustainable Industrial Practices

Encourage the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and promote sustainable agricultural and industrial practices. This can help reduce the amount of pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, and reduce the country’s dependence on expensive and polluting energy sources. Government should also provide incentives for companies to shift to clean energy sources.

 

Reforestation and Conservation of Natural Ecosystems

Pakistan has lost a large percentage of its forest cover due to deforestation, urbanisation and industrialisation. Reforestation efforts can help restore this lost forest cover and also protect important habitats for wildlife. The government should invest in reforestation programs and work with local communities to protect and restore natural ecosystems.

 

Improve Waste Management and Sewage Systems

Improving the waste management and sewage systems can help reduce pollution and improve public health. The government should invest in upgrading and expanding waste management and sewage systems, and promote recycling and composting to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.

 

Education and Awareness For Clean and Green Pakistan

Education and awareness campaigns can be used to educate the public on environmental issues, such as the importance of conservation and sustainable practices, and the negative effects of pollution and deforestation. The government should launch campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of protecting the environment.

 

Encourage Community-Based Conservation Efforts

Encourage and support local communities in conservation efforts and in the protection of their natural resources. This can help ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable, and that local people have a stake in their success. Local communities are the best protectors of their resources, and their participation is crucial for the success of conservation efforts.

 

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation | Clean and Green Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, and taking steps to mitigate and adapt to its impact is crucial. This can include measures such as drought-resistant crops, building more resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable urban planning. The government should invest in research to understand the effects of climate change on the country and develop strategies to adapt to these changes.

 

Pakistan’s National Environmental Protection Policy (NEPC)

It was first adopted in 1992 and was last updated in 2012. The policy aims to protect and preserve the country’s natural resources, biodiversity, and overall environment. The key objectives of the policy include:

• To provide a framework for integrated environmental management
• To promote sustainable development
• To improve the overall environmental quality of the country
• To ensure the participation of all stakeholders in environmental decision-making
• To provide a basis for the development of sectoral environmental policies

The NEPC covers a wide range of issues, including air and water pollution, solid waste management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. It also includes provisions for the establishment of an environmental management system, the creation of environmental protection zones, and the promotion of environmental education and public awareness.

The implementation of NEPC is carried out by the Ministry of Climate Change and its affiliated organisations, such as the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency. The policy is also supported by various laws and regulations, including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act of 1997.

However, it’s worth noting that the policy has not been fully implemented in most of the areas, and the lack of funding and political will is the main reason behind it.

 

What Can Pakistan Learn From the Modern Environment Protection Model of Singapore?

 

Singapore has developed a comprehensive and effective model for environmental protection that Pakistan could potentially learn from to create and maintain a clean and green environment. Some key elements of Singapore’s model include:

 

Strong government leadership and coordination

Singapore’s government plays a central role in coordinating and implementing environmental protection efforts across different sectors and agencies. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is the main government agency responsible for environmental protection in Singapore. It works closely with other government agencies and private sector partners to develop and implement policies and programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

 

Holistic Approach For Clean and Green Pakistan

Singapore’s approach to environmental protection is holistic, considering the interconnections between different environmental issues and considering the long-term sustainability of the environment. For example, its water management strategy addresses the interrelated issues of water supply, water quality, and flood management, and seeks to ensure that the country has a reliable and sustainable water supply while also protecting the environment.

 

Emphasis on Innovation and Technology

Singapore places a strong emphasis on using innovation and technology to improve environmental performance and reduce pollution. The country has invested heavily in research and development in areas such as clean energy, recycling, and waste management. It also encourages the private sector to invest in environmental technology and innovation through various government programs and incentives.

 

Use of Market-Based Mechanisms

Singapore uses a variety of market-based mechanisms, such as emissions trading, to incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce their environmental impact. For example, it has a Carbon Tax, which imposes a fee on large emitters of greenhouse gases, and a Green Energy Fund, which provides funding for clean energy projects.

 

Public Education and Engagement

Singapore engages the public in environmental protection efforts through education and outreach programs. The government, non-profit organisations, and private sector entities regularly conduct public awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote environmental conservation and sustainable living.

 

International Cooperation For Clean and Green Pakistan

Singapore actively participates in international environmental agreements and collaborations to learn from other countries and share its own experiences. It is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Singapore also cooperates with other countries in areas such as air pollution control, waste management, and water management.

It is important to note that Singapore’s model may not be directly applicable to Pakistan due to differences in the countries’ social, economic, and political contexts.

Pakistan is facing a severe environmental crisis that requires immediate action. The government and citizens alike need to take urgent steps to address this crisis before it’s too late. A comprehensive approach that includes regulatory measures, investments in clean energy and sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and education and awareness campaigns is needed.

It’s important to involve local communities and stakeholders in the process as they are the ones who are most affected and have a crucial role to play in protecting the environment. For more information on how to build a clean and green Pakistan, visit Graana blog.