Strengthening Environmental Governance for a Sustainable Future
Pakistan’s environmental crisis requires urgent legal reforms to address pollution, deforestation, and climate challenges. Although environmental laws exist, weak enforcement limits their effectiveness. Therefore, the government must strengthen regulatory frameworks and ensure strict compliance. Moreover, enhancing institutional capacity will improve monitoring and accountability. Community engagement also plays a vital role in promoting environmental responsibility. Initiatives such as the Climate and Environment Initiative (CEI) encourage legal innovation and cross-border collaboration. Likewise, the Pakistan Climate Change Act of 2017 established a national council to oversee climate policies and ensure international compliance. In addition, Pakistan’s growing investment in renewable energy and electric vehicles supports emission reduction goals. By aligning national efforts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the country can achieve environmental stability. Ultimately, coordinated action among policymakers, industries, and citizens can secure a healthier, greener, and more resilient Pakistan.
“Where laws meet action, the earth begins to heal.”
Climate Change and Global Warming: Rising Carbon Emissions and Urgent Risks (Aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action)
Global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions continue to rise, driven by fossil fuel use and cement production. In 2024, fossil CO2 emissions are projected to reach 37.4 gigatonnes (GtCO2), 0.4 GtCO2 higher than the previous record set in 2023. Including land-use emissions, total CO2 emissions are expected to hit 41.6 GtCO2, a 2% increase over 2023 levels. Coal emissions grew by 0.2%, oil by 0.9%, and gas by 2.4%, while cement emissions declined slightly. China accounts for 32% of global emissions, with modest increases in coal and significant growth in natural gas use. India’s emissions are rising sharply, particularly from coal, gas, and cement. The US and EU show differing trends, with EU emissions declining overall. International aviation and shipping emissions are projected to increase by 7.8% in 2024. Atmospheric CO2 concentrations are set to reach 422.5 parts per million (ppm), 52% above pre-industrial levels. Without immediate reductions, the remaining carbon budget to limit warming to 1.5°C could be exhausted within six years.
Alarming Glacier Melt and Global Sea-Level Threats
The 2020s have seen unprecedented glacier melt, particularly in Antarctica and the Arctic, accelerating global sea-level rise. Thwaites Glacier, known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” loses roughly 50 billion tonnes of ice annually and currently contributes 4% of global sea-level rise. Its bed lies below sea level, making it vulnerable to warm ocean currents that accelerate melting from below. Satellite studies reveal that ocean waters infiltrate hidden channels, causing vigorous melting intensified by tidal influences. If Thwaites collapses, sea levels could rise over 65 centimeters, threatening coastal cities worldwide. Complete loss of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could trigger a catastrophic rise of up to 3.3 meters. Instability in Thwaites may also destabilize neighboring glaciers, amplifying ice loss. International research efforts, including the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration, use advanced technologies to monitor ice dynamics and forecast risks. Immediate carbon emission reductions remain critical to slow glacier melt and protect vulnerable communities from the long-term consequences of rising seas.
Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events and Climate Vulnerability
The year 2024 witnessed a sharp rise in extreme weather events, highlighting urgent climate adaptation needs. Heatwaves reached record temperatures, with July 22 marking the hottest global day at 62.9°F (17.2°C), straining health systems and infrastructure. Wildfires destroyed over 370,000 hectares of European forests, releasing significant carbon dioxide and worsening climate change. Severe floods displaced millions, notably in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul and during the Afghanistan-Pakistan floods. Tornadoes in the United States caused widespread damage, while deadly landslides in India resulted from heavy rainfall and unstable terrain.
Atlantic hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene and Category 5 Hurricane Milton, caused fatalities and extensive property losses. Concurrent droughts reduced agricultural productivity and strained water supplies. These interconnected extreme events underscore the accelerating impacts of climate change. Governments, organizations, and communities must prioritize adaptive strategies and global coordination to protect ecosystems, safeguard livelihoods, and build resilience against future climatic challenges.
Progress in Climate Action: Global Cooperation, Clean Energy, and Youth Advocacy
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, unites 196 nations to limit global warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C. Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, increasing mitigation ambition over time. Developed nations provide financial and technological support to enable adaptation and emission reductions in developing countries. The global stocktake evaluates collective progress, ensuring accountability, while adaptation goals enhance resilience to climate impacts.
