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Pakistan's Climate Crisis: Extremes, Impacts, and Future Challenges

Weather Extremes in Pakistan: Pakistan has experienced extreme weather events in early 2024,
including snow deficits in northern regions, floods in Balochistan, and unusual cold waves in Sindh.

Snow Deficit: Northern areas like KP and GB experienced significantly less snowfall than usual during
peak winter months, leading to concerns about water scarcity, impacting agriculture, hydroelectricity
generation, and tourism.

Impact of Snow Melts: Reduced snowfall affects river flows crucial for irrigation and electricity
generation from dams. The decreased snow cover may result in water and food shortages.

Tourism and Livelihood Impact: The tourism-dependent economies of KP and GB suffer as ski resorts
and tourist destinations experience fewer visitors due to lack of snow.

Climate Change Contributing Factors: Seasonal shifts and increased temperatures are attributed to
climate change, leading to rapid glacier melting, landslides, and unpredictable weather patterns.

Floods in Balochistan: Gwadar and neighboring areas experienced record-breaking rainfall, resulting in
floods, loss of life, and property damage. Drainage issues worsened by development projects
exacerbated the situation.

La Nina Phenomenon: The La Nina weather phenomenon contributed to significant rainfall in

Balochistan and cooler temperatures across Pakistan, influenced by climate change-induced moisture
and development activities.

Smog and Pollution: Punjab faced severe smog and fog during winter, worsened by dry weather
conditions and reduced winter precipitation. Pollution levels remained high, impacting public
health.Pakistan remained one of the world’s three smoggiest countries in 2023, as Bangladesh and
India replaced Chad and Iran, with particulate matter about 15 times the level recommended by the
World Health Organisation

Impact of Global Warming: Rising ocean temperatures accelerate glacier melting, posing long-term
risks to water resources and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Future Outlook: Climate change-induced instability threatens all aspects of nature, necessitating
proactive measures to mitigate its impacts on agriculture, water resources, public health, and
infrastructure.

Navigating Pakistan's Climate Finance Landscape: Challenges, Initiatives, and Global Dynamics

Blurred Lines Between Climate Finance and Development Financing: Climate finance and traditional
development financing are becoming intertwined. International finance, including FDI and trade, is
increasingly influenced by global climate policies and geopolitics.

Rethinking Access to Climate Financing in Pakistan: Pakistan is reassessing its strategies to access
international climate finance (ICF) due to the merging of economic and environmental priorities.

Challenges in Accessing Climate Finance: Federal ministries and provincial departments are
establishing specialized climate finance units, facing challenges in personnel, technical studies, and
grant writing. Clarity of purpose and avoiding overlaps are persistent challenges.

Provincial Initiatives: Provinces like Punjab and KP are developing green financial strategies, climate
financing frameworks, and exploring carbon trading markets.
Discrepancy in International Finance: Pakistan's share of international finance is minimal compared to
the economic loss and damage caused by climate-related events. The economic loss and damage of
$30.1 billion inflicted by the 2022 floods in Pakistan highlight the significant gap between investment
needs for resilience and low carbon development and the present climate finance ecosystem.
Pakistan has accessed less than $1 billion from all UNFCCC funds (Global Environment Facility,
Adaptation Fund, and Green Climate Fund) in the last 30 years.

Role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): MDBs are aligning their financing with climate
objectives, with initiatives like Climate PIMA assessing climate-aware infrastructure governance
practices. MDBs, which are the largest lenders to Pakistan, will experience a steep growth in their
portfolios in the next three to four years due to alignment with the Paris Agreement. All eight MDBs
have committed to globally coordinating their in-country portfolios. (ADB and World Bank are
committed to proactively communicating and coordinating their portfolios in Pakistan)

Engagement with Bilateral Donors: Bilateral donors contribute smaller financial amounts but focus on
technical expertise. Engaging with them can enhance technical capacities and access special purpose
ICF vehicles created by countries like the UK, Germany, and France.

