ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan grapples with escalating climate challenges, green urban initiatives are emerging internationally as a crucial strategy.
Globally, cities are embracing transformative green infrastructure projects to combat climate change and improve urban livability. From New York City’s High Line Park to Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, these projects demonstrate the potential of green infrastructure to foster resilient and sustainable urban environments.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, an environmentalist, emphasized the imperative of concerted efforts from government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations to realize the vision of sustainable urban living. He stressed the necessity of policies incentivizing kitchen gardening initiatives and developing collaborative partnerships to create a supportive ecosystem for green initiatives to thrive, according to APP.
Climate change manifests its impact on multiple fronts, especially in rural areas where agricultural communities bear the brunt of extreme weather events, leading to migration to urban centers. Consequently, unplanned urban development exacerbates environmental issues, such as air pollution and heat waves.
Nasir Ali Panhwar, an environmental expert, underlined the detrimental effects of urban heat islands and emphasized on the urgent need for mitigation strategies to alleviate thermal stress on urban residents. He advocated for green infrastructure solutions such as vertical gardens and green roofs, which not only mitigate the heat island effect but also promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
Pakistan Faces Significant Loss of Green Infrastructure
Amidst mounting concerns over climate change driven by rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization, Pakistan faces a major loss of green infrastructure in its cities. Despite these challenges, there is a ray of hope as countries globally champion innovative green initiatives to tackle climate change and foster sustainable living environments.
Pakistan’s urban population, already vulnerable to climate change and pollution, is projected to increase significantly by 2050. Urgent reforms are required to ensure more integrated land use planning, increased investment in municipal services, and a shift towards energy-efficient and clean transportation systems.
