Islamabad, Feb 8: Fazal Moqeem Khan, President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), expressed serious concern over the unusually hot weather in January, highlighting it as a clear sign of the intensifying effects of climate change. He emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts, including large-scale plantation drives, to combat the growing threat of global warming.
In a statement released on Saturday, Khan warned that if temperatures continue to rise in the coming years, it would exacerbate the energy crisis in the country, already grappling with insufficient power supply. This, he noted, would further strain businesses, industries, and citizens, leading to increased electricity consumption during a time when the country’s energy resources are already stretched thin.
Khan pointed out that the warm weather in January had affected the sales of warm clothing, and the impact of climate change was evident in the damage to crops, orchards, and other sectors. He stressed that such extreme weather, which used to be cold in January for decades, is now a significant concern and requires urgent action.
To address these challenges, Khan called for extensive plantation efforts to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change. He also expressed concern over the increasing rate of deforestation, which is contributing to the worsening climate crisis.
Given the energy shortfall and the anticipated rise in electricity consumption due to rising temperatures, Khan urged the government, relevant authorities, and citizens to take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of climate change. He emphasized the importance of planting more trees and avoiding deforestation to help preserve the environment.
Additionally, Khan called for practical solutions, including carbon market financing, incentives for electric vehicles, and transitioning urban transport from petrol and diesel to CNG. He also advocated for the promotion of green energy initiatives.
Khan further urged the district administration to launch a tree plantation campaign as part of a public outreach initiative, prioritizing the preservation of Pakistan’s national ecosystem and focusing on a paperless economy to reduce environmental impact.
