Speakers during a one-day Spring Art Festival, at a panel discussion on the topic of the impact of climate change on South Asia, highlighted multiple factors responsible for the adversities caused by the ever-changing climate in South Asia, particularly Pakistan. They said that people in Pakistan were taking this global issue lightly without paying heed to its harsh consequences. The event was organized by Sindh Cultural Department and MURK Society founded by Dr. Asif Memon and Dr. Kazbano Asif
Environmental activist Javed Soz Halai emphasized the need to create mass awareness regarding the importance of a green and clean environment in the remote areas of Sindh, where people were less serious about this issue of global concern. Further talking about the ongoing effects of climate change, he said that the cities of Sindh, mainly the cities of Northern Sindh, were turning warmer. Citing an example of Jacobabad, he said that living in Jacobabad in the upcoming years would be tantamount to living in hell.
Another climate expert and author, Zulfikar Ali Halepoto, said that the importance of the environment and the issue of climate change should be included in the curriculum, and everyone should undertake the responsibility of environmental advocacy. He further noted that the poets of South Asia have projected spring as an ideal season for love and romance, but currently, the average temperature during spring is 40 degrees Celsius, making things difficult for today's paramours.
Dr. Sorath Sindhu, a health expert and researcher, said that climate change has affected the menstrual health of women, leading to frequent miscarriages. "Around two decades ago, the average puberty age was around fourteen years, which has now reduced to nine, besides that climate change is also affecting the mental health of mothers," mentioned Dr. Sindhu. She further discussed the devastating effects of Thar Coal on the health of innocent Tharis. Sharing her experience, she revealed that cases of oral and throat cancer, besides other respiratory diseases, have been reported from Thar during the past five years. He lashed out at the authorities' concern over taking concrete measures to prevent air pollution in Thar.
They further proposed prevention of carbon emissions, less usage of plastic material, and proper methods of planting. They also mentioned that climate change would create opportunities for people in remote areas of Sindh.
The event was a trendsetter
While talking to The Friday Times, the co-organizers of the event, Dr. Asif Memon and Dr. Kazbano Asif, thanked the Sindh Culture Department for providing them an opportunity to welcome spring. They further said that such events were part of Sindh's glorious history, and they wanted to revive the lost trends of organizing seasonal events.
Cultural Performance and Interactive Session
Senior Analyst Izhar Somro said that in these testing times, people living in cities like Hyderabad were in dire need of these events. Columnist and poet Naseer Mirza said that cultural events are a testament to a lively and healthy society.
The festival included the screening of short films "Diary" and "Eid Baba Je Asare," besides individual performances of musicians and instrumentalists. The famous Murk theater group performed a stage drama and puppet shows. Dr. Govind Sharma, Harish Kumar, Sufi Aijaz Zulqarnain, and Manzoor Sindhi Afsheen Memon gave musical and dance performances to enliven the audience. Politician Ayaz Latif Palijo, and cultural activists Annu Solangi, and Naz Saheto, among others, addressed the audience on several contemporary issues of Sindh. Books, embroidery, and food stalls were set up to attract the audience.