Strategic Objective of Bilateral Engagement: Engaging bilaterally aims to augment trade relations,
build stakes in regional stability, and support Pakistan's climate-smart development amidst global
polarization.

Need for Coordinated Efforts: Coordination between federal and provincial entities, as well as with
international partners, is crucial for effective access to climate finance and achieving climate-smart
development goals.

Impact of Global Geopolitics: Regional geopolitics and global polarization influence the flow of
international finance, shaping access to climate finance in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Role: Pakistan's engagement with the IMF and MDBs is crucial for accessing climate finance
and aligning with global climate objectives. Compliance with IMF commitments regarding climate-
mitigation policies and governance practices is essential for accessing IMF financing. Additionally,
coordination with bilateral donors and engagement in initiatives such as Climate PIMA are pivotal for
Pakistan's climate-smart development and economic stability.

Urgent Call for Climate Action: Pakistan's Struggle and the Need for Global Support

Extreme Weather Events in Pakistan: Pakistan has experienced extreme weather events, including
unexpected deluge and snowfall, claiming at least 45 lives, including 27 children, since the end of
February. These events have resulted in tragic loss of life, destruction of homes, livestock, crops, and
infrastructure, particularly in KP and Balochistan.

Call for Operationalization of Loss and Damage Fund: Amnesty International emphasizes the need to
make the Loss and Damage Fund operational for climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan. The fund,
established at COP27 in 2022, offers hope for rebuilding following large-scale devastation.

Status of Fund Capitalization: At COP28, several countries pledged $420 million to the fund, with
commitments totaling $661 million to date according to UNDP. However, this falls short of the billions
of dollars needed to adequately capitalize the fund.

Delays in Fund Management: Delays in appointing the 26-member board to manage the fund and
postponement of its inaugural board meeting threaten to derail the operationalization of the fund
within the 2024 timeline. This jeopardizes a crucial June deadline for the World Bank to confirm its
willingness to host the fund.
Global Imperative for Action: Pakistan's struggle highlights the global imperative for rapid, decisive
action to support countries at the forefront of climate change impacts. High-income states,
particularly those responsible for historical greenhouse gas emissions, must honor their commitments
to adequately fund the Loss and Damage Fund.

Moral Obligation for Support: Supporting nations in dire need is not just a matter of financial
assistance but a moral obligation to protect vulnerable populations and safeguard their futures
against the increasing impacts of climate change.

Addressing the Urgency of Climate Change: Risks, Finance, and Global Response

Urgent Need for Climate Action: Climate change is a pressing challenge that requires immediate
attention. The year 2023 was the hottest recorded, with global temperatures surpassing pre-industrial
levels by 1.45 degrees Celsius. If not addressed, the world may exceed the 1.5°C threshold by 2030,
leading to irreversible consequences.

Impact of Climate Change: Climate change exacerbates existing crises and triggers new ones,
increasing poverty, inequality, and hunger in the Global South. It also worsens health conditions,
displaces people due to floods and droughts, and disrupts economic activity.

Global Risks Related to Climate Change: The World Economic Forum's risk report for 2024 highlights
climate change as a top global risk, with extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, natural resource
shortage, and pollution posing severe threats.

Projected Economic and Human Losses: Climate change could lead to a loss of $12.5 trillion to the
world economy and an additional 14.5 million deaths by 2050. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves are
expected to cause significant economic and human losses, particularly in South Asia and Africa.

Inadequacy of Climate Finance: The lack of sufficient climate finance deepens mistrust between
developed and developing nations. Slow progress in mobilizing adaptation funds hampers global
climate action.

Increasing Financial Needs for Adaptation: Developing countries require substantial financial support
for adaptation, estimated to soar to $387 billion by 2030. COP28 calls for doubling adaptation finance
by 2025 to address this growing need.

Call for Global Response: It is crucial to prioritize adaptation measures in developing countries
alongside mitigation efforts in industrialized nations. Mobilizing funds for adaptation is essential to
reduce risks, build trust, and control further global warming.

