World Environment Day is observed every year on June 5th. It is a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect the environment....
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World Environment Day is observed every year on June 5th. It is a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect the environment. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and enhancing the environment and is celebrated with various activities such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and educational programs. Each year, World Environment Day has a different theme, highlighting a specific environmental concern.
World Environment Day 2024 centered on the theme ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,’ under the slogan ‘Our Land. Our Future. We are #Generation Restoration.’ This theme underscores the urgent need to combat land degradation and build resilience to droughts, promoting sustainable land management and restoration efforts worldwide. To commemorate the day, several significant events took place in Karachi.
Farozaan, the Pakistan American Cultural Centre (PACC), and the Pakistan U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Karachi Chapter jointly hosted the 3rd Karachi Climate Festival at PACC. In his welcome address, Dr. Farhan Essa emphasized the importance of combating climate change for future generations. He stated, “Youth will inherit the earth left by elders and need to be the change makers. Currently, five percent of global energy is consumed by AI and cryptocurrency, a figure projected to rise to 20 percent by 2025. This surge will significantly impact the climate, demanding urgent attention.” He also warned, “With increasing temperatures, human lives in traditionally cooler regions are at risk as mammals move closer in search of habitable conditions. These creatures carry over 1,000 infections like COVID, posing a significant health challenge.”
In his keynote address, echoing Julia Carney’s timeless words: “Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Make the mighty ocean And the pleasant land,” Senator Javed Jabbar emphasized the crucial role of individual actions in combating environmental challenges, a concept often overlooked.
The event was a vibrant celebration hosted by Beena Khan, who kept the audience engaged with her lively and humorous commentary throughout. Adding a special touch to the event was the presence of a group of differently-abled children from the Karachi Vocational Training Centre. Their passionate rendition of national songs captivated the audience, who responded with a well-deserved and thunderous round of applause. The children performed with confidence and ease, filling the packed auditorium with their talent. Kudos to their teachers for their excellent guidance and heartfelt appreciation to the parents for their unwavering support and efforts in ensuring these precious children lead meaningful lives.
The audience also enjoyed an outstanding drama highlighting the importance of conserving parks and the serious issue of encroachment in the country. The performance underscored how unscrupulous government officials often sell amenity plots to builders, harming the environment and the local communities. This impactful message resonated strongly, reminding everyone of the need to protect our green spaces.
A captivating dance performance to the song ‘Earth’s Cry’ illustrated the beauty of nature and the devastating impact of human actions on the environment. The talented young dancers received a well-deserved, applause for their exceptional performance.
A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Waqar Ahmed from the Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Karachi, focused on the urgent need for climate action, policy changes, and individual responsibilities. The panelists included Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, Chief Meteorologist of the Pakistan Met Department; Mr. Abdul Raheem Soomro, Secretary of the Local Government Commission and Former Secretary of Wildlife & Fisheries; and Ms. Farhana Tabbassum, a Public Health Expert from AKU. They discussed the challenges posed by climate change, highlighting issues such as informal settlements with narrow, multi-storied houses lacking plants and parks, leading to air and noise pollution, and airborne diseases. The panelists also discussed the melting of glaciers, deforestation, the impact of the environment on wildlife, and the critical importance of mangroves.
The event showcased the power of combining art and activism to address climate change, highlighting the urgent need for immediate attention and action. It demonstrated that art and creativity can play a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring change. Individual actions, collective efforts, and policy changes are essential to mitigate the effects of climate change.
