‘Smart’ forest

While Prime Minister Imran Khan may have ardently inaugurated Pakistan’s first smart forest in Sheikhupura’s Rakh Jhok Forest as part of the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development project, he has yet again failed to understand the global ecological crisis in its entirety. The initiative is said to address issues of climate change, contribute some $40 billion to the country’s economy, and create around one million jobs. In this one-of-a-kind ‘smart’ forest, the growth of every plant under the scheme will be monitored with the help of high-tech sensors. The relevant authorities would be notified in case any tree is cut down.

While all this looks good on paper and may even provide greater accountability, we must realise that we cannot seek solutions through conventional developmental models. Climate change is a complex problem, therefore, short-term as well as long-term merits must be weighed out beforehand. For example, building three barrages on the Ravi River might help groundwater temporarily rise, but restricting the natural flow of water will be detrimental in the long-run and might even exacerbate the consequences of climate change. The ground reality is that planting millions of trees across the country is of no use until counter-measures are also taken. This must entail reducing pollution by taxing industries and businesses for dumping hazardous waste, removing 4-stroke or high-emission public transport vehicles from the roads, and completely banning the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials — and this will just be a start.

But what is even more important is that the PM must understand the scope and severity of the problem called global warming. For this he must consult with international climate and environmental experts. Then, initiatives must be taken to cope with the aggravating effects of climate change such as heatwaves and heavy monsoon rainfall. Cities and communities must be made more resilient to withstand such disasters in order to save lives, livelihoods, lands and homes. Simultaneously, the PM must aggressively push the agenda at the international forums.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2021.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.