Green Pakistan : An Elusive Dream
By Muskan Hina • May 21st, 2008 • Category: Misc, Worth A Second Look • (3,844 views) • 19 CommentsHow many people in Pakistan have heard of “Global Warming”, “Greenhouse Gases” and “Climate Legislative Regulations”? How many actually care about pollution and global warming and the emission of harmful gases? What efforts our successive governments have made to shift people away from damaging the environ?
According to the media reports, prior to the meeting of G-8 countries’ environment ministers, an alarming list has been issued that says that Pakistan ranked 25th among the countries emitting gases that pollute the environment, while the United States topped the list, European Union gets 2nd position, China 3rd, Russia 4th and India 5th.
The industrial development of mankind is stunning, though in Pakistan there still isn’t much industry, but alarmingly Pakistan’s ratio of emitting harmful gases is much higher. There simply is no education or equipment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and there is no check and balance of government in that regard. There are some lousy and ineffective laws but their efficacy is null and void. No industry has ever been seriously punished for not taking care of measures necessary for the control of harmfull emissions.
On the part of government, responsible and proactive planning is requierd with earnest. Sustainable development is crucial but not at the cost of exacerbating the environment. There is a dire and immediate requirement to formulate and evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies in this reagrd, and improve the dissemination of information to the grass root level to enable managing climate risks, policy concerns, and general awareness. A planned mass hysteria in this regard would also do a loads of good.
Carbon dioxide in excessive amount is the biggest enemy of nature right now. Pakistan is facing a grave energy crisis, and as a short term measure government is importing power plants and also upgrading the existing ones. Whilst they do it, they also take care of the environment concerns, and they should go towards the Zero Carbon dioxide emitting plants. It would raise the cost a little, but the savings in the short and long term are enormous. Government should also encourage and enforce the use non-fossil-fuel energy sources and to deploy technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide.
The bluest skies in the world are in the Copenhagen. The reason is their passionate yearning for the control of greenhouse gases. Their usage of multiple bio-fuels like municipal waste, wind, solar, coal, wood, oil, and gas produce traditional gas and electricity services, along with large-scale heating and newer cooling services, to some of the most efficient buildings anywhere in the world. Copenhagen has the lowest carbon footprint in the world, and Danes are really proud of it.
It’s time that Pakistani government should start a coherent and massive campaign to raise awareness in the populace and to give them sufficient incentives to use the bio-fuels, and to consume lesser energy. If the huge scale of the environmental challenges facing us is to be addressed, environmental taxes and fiscal incentives will need to play a much much larger part that they right now do.
Last 5 posts by Muskan Hina
- Lyari Gang War - July 13th, 2008
- ClickClick.pk and The Pakistani Spectator - July 3rd, 2008
- Don't Fool Us More - June 25th, 2008
- Civil Dictatorship - June 22nd, 2008
- For PPP-PML Judges are not an Issue - June 21st, 2008
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Muskan Hina
I am in love with this joint called as TPS. Let's sustain it's beauty and charisma. Welcome to all, and grudge to nobody.
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May 21st, 2008
If we get rid of this idiotic judges issue than nly we will be able to think something else
“Itne Jootey Parney chahyiey in logon ko ke shakal badal jaey, jinhon ne Pakistan ka kabara kar dia sirf sawa sal mein”
Aey Allah, in Pakistan ke dushmano ko is dunya mein mein bhi saza dey aur aakhirat mein bhi jo sirf apni ana aur khooshi ki khatir mulk ka satyanas kar rahen hein
Inshah Allah, ab logon ko jald pata chal jaega key kon acha tha aur kon bura.
May 21st, 2008
wow, what a topic you have touched. Very rarely Pakistani blogs discuss such issues. Yes we need to raise awareness in this regard. Nice effort.
May 22nd, 2008
What a great idea! Where have you been? I am desperately trying to induce the sense of urgency and have tried in my own small way without any success so far. Lets organize and really do something about it without worrying about government etc. Lets start with planting - A Tree or Two. Lets do it and dedicate it to our loveones. Just one tree. If all of us who are reading this can plant and groom one tree, you already have added a few and then we all have some people in our immediate circle who care and would listen to us. Lets do this, lets start now. Just plant a tree that suits your environment wherever you are. Just each of us should plant one tree now and look after it as YOUR TREE.
May 22nd, 2008
Let’s start a movement to make our Country / our world a better place for us, our children, and their children.
Plant trees.
Trees:
• are super carbon offsetters. They absorb carbon dioxide when they grow so when you plant a tree, especially a tree that will grow tall, you’re offsetting carbon dioxide emissions and you’re helping
stabilize the Earth’s climate.
• provide food and habitats for many people and animals.
• stop erosion
• provide shade, block wind and keep your house cool
• increase the value of your home
Ask your likeminded friends, I am sure they will be just as enthusiastic as you to join you in this noble cause. They can invite their friends, who also can invite their friends, and you will soon
have a great network of friends to embark on this journey which guarantees “win, win’ outcome for us all.