ADB's Record Climate Finance Commitment: In 2023, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed
over $10.4 billion for climate finance to help developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific
region reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.

Navigating the Landscape of Climate Finance: Challenges and Strategies in Pakistan

Blurring Lines Between Climate Finance and Traditional Development Financing: Climate finance and
traditional development financing are becoming intertwined, with international finance increasingly
influenced by global climate policies and geopolitics.

Pakistan's Rethink on Accessing Climate Financing: Pakistan is reassessing its strategies to access
climate financing, with federal ministries and provincial departments taking on institutional
responsibilities. However, clarity is needed regarding priorities and strategies, especially regarding
bilateral donors.
Merge of Economic and Ecological Priorities: Economic development is now intertwined with
environmental and climate concerns, with emissions reduction having economic rationale and healthy
ecosystems essential for sustainable growth.

Challenges in Climate Finance Management: Federal ministries and provincial departments face
challenges in setting up specialized climate finance units, finding trained personnel, and avoiding
overlaps in their undertakings.

Low Share of International Finance: Pakistan's share of international finance is minimal compared to
its investment needs for resilience and low carbon development.

Role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): MDBs are major lenders in Pakistan, aligning their
portfolios with the Paris Agreement goals, along with the IMF and World Bank.

Importance of Bilateral Donors: While MDB projects are large, bilateral donors play a crucial role in
enhancing technical capacities through smaller projects, promoting economic growth, bilateral trade,
and lending.

Strategic Objective of Engaging Bilaterally: Engaging with bilateral parties aims to augment trade
relations, build stakes in regional stability, and support Pakistan's climate-smart development.

Understanding the Climate-Conflict Nexus in Pakistan

Impact of Climate Change on Social Cohesion:

.
Climate-triggered disasters threaten social cohesion and exacerbate local divisions.
Disasters go beyond loss of life and property, affecting economic, political, religious, and ethnic
dynamics.
.
Manifestation of Climate Threats in Pakistan:
.
Various climate threats like floods, droughts, heatwaves, glacial outbursts, and tropical storms are
prevalent.
Some regions face compound impact disasters, where one extreme weather event triggers another.
.
Intensification of Resource-Based Conflicts:
.
Lack of clear land tenure systems, water insecurity, and crop failure escalate resource-based clashes.
Environmental degradation reduces ecosystem capacity, further exacerbating conflicts.
.
Emergence of Climate-Triggered Conflicts:
.
Slow-onset climate change accelerates the need for adaptation but reduces communities' ability to
adapt.
Existing tensions between communities escalate into outright conflicts due to climate disasters.
.
Examples of Climate-Induced Conflicts:
.
Case studies from Upper Hunza, Gilgit, Sindh-Balochistan border, and other regions illustrate how
climate disasters fuel conflicts.
Displacement, migration, and competition over resources contribute to tensions among
communities.
.
Challenges in Policy Response:
.
Political instability and short-term decision-making hinder effective responses to the climate-conflict
nexus.
Mainstream political parties have overlooked climate-related conflicts in their policies.
.
Need for Robust Local Institutions:
.
Local institutions are essential for addressing climate-induced conflicts effectively.
Lack of capabilities in existing institutions to proactively resolve and manage climate-related
disputes.
.
Call for Adaptation in Climate Security Policies:
.
Climate security policies must adapt to changing realities to prevent domestic instability and civil
unrest.
Urgent action is required to develop capabilities to absorb climate shocks and manage associated
risks.

State of the Climate: Record-breaking Temperatures and Urgent Calls for Action
Record-breaking Temperatures:
The UN's State of the Climate report revealed that 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded, forming
part of the warmest 10-year period on record. Furthermore, there are predictions that 2024 could
surpass the record set in 2023, indicating a concerning trend of increasing temperatures globally.

