Industrialists call for climate authority

Urge govt to adopt sustainable practices to safeguard economy, food security

KARACHI:

Amid rising concerns about the escalating impacts of climate change on the business community, industrialists and environmentalists have called for the introduction of a preparedness-based disaster response management system, the establishment of a climate change authority, and the limitation of fuel-based power generation and automobiles to combat the impending threats to businesses, crops, and food security.

They stressed that the intensifying patterns of climate change pose a significant threat to both traders and industrialists. Disasters triggered by these changes not only endanger human lives but also inflict substantial damage on industries and businesses. The unpredictable nature of climate change risks the financial stability of both small traders and industrialists as floods, droughts, and rising temperatures severely impact agricultural production, disrupting the supply chains on which businesses rely.

The experts highlighted the alarming impact of climate change on Pakistan's water reservoirs, with wetlands across the country increasingly facing irregular or insufficient water levels due to climate risks, exacerbated by floods, droughts, and poor water management. According to estimates by the United Nations Development Programme, the frequency of glacial lake outburst events has surged by 50%, putting seven million people in Pakistan at serious risk.

Muhammad Farooq Shaikhani, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), urged the federal government to take immediate and effective measures, including the creation of a climate change authority and the allocation of necessary funds to address the escalating threat of climate change. He warned that without decisive action, Pakistan's economy could suffer irreparable damage. Shaikhani called for immediate and practical measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, stressing that if the government fails to take decisive and concrete action now, the nation could soon find itself powerless against the growing threat of climate-induced disasters.

Leading environmentalist and development practitioner Javed Hussain Sozhalai stressed the importance of imparting modern planning management techniques to civil bureaucrats, noting that the country is unfortunately still following a pre-partition bureaucratic system. He urged the government to shift towards a post-partition model to reduce life and property losses. Sozhalai also highlighted the need to strengthen the structure of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and ensure ample resources in terms of equipment and emergency cover for districts. He noted that despite ongoing efforts, preparedness currently stands at only 15% to 20%, and it should be increased to 50% to avert potential catastrophes.

The environmentalist advocated for transforming the DDMA into the District Disaster Preparedness Authority, pointing out that countries facing climate change issues are focusing on disaster preparedness. He shared that he is working with locals in three districts of Sindh—Sanghar, Badin, and Thatta—where, for the first time, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) officials have decided to involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in preparedness efforts for any untoward incidents following the heavy rains forecasted by the Met Office.

Adeel Siddiqui, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI), highlighted that Pakistan has one of the worst pollution indices globally. He urged the government to develop a climate change strategy that includes limiting fuel-based power generation and automobiles, transitioning to electric vehicles and renewable energy, and promoting pollution-free initiatives. Siddiqui also criticised the country's inadequate drainage system, which has failed to manage accumulated rainwater, and called for better use of irrigation technology and proper planning for water reservoirs to enhance agricultural prosperity.

He concluded that while rains are typically a blessing, the country faces many problems during the monsoon season due to the ineptitude of government departments. There is no proper planning for water reservoirs, resulting in floodwaters being wasted. Proper water reservoirs could bring about prosperity, particularly outside of the monsoon season. Agriculturalists must adopt state-of-the-art technology and ensure the use of slopes or natural waterways to prevent standing crop losses.