As climate-related disasters intensify across Pakistan, environmental experts are calling for urgent action, asserting that humans—not nature—are to blame.

At a recent climate awareness workshop in Lahore leading voices emphasized the critical role of human activities in driving ecological instability and climate change.

"It’s Us, Not the Sun"

Environmental scientist Dr. Muhammad Yunus Zahid debunked the myth that solar activity is behind global warming. “Greenhouse gases are emitted due to human and animal-based activities, particularly from vehicles and industrial pollution,” he said.

Explaining key concepts, Dr. Yunus noted that a carbon credit represents the removal of one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2), while a carbon footprint reflects the annual average emissions per person. “One mature tree can absorb up to 25 kilograms of CO2 annually,” he added, underlining the importance of afforestation in combating climate change.

He praised progress under the current provincial government but stressed that “a lot more needs to be done to maintain the momentum.”

"Pakistan Is Experiencing Post-Ecological Instability"

Environmental lawyer Ahmed Rafay said Pakistan is already facing the consequences of ecological disruption. “The devastating 2022 floods, which submerged two-thirds of the country and formed a 100-kilometer-long lake in Balochistan, were not natural,” he said. “According to researchers from King’s College London, the unprecedented rainfall was a result of man-made climate disruptions.”

Rafay criticized developed countries for failing to deliver on their climate finance promises. “The United States provided $10 billion in aid to Ukraine and Israel, but not for climate justice. This imbalance must be addressed,” he argued.

Punjab at the Forefront — But at Risk

Punjab, home to over 127.6 million people, remains Pakistan’s economic powerhouse, contributing 39% to the national energy mix and leading in agriculture and manufacturing. But rapid urbanization and environmental neglect are exacerbating climate-related challenges.

According to the Punjab State of the Environment Report 2023, Air Quality: All nine divisional headquarters exceeded safe PM2.5 levels. Lahore alone had 156 days of poor to hazardous air in 2023.

Water Quality: Only 58% of groundwater samples were deemed suitable for irrigation. High rates of industrial pollution and arsenic contamination in areas like DG Khan remain major concerns.

Soil Quality: Fertility is threatened by industrial effluents, particularly in Rawalpindi and Multan. Phosphorus levels were low despite adequate zinc and iron content.

Climate Impact: Agriculture and energy sectors are the top greenhouse gas emitters. Despite a relatively cooler summer in 2023, average temperatures in Punjab were 0.18°C above normal, and urban flooding damaged 24,000 homes and 545,000 acres of farmland.

Climate literacy and collective action

Dr. Waheed Yousaf, advisor on climate education, highlighted that Pakistan is among the top 10 most climate-affected countries. Awareness campaigns are underway in districts including Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, and Muzaffargarh to build public understanding.

The session was organized by Life for Guardian Foundation (LGF) in collaboration with the Punjab government at a local hotel.

Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Kanwal Liaqat said climate change is not only an environmental concern but also a moral responsibility. “We need collaborative action—not only in legislation but also in public engagement,” she said.

Former provincial minister Ejaz Alam Augustine called on journalists to become climate storytellers. “Your reporting can shape public behavior, influence policy, and inspire change,” he said.

Experts say the time for debate has passed—what’s needed now is urgent, unified action from government, industry, civil society, and global partners.