Govt urged to declare national climate emergency

“Climate change has now become a human rights issue,” said Dr Alia Haider, a medical doctor and an activist. Dr Alia was speaking at an interactive session titled, ‘The Climate Alarm: Pakistan’s Response and Pathways to Hope’, organized by the Department of Mass Communication, of the Government Graduate College Gulberg, Lahore. The session took place on January 15, 2025.

Dr Alia Haider is an advocate for public health and climate justice. She has been active in helping residents living in working class areas by setting up special medical camps. These residents are often victims of environmental degredation or are vulnerable to climate change. She called upon the lack of response by authorities in many circumstances.

“It is the responsibility of both the state and the public to avoid activities that endanger the environment,” she added. “We must play our part, no matter how small, to save the planet.”

Climate rights activist, and a media academic, Dr Shafiq Ahmed Kamboh who was also on the panel as an expert, also concurred with Dr Alia Haider.

“It is now time to act against climate change,” he said.

The interactive sessions attracted a diverse audience, including students, media practitioners, academics, and climate rights activists from across Lahore. Speakers emphasized the urgency of implementing a comprehensive action plan in response to rising global temperatures, and called on the government to declare a national climate emergency to safeguard the environment.

The participants discussed various facets of the climate crisis, including its impact on economy, water resources, and public health in Pakistan. The session aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to devise practical solutions for mitigating the effects of climate change.

‘Act now to save the environment’

Dr. Shafiq Ahmed Kamboh, highlighted the critical need to raise public awareness about the dangers of climate change.

Dr. Kamboh warned that rapidly increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere have not only disrupted traditional rainfall patterns but have also prolonged and intensified the summer season.

“Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is responsible for more than 25 per cent of the warming we are experiencing today. It is a powerful pollutant with a global warming potential over 80 times greater than CO2, and remains in the atmosphere for up to 12 years,” he said, adding that the horrifying scenes of wildfires in Los Angeles have sparked a wave of concern among environmental and humanitarian circles worldwide.

However, the situation in Pakistan was also something to consider seriously, he forewarned, referring to incidents of fire.

“Pakistan also needs to be seriously prepared,” he informed, highlighting how the forests in the Sulaiman mountain range have been also ablaze at the same time as the LA wildfires.

Dr. Kamboh further emphasized that everyone must unite to effectively tackle natural disasters arising from the climate crisis instead of becoming increasingly divided. He urged the media to fulfill its responsibility by providing greater coverage of climate-related issues.

‘Fix your priorities’

Dr. Alia Haider, stressed the importance of prioritizing climate action for the wellbeing of future generations and questioned Pakistan’s preparedness to address its climate crisis.

She pointed out the importance of grassroots initiatives, such as community-led tree plantation drives and waste management projects, to build resilience against environmental degradation. She encouraged attendees to actively engage in local environmental campaigns and advocate for stricter regulations on industrial pollution.

The speakers applauded the initiative by the Government Graduate College Gulberg for organizing such an impactful event, commending the college’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering dialogue on critical environmental issues.