In this episode of New Wave Global, host Zeerak Rana engages with Dr. Hassan Aftab Sheikh, a Research Fellow in Nature Finance at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford. Together, they delve into the pressing issue of pollution in Pakistan, examining its profound effects on public health, ecosystems, and economic stability. Dr. Sheikh outlines the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to tackle this crisis, including innovative approaches to clean energy. He discusses the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels, particularly the potential for the early retirement of coal-powered plants, which can significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. The conversation also highlights the role of carbon trading as a potential solution for mitigating pollution, with Dr. Sheikh characterizing the mechanism as problematic. Tune in for the full interview!