Behavioural changes urged to fight environmental crisis

Worsening environmental conditions pose severe threats to human health and livelihoods, said speakers at a recent workshop on “Environmental Sustainability and Youth Engagement”, organised by the Sindh Community Foundation under the Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative, in collaboration with the British Council.

The four-day workshop was held in Shahdadpur, a town in the Sanghar district, covering a range of topics including climate change, adaptation skills, renewable energy, tree plantations, waste management, and lifestyle changes to address climate change impacts.

The speakers urged immediate behavioural changes for responsible consumption of natural resources. They called for urgent actions to tackle the environmental crisis in the country.

During the session, the participants actively engaged in local mapping of environmental and climate change challenges in the district, focused on renewable energy, tree plantation, and behavioural change practices for responsible consumption of environmental resources.

Speaking on the occasion, Sindh Community Foundation Head and Environment Expert, Javed Soz, pointed out the lack of awareness regarding responsible consumption and production, which contributes to environmental degradation.

He noted that the Sanghar district is repeatedly impacted by climate change, mainly through floods. Soz emphasised that while climate change is inevitable, adaptation and mitigation measures are essential to reduce losses and damage and to maintain biodiversity.

He also discussed rapid urbanisation in the province and stressed the need for effective environmental management plans and protection mechanisms.

“The crucial role of young people in mobilising communities and developing local initiatives to address these challenges.

By promoting environmental education in schools and universities, youth can ensure future generations are informed and proactive about sustainability”, said Activist Irshad Ahmed. 

Ahmed highlighted that young people have the potential to address environmental and climatic challenges through local youth-led and community-centred actions, using art and local cultural practices, and advocating for bolder action from policy and decision-makers.