LAHORE: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that the ‘Punjab Climate Change Policy & Action Plan 2024’ has been finalized and submitted to the cabinet for approval.
Chairing a meeting on Saturday, Ms. Aurangzeb stated that the policy, designed to combat smog and mitigate the hazardous impacts of climate change, is being shared with all relevant stakeholders. She emphasized that the ‘Plant for Pakistan’ campaign will be expanded as part of the province’s green initiatives.
The meeting also reviewed proposals to conserve and utilize rainwater in government buildings, with pilot programs planned for various districts. Additionally, the establishment of a ‘Water Quality Monitoring System’ to assess water quality and the introduction of laws to regulate underground water were discussed.
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The participants unanimously agreed on the proposal to incorporate advanced irrigation methods for water conservation and to construct small dams in the Pothohar and Rohi areas. Another key proposal reviewed was the launch of a ‘Special Management Plan’ to protect southern Punjab from famine, along with a suggestion to offer climate-friendly interest-free loans to small-scale business owners.
Ms. Aurangzeb highlighted the global significance of climate change, describing it as a life-and-death issue. She stressed that the effects of climate change are causing significant damage to the environment and human lives.
“Besides taking concrete steps, it’s crucial to raise awareness among all segments of society about the importance of tree planting to protect the climate from the harmful effects of toxic gases,” she said.
The senior minister further noted that, following the Chief Minister’s vision, the ‘Plant for Pakistan’ campaign would be accelerated, green investments would be made in affected sectors, and ‘Climate Change Education’ would be integrated into the school curriculum.
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She pointed out that the destructive effects of climate change are evident in the increasing frequency of floods, famine, and forest fires. Punjab is currently emitting approximately 95,000 kilotons of greenhouse gases and 7,000 kilotons of health-damaging gases, with high-temperature hotspots identified in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Multan.