In a country beset with so many ills, pollution seems to be the last on issue on anyone’s agenda, but it isn’t quite the Western malaise most people consider it to be. Keeping in view the rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions in Pakistan, environmental protection departments have been created in every province, but unfortunately they exist in vain. Loopholes in policy-making allow deforestation to go unchecked, along with ever-increasing pollution from industries and vehicles constantly warming the atmosphere.
A recent World Bank study titled Cleaning Pakistan’s Air – Policy Options to Address the Cost of Outdoor Air Pollution highlighted that “The extent of urban air pollution in Pakistan – South Asia’s most urbanized country – is among the world’s most severe, significantly damaging human health, quality of life, and the economy and environment of Pakistan.” The report gave some insights regarding pollution in urban cities especially Lahore and Karachi, with Lahore having high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) ranging from 2 to 14 times more than the prescribed United Nations Environmental Protection Agency Limits (ESEPA). This shows how badly polluted Lahore’s air is due to vehicular emissions, biomass burning, coal combustion and industrial sources. Karachi has witnessed the same fate, as an increase in emissions from vehicles and industries and dusty air has not only affected the health of citizens but also highlighted our lack of commitment in addressing these issues, which cause thousands of mortalities each year.
[quote]Pakistan was ranked number three after Haiti and the Philippines as countries most affected by climate change[/quote]
Even after the World Bank report has been released to the public, it appears to be falling on deaf ears, as the government is pursuing an anti-environment agenda to tackle the current electricity crisis. It has approved the construction of multi-billion dollar coal-fired power plant projects in various areas across the country with the aim to provide cheaper electricity. However, they seem to ignore the fact that coal, known as the dirtiest fossil fuel, emits huge emissions in the atmosphere. This will add fuel to air pollution and further increase our vulnerability to climate change, as according to Global Climate Risk Index 2014, developed by German Watch Institute, Pakistan was ranked number three after Haiti and the Philippines as countries most affected by climate change. Something we really need to worry about!
Although officials of the environment protection department recognize air pollution as a major threat to the environment and human health, lack of funds is the main hurdle to providing any solution. The director of Environment Protection Department (EPD), Naseem Ur Rehman, admitted that increase in particulate matter in urban areas is beyond the limits prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO). “Traffic congestion is a grave threat to the environment, as it leads to an increase in sulphates and nitrates (SOx and NOx) in the air, which causes severe breathing problems”, he added.
Health experts have also testified that air pollution is the main cause of various respiratory diseases among the people. A senior medical officer from Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore, Farzana Anees, regarded motorization and haphazard industrialization the main cause for air pollution, “Air pollution is like slow poison, as its impacts are not visible in the short-term, but affect people in the long-run, in the form of severe respiratory diseases, heart diseases, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, leading to reduced life expectancy.”
Water pollution in Karachi Photo Credits Mauri Rautkari WWF
Despite knowing the impact of environmental degradation on human health, the government hasn’t reinforced strict environmental laws which can protect the common man from this worst-case scenario. Hamid Zia, aged 26, who does a sales job in Lahore, suffers from asthma. Doctors have advised him to reduce travelling on his bike to polluted areas, or else he may suffer more from severe respiratory diseases.
Environmentalists are also concerned over increase in air pollution. Ahmed Rafay Alam, renowned environment activist, lawyer and member of the Environment Protection Council, says, “Pollution is killing Pakistanis and making the rest of them sick. Many Pakistanis can’t afford medicine and healthcare, and pollution serves to distract their incomes to medical bills, creating the tendency to financially destabilize.”
The government and people need to work together to mitigate the impacts of air pollution and to collectively put up a fight against climate change and global warming. The government should seriously consider reducing emissions from power plants, industries and vehicles, as well as shun coal-fired power plants which are unfeasible, and discouraged worldwide. China and the USA can be followed in this case, as China, the world’s top carbon emitter has decided to put an absolute cap on its carbon emissions by 2016, while the USA has also announced its commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from coal-fired power plants up to 30% by 2030.
Financial constraints and lack of man-power might be a hurdle in overcoming pollution in Pakistan but it can be mitigated by keeping the environment a priority and vowing for sustainable development, so that the economy can be boosted in a greener direction.
A green revolution can also be introduced in the automobile industry by promoting more hybrid and electric vehicles, introducing environmentally friendly fuel, constructing metal roads on busy routes, strict reinforcement of the ban on two-stroke rickshaws and envisaging a transport masterplan so that carbon emissions are reduced.
Heavy fines need to be imposed on those who are guilty of pollution. Our options are clear, and we must decide which road to take – speedy unsustainable development which may reap short-term benefits but will harm the ecosystem or head towards a greener economy, which in fact promises a brighter future.
The writer is a freelance contributor to various publications. He tweets at @SyedMAbubakarand can be reached at smabubakar@wwf.org.pk
