Are we serious about combating climate change?
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the impacts of global warming by 1.5 degrees centigrade was released on Oct. 8. The report — a compilation of findings from more than 600 scientific publications — emphasizes that climate change is already affecting people, ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide, and that urgent, “unprecedented transitions” are required to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.
The report acknowledges the health risks posed by such warming, and highlights the health benefits of emission reductions. It concludes: “It is possible to keep warming to 1.5°C within the laws of chemistry and physics, but at the same time, behavioral, lifestyle, investment changes, strong political will are important in order to take decisive and immediate action by nation states.”
The report emphasizes the dire need for climate adaptation internationally, nationally and locally in order to manage the impacts of climate change by reducing exposure and vulnerability to its harmful effects. But it also says ambitious mitigation actions are indispensible to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees while at the same time achieving poverty eradication and sustainable development.
Locally and globally, fossil fuels continue to be burnt, land clearing for myriad schemes continues, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue to rise, and the frequency, severity and duration of extreme weather events are increasing, resulting in a devastating rise in the number of human lives lost and health impacts.
Despite floods, droughts and heatwaves, governments and politicians remain focused only on maintaining their political slogans and economic growth at all costs. In Pakistan, fossil fuel consumption is growing at an annual rate of 0.36 percent, according to the World Bank. This is not a trend to follow if we are to meet the Paris agreement for renewable and clean energy usage in order to combat the global rise in GHG emissions.
Despite floods, droughts and heatwaves, governments and politicians remain focused only on maintaining their political slogans and economic growth at all costs.
Dr. Mehreen Mujtaba
Prime Minister Imran Khan started a nationwide Clean Green Pakistan drive to deal with the challenges of rising pollution in cities and global warming. All the major cities in Pakistan are swamped with trash, comprising mostly non-biodegradable, single-use plastic that chokes sewage systems. With this flagship initiative, the government is all set to bring Pakistan on par with cities in developed countries.
However, lack of implementation of initiatives and plans, as seen from the five-year stint of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in Khyber Pukhtunkhawa province, raises the question of whether the party will be able to achieve its tall claims.
The PTI national government also plans to build 50 million housing units. Although the construction industry plays an important role in meeting various human needs — such as providing housing, hospitals and transport infrastructure — they are provided at the expense of the environment.
A study has shown that the UK’s residential housing sector contributes 158 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is 28 percent of the country’s annual carbon emission and 33 percent of its waste. Hence, it is not erroneous to conclude that the construction industry contributes significantly to various environmental impacts, including global warming.
In most of the developed countries, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted to estimate the environmental impact from the construction sector. But I have failed to find an official document assessing the impact of such a major project as building 50 million housing units.
I would have also liked the Pakistani government to back its pledges about combating climate change by using green construction designs in accordance with sustainable architectural guidelines.
Many countries around the world, including India and China, are using recycled plastic as a green construction material. I am waiting for Pakistan’s government to announce such an initiative. When the PTI spokesperson for the economy and energy matters talks about a boost in the steel and cement industry, there is an immense chasm between the government’s words and actions.
- Dr. Mehreen Mujtaba is a freelance consultant working in the field of environment and health. She has a keen interest in climate change and its impact on health and security.
