Islamabad – Faisal Azfar Alvi: Environment journalists of Islamabad suggest declaration of climate emergency in Pakistan. This was discussed in a journalists’ training on climate change organized by Resilient Future International Pvt Ltd (RFI) and Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO). Mr Aftab Alam, international climate change expert and CEO of RFI shared that Pakistan crossed the line of water stressed country in 1990 and that of water scarce country in 2005. The unchanged situation would lead to absolute shortage of water in 2025. Such state of affairs is a receipt of disaster.
Water intensive production system in agricultural and industrial sectors must be transformed into water smart systems. Government, academia, parliamentarians and civil society organizations need to play collective and collaborative role.
Beside water situation, the lead trainer Mr Aftab Alam, highlighted the impact of climate change on health, agriculture and food security. The expanded timeline of dengue cases in 2021 is one of the key impacts of climate change on health. The rising trend of erratic rains challenges agricultural production. In 2020 monsoon season witnessed 41 percent above average rainfall whereas 2021 saw 9 percent below average rains.
While reflecting on the situation the journalists suggested climate emergency to ensure a focused response against the challenges. Coordination system to be developed among all the stakeholders for collective planning, implementation and monitoring. The participants also discussed important role of media managers and owners to allocate greater sources for climate journalism.
Rana Kashif, Director Environment, CDA distributed certificates among the participants and highlighted CDA’s contribution towards environmental development of the capital.
Ms ShaziaShaheen underscored SPO’s work on capacity building against climate change and developing resilient solutions at local levels. RFI and SPO committed to continue trainings for journalists and other stakeholders in the country.