Shaheer Ahmed
Climate change has been a global challenge in the 21st century. With each passing year, it has had serious impacts. That too in terms of economic, social, and political impacts. The rising human activity, carbon emissions have led to droughts, floods, wildfires, cyclones, and intense heat waves. The developing countries are the most affected ones.
Greenhouse effect and Pakistan
Pakistan is the fifth country that is affected by climate change. The greenhouse effect and carbon emissions have resulted in the melting of glaciers, monsoon floods. Pakistan is trying to reduce its carbon emissions by converting coal to hydroelectricity.
Imran Khan and Billion Tree Tsunami
Since the day, Imran Khan has come into power, he has emphasized climate change. He has been an advocate of eco-friendly measures, clean and green initiatives. Before stepping into power, he had planted a billion trees in KPK during the 2014-2018 era. This helped in the forest growth by 6 % which is a great achievement. The Billion Tree Tsunami is an initiative to restore 1 million acres of forests across the country.
Protected Areas Initiative
The Protected Areas Initiative was launched during COVId-19. It aims at preserving the unique and to be extinct biodiversity. The National Parks have increased from 30 to 45 in just a year. It has created opportunities for eco-tourism.
Eco-Tourism Village in Pakistan
The eco-tourism village is also part of the initiative. It would be launched in Kaghan Valley in March 2022. Located in Shinkiari, Mansehra, KPK, it is near the historic Monroe Track. This was restored by PTI under its 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project.
A sneak preview into #Pakistan ‘s first #EcoTourismVillage developed by @ClimateChangePK with @UNDP_Pakistan in #Kaghan valley and opening in March – #ZeroCarbon and #ZeroWaste pic.twitter.com/SLEjfDCxjC
— Malik Amin Aslam (@aminattock) December 29, 2021
According to the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, a Zero Waste policy would be implemented in the eco-tourism village. It will increase tourism. These projects will create awareness and living standards for the locals. This will also help in a positive image of the tourism industry of the region.
Also Read: https://neemopani.com/rewinding-2021-five-pakistani-green-initiatives/
