KARACHI:
The annual global survey by IQAir revealed that Lahore’s air quality worsened to 97.4 micrograms of PM2.5 particles per cubic metre from 86.5 in 2021, making it the most polluted city in the world. The main factors affecting environmental quality in Pakistan are population growth and fossil fuel consumption. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 200 deaths per 100,000 people are attributable to environmental factors in Pakistan.
Environmental risk factors, such as air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, and ultraviolet radiation, contribute to many diseases and injuries. A large proportion of environment-related deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. The rapid increase in rural-to-urban migration has contributed to worsening living conditions in cities. Vehicular emissions have also become a major pollutant.
Across the country, people resort to burning waste further raising emissions. The federal government must raise awareness about environmental degradation through an informative campaign and encourage people to undertake environmentally friendly practices. NGOs and civic organisations should support government efforts and work with local communities to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation. Projects such as the billion tree tsunami project must be continued and expanded to all parts of the country.
Amna Kaleem
Mian Channu
Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2023.
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