Threat to livelihoods

Letter June 07, 2023
Threat to livelihoods

KARACHI, PAKISTAN:

Pakistan has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. In the past two decades alone, the country has lost over 4 million hectares of forested land. This is particularly alarming because forests provide several environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and biodiversity preservation.

The country’s rapidly growing population is putting increasing pressure on natural resources, including forests as more land is needed for farming and housing. Deforestation will significantly impact the health and well-being of Pakistan’s citizens. The loss of trees and vegetation has led to increased air pollution, which has been linked to a range of respiratory problems. Without forests, there is an increased risk of soil erosion, desertification, and climate change. Additionally, deforestation can have negative impacts on the local communities that depend on forests for their livelihoods.

The consequences of deforestation in Pakistan will be far-reaching and severe. The government’s policies on forest management and conservation have been criticized for being weak and ineffective.

As concerned citizens, we must take action to address deforestation in Pakistan. We can start by raising awareness about the issue, supporting reforestation efforts, and advocating for policies that protect our forests.

Hareem Irfan

Islamabad

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2023.

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