Things are fast getting out of hand
KARACHI: For reducing pollution, renewable energy helps a great deal in the reduction of emissions from power generating plants that heavily depend on fossil fuel. Vehicles and industries are the largest contributors of smog forming pollutants. The best way to reduce smog is to therefore take the lead in managing carbon emissions from cars and industries. For industries, the use of renewable energy and the manufacturing of environmentally friendly consumer products are fundamental. For cars, aspects such as combining errands in one trip, use of public transport, proper maintenance of cars and walking or biking instead of driving can significantly reduce pollution. The use of household products that have high levels of volatile organic compounds should be completely avoided. These products not only release hazardous materials into the atmosphere but also emit particulate matter that reacts in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone. The use of environmentally friendly consumer products such as eco-friendly paints, paper, sprays, solvents and plastics therefore provides a basis for addressing smog pollution. I request the government to look into and implement these different ways through which pollution can either be reduced or controlled. Greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting pollution and global warming are problems that need to be tackled on a priority basis. Things are fast getting out of hand. Untramelled consumption should be curbed to reverse the trend of global warming.
Maira Anam
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2019.
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