Climate Change Impact:

The report issued a "red alert" for the state of the climate, emphasizing the imminent danger posed
by climate change. It highlighted unprecedented occurrences such as ocean warming, glacier retreat,
and Antarctic sea ice loss, underscoring the urgent need for action to address climate-related
challenges.

Marine Heatwaves and Glacial Retreat:

In 2023, marine heatwaves affected nearly one-third of the global ocean, indicating widespread
warming trends. Moreover, key glaciers experienced their most significant ice loss since records
began in 1950, particularly in regions like western North America and Europe, further exacerbating
concerns about rising sea levels.

Antarctic Sea Ice Extent and Rising Sea Levels:

The Antarctic sea ice extent reached a record low in 2023, indicative of accelerated ice loss in polar
regions. This, coupled with rising ocean temperatures and melting glaciers, contributed to the highest
sea level observed since satellite records began in 1993, highlighting the severity of climate change
impacts.

Climate Crisis Impacts:

Climate shifts have led to a multitude of adverse effects, including extreme weather events, flooding,
drought, displacement, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. The report noted a significant increase
in the acutely food insecure population, doubling from 149 million to 333 million by the end of 2023,
underscoring the urgent need for action to address climate-related challenges.

Renewable Energy Growth:

Despite the challenges posed by climate change, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of renewable
energy growth. The report highlighted a nearly 50% increase in renewable energy generation capacity
in 2023, driven primarily by solar, wind, and hydropower sources, suggesting a positive trajectory
towards sustainable energy solutions.

Call for Action:

The report emphasized the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and mitigate its
far-reaching consequences. Despite the challenges posed, there is still time to avert a prolonged crisis
and keep the temperature rise below the critical 1.5°C threshold. Urgent and concerted efforts are
needed to address climate-related challenges and safeguard the future of the planet.

Escalating Climate Crisis: Urgent Calls for Action

Record-breaking temperatures in 2023: The Earth’s average temperature reached 1.48 degrees
Celsius above preindustrial levels, as reported by the Europe-based Copernicus Climate Change
Service on January 9, 2024. [Source: Copernicus Climate Change Service]

Predictions for 2024: Scientists anticipate even hotter temperatures, with the planet’s 12-month
average temperature likely to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of January or February,
surpassing the goal set in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Impact of climate change: Extreme weather events, such as wildfires, ocean heatwaves, flooding, and
Antarctic thaw, have become increasingly prevalent, signaling the urgency for action. A scorching
summer and unusually hot autumn temperature anomalies had all but guaranteed that 2023 would
be a year for the history books. [Source: The Washington Post]

Political response: Global warming has gained prominence on the domestic political agenda,
particularly in the United States and Europe, prompting policy shifts towards carbon emission
reduction and renewable energy promotion. President Joe Biden's administration in the United States
has taken steps to limit activities emitting large doses of global warming gases. [Source: The
Washington Post]

Record-breaking climate events: 2023 witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with over 3,000 heat
records broken in the United States alone in July. Jacobabad, Pakistan, also experienced record-
breaking temperatures, rendering the city uninhabitable during summer months. [Source: National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]

Paris Agreement goals: Nations aimed to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above
preindustrial levels, acknowledging the urgency of addressing climate change. However, some climate
scientists warn that this limit may have already been surpassed. At least one climate-science
organisation, Berkely Earth, believes that the limit has already been crossed. [Source: Berkely Earth]

Urgency for action: Carlo Buontempo emphasizes the need for immediate action to mitigate the
impact of climate change, highlighting the increasing frequency of climate-related crises worldwide.
He stated, "Whether or not 2023 passes the 1.5-degree limit, the year has given us a glimpse of what
1.5 may look like." [Source: The Washington Post]

Milestones and Challenges in Addressing Climate Change

Formation of IPCC and UNFCCC: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was
established in 1988 under the UN to assess climate science. Subsequently, the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was formed in 1992 to translate scientific
findings into actionable policies. [Source: IPCC, UNFCCC]

Key Agreements:

