The event held in more than 2,000 cities worldwide is aligned with the United Nations climate action summit that will take place on 23 September in New York. World leaders will gather to discuss the climate challenges and suggest concrete actions to address these grave issues.
"In the current era, drastic climate changes are occurring at larger scale and with more frequency. The future of many living organisms is in question. Not only are wild plants and animals at risk but people are the victims, as well as culprits, of the deteriorating state of nature," Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan on occasion of the Climate March at Frere Hall. He also said that climate models suggest that without immediate action to reverse climate change, the Earth will become much less hospitable to our modern globalised society.
Climate change is a bitter reality that poses a greater threat to our present and future generations. Pakistan is at risk of climate related natural hazards as more than 1,000 people died due to heat waves in Karachi in 2015, he said, adding that such incidences can happen again so we should be fully prepared and take timely measures. He called for nature-based solutions such as large-scale plantation drives, protection of existing forests, promotion of renewable energy and conservation of water resources to address this challenge.
He also emphasized the need for unprecedented action to tackle the issue of climate change at the local, regional and global levels. In the end, he appreciated the efforts of Climate Action Pk in raising their voice on the issue and mobilizing citizens to participate in the Climate March.
Speaking during the event, Asma Ezdi, Head of Communications and Corporate Partnership and Fundraising Department, WWF-Pakistan said that the human race is facing a key threat of climate change, which requires immediate action by governments, civil society organizations and the public as well. The entire nation should be united to fight this climate crisis that is adversely impacting our ecosystems, wildlife and economies at large. She emphasized that we need to switch to renewable energy options and reduce our carbon footprint by changing our lifestyle. 'We need to make this change happen, before it is too late to act,' she added.
While, 22-year Bashira a fisherwoman from Rehri Goth shared that due to shortage of freshwater, frequent tidal flooding and cyclones her family migrated from Keti Bunder, Thatta and settled in Rehri, Karachi around 15 years ago. She also said that the trend of migration is increasing very fast and many other people have shifted to Karachi and other cities. In the past we did not know what was happening and experienced a reduction in fish stock as well as intrusion of sea water which was eroding their fertile lands.
WWF-Pakistan integrates climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience building into its initiatives related to biodiversity conservation and natural resources management in Pakistan. For instance, development and implementation of a 50 year Indus Ecoregion Vision (2005-2055) which is a joint initiative of WWF-Pakistan and the Government of Sindh addresses climate change induced threats to the Indus Ecoregion and communities living in it. So far five major projects focusing on climate change adaptation, building climate resilience and fulfilling the knowledge gap on this issue have been completed.
WWF-Pakistan has also promoted the provision of alternative and renewable energy, forestation and rehabilitation of forest resources, and improved and sustainable utilization of water resources in country. In Pakistan simultaneous events were held nationwide in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, Quetta, Gilgit and other major cities. These events were held to draw attention of the masses towards the issue of climate change and address the climate emergency as a nation.