Climate change threatens food security globally

LAHORE

Climate Change has emerged as most pressing issue at present and resulted in as enhanced natural calamities besides threatening the food security situation around the globe.

The climatic changes having huge negative impacts on Pakistan as well and several natural disasters including floods and droughts have threatened the agriculture and agri-based communities of the country. To address food security situation and neutralise the impacts of climate change, the government, civil society and academia need to join hands and work together. The speakers shared these views at “GROW Festival’ held at College of Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES), University of Punjab, on Wednesday. The festival was held in University of Punjab on Wednesday.  

The festival was aimed to raise awareness on climate change and food security situation in the country and highlight the role of students and academia in this endeavour. The students, civil society organisations and relevant departments including LWMC arranged special stalls during the festival offering informational and educational materials on environment and climate change related issues. Various competitions among students were also held including paintings, essay writing, debate and cooking which were participated by a large number of students of the university. Special prizes and awards were also distributed among students on the occasion in recognition of their efforts. A theatrical performance by students was also held highlighting the impacts of climate change, especially on poor farming communities in Pakistan.

Sadia Saleem Rana, Member Punjab Assembly during her speech, covered various aspects of the climate change and said unfortunately we still lack basic awareness on climate change and its impacts. She said small farmers in the country suffering hugely due to climate change and it’s irony that the people who produce food for us are unable to have access to enough and quality food. She said our youth also lack quality food thus stunting is common among the youth due to inadequate food and malnutrition. Therefore, she said collaborated efforts at every level are needed for policy level interventions to improve this situation.

Dr. Mujahid Kamran, VC Punjab University, said we seriously need to comprehend the gravity of situation emerging by climate change. He said academia could play a vital role in imparting awareness on this issue and thus his university would continually be advancing this important debate in future as well. Waseem Cheema, Director EPA said not only small farmers, but consumers are also suffering as a result of climate change.