Kyoto Protocol (1997): Industrialized nations committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Paris Agreement (2015): Aimed to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts
to reach 1.5 degrees Celsius. [Source: United Nations]
Copenhagen Accord (2009): Set a 2-degree Celsius warming limit and provided funding for
emission reduction in developing countries.
Montreal Protocol (1987): Addressed ozone layer protection, indirectly impacting climate by
reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). [Source: United Nations]
IPCC 2021 Report: Earth's temperature has risen to 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial
levels, with projections indicating a potential increase beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030.
[Source: IPCC]

Global Impact: Climate change exacerbates water and food shortages, violent conflicts,
migrations, and displacements, impacting regions like South Asia and contributing to events like
the Syrian civil war. [Source: Various]

Visible Effects: Heatwaves, droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires are increasingly frequent and
intense, causing infrastructure damage and displacing millions. [Source: Various]

Call for Action: Urgent shifts in human behavior, such as reducing fossil fuel usage, waste
management improvements, and deforestation prevention, are needed to mitigate climate
change's adverse effects. [Source: Various]

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Climate action is integral to achieving the
SDGs, particularly SDG 13 on combating climate change and its impacts. [Source: United Nations]

Urban Focus: Cities play a crucial role in climate action, necessitating changes in energy,
transportation, consumption, and lifestyle to mitigate emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
[Source: Various]

Individual Responsibility: Concepts like carbon footprint emphasize individual and corporate
efforts to reduce global warming through energy efficiency, transportation choices, and
consumption habits. [Source: Various]

Challenges: Despite ongoing efforts, progress has been slow, hindered by political setbacks,
economic concerns, and global conflicts. [Source: Various]

Understanding Climate Change Law and Policy

Definitions:

UNFCCC defines climate change as alterations in the global atmosphere attributed to human
activities, distinct from natural variability.
IPCC defines it as variations in climate characteristics persisting for extended periods, with
human-induced change and natural variability being separate concepts.
Importance of Differentiation:

Distinguishing between human-induced and natural climate change is crucial for legal
accountability, as legal obligations primarily address human behavior.
Extensive Research:

Climate change research spans various disciplines, highlighting its adverse effects on human
health, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Laws and policies aim to mitigate and adapt to climate-induced changes, addressing threats to
areas like islands, deserts, and agricultural lands.
Global Responsibility:

International organizations prioritize addressing poverty, hunger, income disparity, and climate
change to promote sustainable development.
Climate-related disasters have displaced and killed thousands, emphasizing the urgency of
mitigating climate change.
Paris Agreement Goals:

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial
levels, requiring collective efforts to reduce emissions.
Importance of Climate Laws:

Climate laws significantly reduce carbon emissions per GDP, with each new law contributing to
emissions reduction.
Decarbonizing the economy requires broad participation, sustained political will, informed policy
judgment, and enforcement at all levels of government.
Impact and Evolution of Climate Laws:

Since the Kyoto Protocol, the number of climate laws has increased significantly, covering areas
such as mitigation, adaptation, disaster risk management, energy, transport, and land use.
Climate change's impact on human rights and food security has led to the development of new
laws on gender equality and human dignity.
Source: UNFCCC, IPCC, Nature Climate Change, Climate Change Laws of the World database

Impact of Global Warming: Floods, Glacial Melting, and Policy Responses

Pakistan's Climate Crisis:

Last summer, Pakistan faced "biblical floods" caused by unprecedented rains and melting ice
from the Himalayas and Hindu Kush Mountains.
The floods led to extensive loss of life and property, signaling a need for proactive crisis
management.
California's Climate Challenges:

In 2023, California experienced unprecedented rain and floods following years of drought and
forest fires.
The state's extreme weather events parallel Pakistan's floods, indicating a global trend of erratic
weather patterns.
Record-Breaking Temperatures:

Studies by Copernicus and NASA confirm 2021 as one of the hottest years on record, with the
planet warming by 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Europe and North America have witnessed extreme weather events, including wildfires and
floods, underscoring the severity of global warming.
Glacial Melting and Sea-Level Rise:

