Eco-friendly solutions
Pakistan can take nationally to make itself more resilient in the wake of climate disasters
The answer to what Pakistan can do amid the global climate crisis is two-folds. Since climate change is a global phenomenon, a collective effort is needed in order to fight the crisis, as substantial change is necessary. The first part of the answer has to do with Pakistan pushing the climate change agenda globally as it is one of the countries most vulnerable to it. This includes being an active international stakeholder in the fight against climate change while pushing international communities to shift towards eco-friendly and carbon-free alternatives. The second part of the answer deals with the actions Pakistan can take nationally to make itself more resilient in the wake of climate disasters such as flooding, droughts, heatwaves and melting glaciers.
Adaptability is the key here and officials need to be on their toes to adapt quickly to sudden changes in the climate while being wary of any disaster that could follow. In an attempt to do so, the cabinet approved the National Electric Vehicle Policy four months ago with the plan to convert one-third of the vehicles in the country to electric vehicles by 2030. This is an important initiative as transport contributes to more than 40% to air pollution in Pakistan. Recently, Pakistan’s first-ever electric three-wheeled rickshaws started to roll off the assembly line. If certain considerations are made, this could easily create a foundation that could push Pakistan towards being an environment-friendly country. While tax exemptions and incentives to manufacturers, importers and buyers of electric vehicles would be offered, the cost could still be high for the mass market. It would need to be brought down even further. Lower running and maintenance costs will be an incentive as well as an investment for electric vehicle owners.
It is clear that the country may rely on electric energy as an alternative; therefore the solar industry needs to be strengthened to provide sustainable and renewable power.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2020.
Adaptability is the key here and officials need to be on their toes to adapt quickly to sudden changes in the climate while being wary of any disaster that could follow. In an attempt to do so, the cabinet approved the National Electric Vehicle Policy four months ago with the plan to convert one-third of the vehicles in the country to electric vehicles by 2030. This is an important initiative as transport contributes to more than 40% to air pollution in Pakistan. Recently, Pakistan’s first-ever electric three-wheeled rickshaws started to roll off the assembly line. If certain considerations are made, this could easily create a foundation that could push Pakistan towards being an environment-friendly country. While tax exemptions and incentives to manufacturers, importers and buyers of electric vehicles would be offered, the cost could still be high for the mass market. It would need to be brought down even further. Lower running and maintenance costs will be an incentive as well as an investment for electric vehicle owners.
It is clear that the country may rely on electric energy as an alternative; therefore the solar industry needs to be strengthened to provide sustainable and renewable power.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2020.