ISLAMABAD
Commemorating World Environment Day, Haseena Zehra, a Carbon Management expert Friday called for stronger climate awareness initiatives in educational institutions, stressing the importance of engaging students in understanding and publishing the effects of climate change, particularly in Pakistan, a highly vulnerable country and emphasizing tree plantation as a key response strategy.
While speaking to PTV News on Environment Day, the expert highlighted that Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, facing increasingly severe challenges such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, floods and water scarcity.
She stressed that urgent and collective action is needed at all levels to reduce environmental risks and build resilience against future climate shocks. She emphasized that tree plantation drives play a vital role in restoring ecological balance, improving air quality, and reducing the effects of global warming.
Alongside this, she called for stronger awareness writing publications by students, encouraging young people to actively contribute articles, essays, and research-based writings on climate change and environmental protection to spread knowledge within society.
The expert also pointed out the growing threat of plastic pollution, describing it as a major environmental hazard affecting land, rivers and marine life.
She urged strict reduction in single-use plastics and greater public responsibility in waste management. Furthermore, she highlighted the important role of educational institutions in promoting environmental awareness through research, writing activities, seminars, and eco-friendly initiatives such as clean-up campaigns and plantation drives.
She added that public participation is essential for meaningful change, encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable practices in daily life. Activities such as community plantation events, awareness picnics focused on environmental education, and youth-led campaigns can help build a stronger environmental culture. She concluded that only through combined efforts of the government, students, institutions and the general public can Pakistan effectively combat climate change and protect future generations.
In conclusion, the expert reiterated that environmental awareness and education are the foundation of long-term climate action. She stressed that when individuals, especially students are educated about environmental challenges through awareness writing publications, research activities and institutional programs, they become more responsible citizens.
Strengthening environmental education in schools, colleges and communities can build a culture of sustainability, ensuring that future generations are better equipped to protect natural resources and respond effectively to climate change.
