‘Plastic denting Pakistan’s climate efforts’

As Pakistan grapples to combat climate change, experts are sounding alarms about the significant hurdle posed by plastic pollution, which threatens to overshadow the nation's efforts to safeguard its ecosystems and address environmental degradation.

Despite advancements in environmental policy and activism, the pervasive presence of plastic pollution remains a pressing concern, hindering Pakistan's sustainability goals.

Renowned environmentalist Dr Ejaz Ahmed, a former Director at WWF-Pakistan, emphasised the urgent need for action to tackle plastic pollution's detrimental effects. He highlighted how plastic pollution, from clogging waterways to disrupting ecosystems, casts a shadow over Pakistan's sustainability aspirations.

Dr Ejaz Ahmed also discussed the potential of recycling initiatives and scientific advancements in turning plastic waste into valuable resources, such as co-processing fuel in cement production and creating construction materials.

The adverse impacts of plastic on human life and health were also underscored by the expert, who pointed out the manifold repercussions, including endangering aquatic life, clogging drainage systems, and contributing to health issues. Despite awareness campaigns and regulatory efforts, plastic continues to pervade daily life, from household items to food packaging, posing a persistent challenge.

Plastic pollution's omnipresent and insidious nature has wreaked havoc across ecosystems, presenting a daunting challenge to Pakistan's sustainability efforts. The sheer volume of global plastic production, with over 300 million tons annually and half of it being single-use plastics, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue.

While countries like Bangladesh, France, and Rwanda have taken decisive steps to curb plastic proliferation, Pakistan faces a critical juncture with the highest percentage of mismanaged plastic in South Asia.

Experts say initiatives such as banning plastic bags in key cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Hunza through a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) signify progress, albeit amidst the absence of comprehensive policy frameworks at federal and provincial levels.

Shafee Muhammad Marwat, a director at the capital's civic body leading anti-pollution campaigns, emphasised the dangers of plastic to human and aquatic life, as well as infrastructure. Despite previous efforts to discourage plastic use, its pervasive nature persists, even extending to food and waste disposal.

Climate and health experts echoed concerns about the dire health consequences of plastic, citing the rise of lung diseases, cancers, and dermatological ailments. Dr Shazia Aslam, a prominent Lahore-based dermatologist, highlighted the release of toxic chemicals from plastic when heated, emphasising the need for biodegradable alternatives and sustainable practices.

She said in recent years, combating plastic pollution has emerged as a crucial frontier in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2024.