Doling out cash to the Supreme Court’s fundraiser is one thing. However, constructing a dam is a gargantuan task and will require years before completion. More immediate measures need to be adopted, especially by industry, to reduce water consumption. The notion of the water footprint of humanity needs to be popularised. Guilty of heavy meat and dairy consumption across the nation, we must acknowledge our proclivity and stubbornness against reducing livestock farming. We as a nation will happily ignore that the production of animal products contributes to 27% of the water footprint and mock those contemplating more environmentally-friendly lifestyles such as vegetarianism. As for household consumption, according to the Water Footprint Network Organisation, only 4% of the water footprint accounts for water in the home. Ergo, while turning off faucets during showers and brushing one’s teeth are ethical practices, there are more impactful ways to reduce the effects of the imminent drought PM Khan and the Met Department warned of.
In a conscionable move, the PM’s Billion Tree Tsunami campaign is laudable. It will help to reduce the carbon footprint, thereby thwarting atmospheric temperature rises and eventually retaining moisture in the soil to facilitate crops. Again, growing the trees will take years so while warnings are needed, emphasis should be placed by the government on developing a more immediate contingency plan and getting more citizens on board.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2018.
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