A study published in Science predicts that nearly half of all glaciers will melt by the end of the
century, resulting in significant sea-level rise.
Glacial melt poses a particular concern for Pakistan, as it affects river flows and water availability
during summer months.
Policy Responses:

Bangladesh offers valuable lessons in climate resilience, focusing on infrastructure adjustments,

early warning systems, and efficient financial relief channels.
Pakistan has improved disaster management but needs to address the impact of glacial melting
on water resources.
Suggestions include building storage facilities along rivers to mitigate water scarcity during
periods of reduced flow due to glacial melt.
Source: The Washington Post, Journal Science, World Bank, Asian Development Bank

Lahore's Smog Crisis: Urgent Need for Long-Term Solutions

Punjab Government's Efforts:

The Punjab government declared smog a health emergency in 2023 and implemented short-term
strategies like mandatory mask usage and school closures on Fridays (source: The Express
Tribune).
Measures included bans on brick kilns and factories and the introduction of artificial rain to
cleanse the atmosphere (source: The Express Tribune).
Despite these efforts, experts argue that short-term solutions are insufficient to address the
long-standing issue of smog.
Concerns and Criticisms:

Environmental activists like Rafay Alam question the effectiveness of ad hoc policies and stress
the need for long-term planning (source: The Express Tribune).
Public policy experts, including Dawar Butt, criticize the government's lack of investment in
sustainable strategies like electric vehicles and air quality monitoring (source: The Express
Tribune).
Health Impacts:

Smog poses severe health risks, including respiratory issues and reduced lifespan (source: The
Express Tribune).
A report by the Air Quality Life Index suggests that residents in heavily polluted areas like Lahore
may experience a reduction in lifespan of up to 7 years (source: Air Quality Life Index via The
Express Tribune).
Long-Term Solutions:

Policy experts recommend measures such as banning substandard fuel, promoting hybrid
vehicles and public transport, managing industrial pollution, and investing in cleaner production
technologies (source: The Express Tribune).
Emphasis is placed on research and development in smog control, highlighted by the Chief
Minister of Punjab's announcement of a study to understand the underlying causes of the smog
crisis (source: The Express Tribune).
Conclusion:

Urgent action and reliable research are necessary to address Lahore's smog crisis and protect
public health and the environment.
Sources: The Express Tribune, Air Quality Life Index, Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad

Punjab Government Receives US Support to Tackle Smog and Environmental Challenges

Assistance from the United States:

A delegation from the American Consulate pledged support for Punjab CM's climate and reform
initiatives (source: not specified).
The delegation, led by Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins, discussed cooperation in education,
public health, and environmental sectors (source: not specified).
Participants and Discussions:
Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb represented the Chief Minister during the discussions
(source: not specified).
The delegation included Nicholas Katasakis and Sadaf Saad, focusing on cooperation in transport,
shrimp production, and solid waste management (source: not specified).
Key Agendas and Initiatives:

Aurangzeb highlighted agendas like Green Punjab and Clean Punjab, stressing the improvement
of environmental legislation (source: not specified).
Efforts to combat smog and integrate environmental subjects into the curriculum were discussed
(source: not specified).
Aurangzeb praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's "Plant for Pakistan" campaign and
emphasized public-private collaboration for environmental enhancement (source: not specified).
Appreciation and Commitment:

Aurangzeb acknowledged Punjab's digital transformation and thanked the American Consul
General for their commitment to Punjab's development agenda (source: not specified).