It is said that life is a gamble, not to play is to foreclose any chance of winning. To act now is to create a possibility of making the world a better place. Please, do something !
Let’s prove that individuals like us still matter and can make the difference.
P.S.: Are you going to do something about it?
May 22nd, 2008
Dear Aftab and Meerani.: Thanks for the encouraging words. Aftab, I planted 50 trees last week in 23 homes in Clifton Karachi. What I did? I just bought 50 plants, took my brother, went door to door, and requested the owners to have one for free and allow me plant them. Almost all of them allowed me access to their lawns.
I didn’t need NGO or TV cameras to do that. I would carry it on with relish, and I urge all people to atleast plant a tree in their neighbors home. It has got multiple positive effects.
May 22nd, 2008
what a surprise lady with fabulous name on the desk ,what a day .
May 22nd, 2008
so brother you want green pakistan .full of trees becauseTrees:
• are super carbon offsetters. They absorb carbon dioxide when they grow so when you plant a tree, especially a tree that will grow tall, you’re offsetting carbon dioxide emissions and you’re helping
stabilize the Earth’s climate./oho….global warming reduction ,,,,,,,,,from third world,impressing ,what about warming produced due to over activity of riots ,looting and burn properties and humans.
• provide food and habitats for many people and animals./utilize it in lieu of ata
• stop erosion,/means water is no problem
• provide shade, block wind and keep your house cool/means there is no issue for load shedding
• increase the value of your home ,how much as plantation with seasonal flower and trees are different concepts.
use
May 22nd, 2008
Every body here is trying to indorce one concept… Lets plant new trees… Nice concept.. but keep in mind, planting and then caring requires 10 years but cutting them requires seconds, that is going on high speed in our whole north region and across Islamabad/Murree Mountains.
Mr Aashique… for you information…although you keeps your mind locked when some body tells you reality… This Chief Justice is a man who took action to stop tree killing project NEW MURREE on thousands of acres area near murree.. I’m not going to start politics arguments on such nice post but this AOM always tries to link Justice issue with each and every thing. I don’t know who is he otherwise I will tell him what is truth and what is wrong.
Please plant new tree but also save the existing one. In lahore there were thousands and thousands trees on CANAL ROAD… very big and lush green… but in last few years govt. cutted them insanely for the sake of widening road and providing one direct road to ZAHOOR ELAHI ROAD. Those who lives in LHR knows all stories. I’m not against widening roads but these trees could be relocated by digging and planting them again near motorway etc.
Sir, one more thing if you have ever observed… now a days you hardly see big trees in parks, except in old parks. Don’t know who makes policies… we follows styles of Europe for building houses and making parks…we don’t even bother for a while that they makes houses and parks for getting maximum sunshine but here we need shadow and trees for oxygen for people. Policy change is required. We have 2 big trees of Mango in our home…frankly speaking..these are blessing for shadow and stopping sun heat and in addition to this…we gets lot of mangoes… not less than 4000 kgs each year and even gives to our neighbors. Now every body near our home started planting mango, peach and few other fruit trees. This all is possible because electric cables are undergrounds in city…otherwise municipality/cantonment boards cuts trees when they reaches to wires.
I don’t have blog otherwise I would also start writing to spread awareness and sense of responsibility. I think that society need it right now desperately. We can’t wait for Govt for every thing.
May 22nd, 2008
Aashique of Musharraf
beware of contempt of court
May 22nd, 2008
this AOM requires real treatment. He is filth of this country. Every time he tries to bring this issue of justice for teasing others. try to not come on social issue posts otherwise i’m telling every body in advance that I’ll start to tackle him in real manner. Then don’t start ur teachings and lectures. few people needs kicks on their asses and he needs it also.
May 22nd, 2008
every day I remains calm but this man tries to use filthy language against Chief Justices and other honorable personalities. enough is enough. If CJP is not good then your mushi is worst also. Its better that you keep your mouth shut otherwise I know how to shut your mouth.
May 22nd, 2008
Muskan Hina, you and your brother are real great people and a great, great Pakistanis. You deserve our respect and admiration. You have my respect, regards, affection, and admiration in addition to gratitude. Blessings!
Doctor Bhai, yes indeed, it’s un fortunate very unfortunate that there are so many issues in our midst and obviously planting trees would not take care of all the other evils, however, it will atleast add a little pleasure in our lives and believe me nice green trees give you enough strength to endure a little more. In addition, yes, it does help clean the air and reduce the temperature by a couple of degrees around it. As far as water is concerned, after all we all are using water in our everyday lives. All I need to do is just collect some in container instead of letting it into the drain, say ‘wauzoo’ water etc. I mean it is possible, we must not irrigate by ‘flood method’ we can do drip irrigation or just slowly pour the water directly in its roots at a time when evapoartion is minimal. Here I am talking about fruit trees if the fruits are for our consumption for some other trees a little brackish water will do.
