Antony Capone from the United Nations University in Kuala Lumpur, one of the other commissioners also joined at the launch, and explained the concept of the Anthropocene era, outlining key findings of the report. He explained how unsustainable patterns of consumption were pushing the planet to its limits, therefore threatening prosperity gains of the last decades. Despite ongoing unofficial Eid holidays, the launch was extremely well-attended in addition by several ambassadors, heads of think tanks, and chief of UNDP Pakistan.
The event was more than a launch as it was also “structured to catalyze action,” explained Dr. Sania Nishtar. Rector National University of Science and Technology (NUST), General Asghar and his team were also present at the event and explained how their university could build further on the report’s recommendations in relation to stepping up interdisciplinary research, which was already underway in NUST.
Minister of State and Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Marvi Memon stated that “there is a complete linkage between the report and the 5 million families that are served through the income support programme,” adding further that a meeting would be convened to look closely at the report’s recommendations.
A segment of the launch focused on Pakistan-specific issues where Dr. Muhammad Ashraf’s presentation on Pakistan’s water challenges was widely regarded as “an eye-opener.” His account of Pakistan’s impending water scarcity and the mismanagement which caused it generated much discussion and debate. On the other hand, secretary food security Seerat Asghar’s presentation on Pakistan’s food security challenges was more on the lines of outlining opportunities for the way forward in the agriculture sector.
Ali Tauqeer Sheikh also spoke at the event. “Rs365 billion is the cost of inattention to environmental concerns in Pakistan,” he stated and went on to explain the other costs of inattention to this major problem.
The launch ceremony also featured messages by Professor Sir Andy Haines, chair of the Commission, Dr. Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, and Helen Clarke, administrator of UNDP.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Sania Nishtar emphasised the close linkages between the health of people, nations and the planet, and reiterated that Pakistan should regard its environmental challenges, particularly the water crisis, as a matter of national security.