Punjab Government Initiates Comprehensive Plan to Combat Smog and Plastic Pollution

Directives from Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb:

Issued directives for the preparation of a comprehensive action plan to make Punjab smog-free
and eradicate the use of disposable plastic bags (source: not specified).
Emphasized collaborative efforts with the private sector to combat air pollution and enhance air
quality in Lahore and other areas of Punjab (source: not specified).
Establishment of 'Advisory Council for Environment':

Spearheaded the establishment of an 'Advisory Council for Environment' to foster synergy

between the provincial government and private enterprises (source: not specified).
The council will serve as a platform for dialogue, consultation, and active participation of
stakeholders in environmental enhancement (source: not specified).
Initiatives and Decisions:

Consultations with stakeholders have commenced to address plastic pollution and its adverse
environmental impacts (source: not specified).
Pivotal decisions were made to digitize and optimize processes of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and expedite the formulation of a comprehensive framework for carbon credits
and financing (source: not specified).
Amendments to the Punjab Forest Act were approved to meet contemporary demands (source:
not specified).
Embracing Innovation:

Sanctioned the inaugural 'Zoological Survey' in Punjab to collate exhaustive data on species,
populations, and geographic distributions (source: not specified).
Unveiled plans for Punjab's pioneering 'Digital Wildlife Archives' and the establishment of the
'Wildlife Protection Force' (source: not specified).
Environmental Preservation and Education:

Emphasized safeguarding endangered species and preserving vital wetland ecosystems through
specialized measures (source: not specified).
Plans underway to integrate environmental education into the curriculum at all levels and
introduce degree programs focusing on environmental changes at the higher education level
(source: not specified).

Punjab's Efforts to Combat Smog and Plastic Pollution: A Step Towards Environmental
Conservation

Urgent Need for Environmental Action:

Punjab faces severe smog and pollution issues, particularly in Lahore, posing health risks and
environmental degradation.
The government recognizes the gravity of the situation and aims to tackle air pollution and
plastic pollution.
Government Initiatives:

Led by Marriyum Aurangzeb, the government has initiated stakeholder meetings and formulated
action plans to combat pollution.
Efforts include curbing emissions from industries, vehicles, and agriculture, investing in public
transportation, and promoting electric vehicles.
Initiatives also focus on increasing green spaces, sustainable urban planning, and enhancing
waste management systems.
Commitment to Tangible Solutions:

These proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to tangible solutions in the fight against
pollution.
Raising awareness about the causes and consequences of smog aims to mobilize collective
efforts for environmental conservation.
Opportunities for Progress:

Punjab has the opportunity to leverage collective expertise and resources to achieve significant
progress in its environmental agenda under new leadership.
Importance of Consistency and Commitment:

Consistency and steadfast commitment are crucial for the success of these initiatives.
Long-term planning, continuous monitoring, and dedication from all stakeholders are essential in
the fight against smog.

environmental effects of smog, global warming, health hazards, and technologies to combat air
pollution(taken from the research article)

Causes of Smog in Pakistan: Smog in Pakistan is primarily caused by various sources of air
pollution, including emissions from vehicles running on gasoline and diesel, industrial activities,
power sectors, fireplaces, and engines with incomplete combustion. Additionally, pollutants mix
with the air through evaporation from places where solvents and paints are used, service
stations, fuel terminals, refineries, and storage tankers of petroleum .

Role of Technologies in Preventing and Controlling Air Pollution in Pakistan: Various technologies
are available for the prevention and control of air pollution in Pakistan. These include volatile
organic compounds switches, particulate regulators, condensers, carbon absorbers, and
scrubbers. These technologies help in removing harmful pollutants from the air by either
destroying them or collecting them for reprocessing or disposal . Additionally, new technologies
such as liquid air and photo-catalytic materials are being developed to reduce emissions of
pollutants in the atmosphere .

Health Hazards Associated with Smog and Air Pollution in Pakistan: Exposure to smog and air
pollution in Pakistan can lead to severe health hazards. The pollutants released into the air, such
as nitrogen oxides and organic compounds, can react to form ozone, a major component of
smog. During temperature inversions in winter, pollutants from vehicles, chimneys, and fuel-
burning engines can get trapped near the ground, affecting the health of people living in those
areas. Health issues related to air pollution include respiratory problems, cardiovascular
diseases, and other illnesses