You know, what just try it for next few days just sit and watch a tree, but with love. You will love, just try it out. Please, please plant a couple of trees. It is a wonderful experience, your kids would love it. You can dedicate it to the loving memories of those love ones who are no more - it is ‘Swab-e-Jaria’ as well.
People, please - PLANT A TREE OR TWO - any tree that you like and suits the vicinity where you want to put it. Please ask your like minded friends and relatives, too. This is our country, our world, we are its custodian and can try to make it a little nicer than for our children and theirs.
May 22nd, 2008
PLANT A TREE OR TWO!
Someone, wise enough, said that a person starts discovering meaning of human life when he/she decides to plant a shade tree under which he won’t ever sit. Anyone who plants a tree loves some one other than oneself, and the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago – the
second best time is now.
Please, plant a tree or two now or help someone plant one. You can try to convince people that best way to remember friends and loved ones is to plant a tree in their name. A tree planted in the name of even those loved ones who are not there any more will make their memories eternal.
Know and tell others that: TREES, provide shade, beautify our surroundings, absorb carbon dioxide, supply oxygen, help the environment, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, give wildlife a
home, decrease energy use, increase property value, lessen noise pollution, lower air temperature, add character to neighborhood, and give the individual a sense of peace and tranquility. So, lets plant a TREE or two - PLEASE!
May 22nd, 2008
Hi Hina,
Great job you have done in planting trees and practise what you preach. But you are making one mistake which the americans want us to do. Equate GLOBAL WARMING with PLLUTION. Both are different issues. Also your advise to use biofuels require further study due to food security involved.
We in India and pakistan must fight POLLUTION.
May 22nd, 2008
Can we just leave this who wants us to do what. God, how would it hurt us if we have nice lush green trees all over our land? Tell me how would it serve anyone else’s purpose except ours?
Why must biofuel threaten our food security? To my understanding you can use biogas as an alternative fuel for powering vehicles and is a very real alternative to petrol and diesel. Biogas is a mix mainly of methane and carbon dioxide and is produced naturally when organic matter decomposes in the absence of oxygen. I have been reading about it here and there and have understood, as much as a layman can, that this should help us even with waste management, in addition to providing good quality compost.
May 22nd, 2008
I once saw program on Discovery Science, my favourite channel… It was on how chineses are using their and animals waste in producing bio gas for cooking purposes in villages. They showed that chinese are having small equipment outside their toilets… they puts animals wastes also in it… it automatically reacts and gases generates that goes in that equipment and that equipment/cylinder was connected to kitchen heaters for cooking. Its was 100% free process and also easy.
Using waste for generating gas for household use will really stop cutting trees (in majority of villages) for their cooking purposes. Its very needful that Govt should consult China for introducing this equipment in Pakistan villages also. It will save our trees and jungles.
Indian govt in Rajisthan is also providing solar energy panels to their villagers for cooking pruposes. These solar panels not requires large space to install and use. Its ideal to use for cooking and heating. It will also save tree cutting, if we will provide same equipment to villagers in south punjab and sind ( ample sunshine is there). Lot of things can be done, but we lacks planning and implementation. Our Govt and related departments should teach villagers once… I am dead sure that they will buy it. This energy panel cost Rs 20,000 in Pakistan these days but awareness is required to install and use it. These small small technologies can easily help us to make our countries green and stopping people to cut trees for use.
May 22nd, 2008
Muskan Hina has, with her brother’s help, planted 50 trees last week in 23 homes in Clifton Karachi. She just bought 50 plants, went door to door with her brother, and requested the owners to have one for free and planted them. We just need many many many Muskan Hina among us to do such wonderful deeds. Come on people lets plant some trees in our neighborhood where wver it is.
She did it for the love of our country, our city, our environment and didn’t need NGO or TV cameras to do that. She urges all people, all of us to atleast plant a tree in their neighbors home. It has got multiple positive effects.
LETS TO IT PEOPLE, PLEASE!
May 22nd, 2008
When you plant a tree try to plant Fruit Trees it will add green effect to our cities and fruit for our grandchildern too. Charity begins at home, so first plant a tree in your home every season. when the space issue comes then donate one to your neibhour and have a promise from him/her that he/she won’t let that baby die. If a plant dies due to negligence of the owner he/she should be punished to plant 5 plants from his/her own pocket.
May 22nd, 2008
If we get rid of this idiotic judges issue than only we will be able to think something else
“Itne Jootey Parney chahyiey in logon ko ke shakal badal jaey, jinhon ne Pakistan ka kabara kar dia sirf sawa sal mein”
Aey Allah, in Pakistan ke dushmano ko is dunya mein mein bhi saza dey aur aakhirat mein bhi jo sirf apni ana aur khooshi ki khatir mulk ka satyanas kar rahen hein
Inshah Allah, ab logon ko jald pata chal jaega key kon acha tha aur kon bura.
I am cursing enemies of Pakisan why Salim and Farid bothering too much about it OR you two also among themselves as well!