Clean energy adoption has surged worldwide. Electric vehicle sales exceeded 10 million units in 2024, while energy-efficient appliances and net-zero emission buildings gain popularity. These measures reduce carbon footprints and stimulate renewable energy job creation.
Youth-led activism, including movements like Fridays for Future, mobilizes millions globally, influencing policy, raising awareness, and promoting climate education.
Together, international agreements, technological transitions, and youth engagement mark significant progress toward climate action. Sustained efforts in these areas remain critical to achieving a low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable future for all.
Case Study: Renewable Energy Adoption in Morocco (Aligned with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)
Morocco has emerged as a leader in renewable energy by implementing strategic projects and ambitious investments. The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant, exemplifies Morocco’s commitment to sustainable energy. It converts solar energy into electricity using parabolic trough collectors, with a total planned capacity of 580 megawatts. Noor I, the first phase, began operations in 2016 with 160 MW capacity. The complex supplies clean energy to roughly 1.1 million households and reduces carbon emissions by approximately 760,000 tons annually.
Beyond environmental benefits, the project creates thousands of jobs and enhances energy security, particularly in rural regions. Thermal storage technology allows power generation even during non-sunny hours, ensuring reliability. Morocco’s broader strategy targets 52% renewable installed capacity by 2030, incorporating solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects. International collaborations, including the Mediterranean Solar Plan, strengthen regional energy integration and technology exchange. Morocco’s approach demonstrates that strategic investments and policy commitment can drive sustainable energy transitions globally.
“What we do now…will define the future of our planet.” – Sir David Attenborough
Ozone Layer Depletion and Recovery (Aligned with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)
The ozone layer protects life from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but industrial use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) caused significant thinning. CFCs, halons, and other chemicals, used in refrigeration and aerosols, release chlorine and bromine in the stratosphere, destroying ozone. This depletion increases UV exposure, leading to higher skin cancer rates, eye cataracts, and immune suppression. Ecosystems also suffer; phytoplankton decline disrupts marine food webs, reducing fish stocks and threatening food security.
International action through the Montreal Protocol (1987) successfully phased out ODS production and consumption. Developed nations reduced ODS by 50% by 2000, while developing countries followed later. As a result, atmospheric concentrations of these harmful substances have decreased, and recent assessments indicate the ozone layer could recover to pre-1980 levels by the 2060s. This success highlights the importance of coordinated global policy, regulation, and sustainable production practices.
Case Study: Australia’s UV Protection Campaign
Australia has implemented comprehensive campaigns to promote UV protection among its population, particularly given its high rates of skin cancer attributed to intense sunlight and ozone depletion.
Public Awareness Initiatives
National campaigns such as “Slip Slop Slap” encourage Australians to slip on protective clothing, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat when outdoors. These initiatives have been instrumental in raising awareness about UV risks and promoting protective behaviors.
Sunscreen Use
The campaigns have successfully increased sunscreen usage among Australians, contributing to a decline in skin cancer rates over recent years. As a result of these efforts, Australia has seen a significant reduction in melanoma incidence among younger populations.
Policy Integration
The Australian government has integrated UV protection into public health policy, ensuring that educational programs about sun safety are included in school curricula and community health initiatives.
Inspirational Quote
“The Montreal Protocol proves that collective action can solve even the gravest environmental challenges.” – Kofi Annan
The journey towards addressing ozone layer depletion highlights both the challenges posed by human activities and the potential for global cooperation to effect meaningful change. The success of the Montreal Protocol serves as a testament to what can be achieved through collective action, while ongoing efforts like Australia’s UV protection campaign illustrate practical steps that can be taken at national levels to protect public health. As we continue to align our actions with Sustainable Development Goal 12—responsible consumption and production—there remains a critical need for vigilance and commitment to safeguarding our planet’s vital atmospheric resources for future generations.
Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss (Aligned with SDG 15: Life on Land)
Deforestation and biodiversity loss severely threaten global ecosystems, climate stability, and human livelihoods. The Amazon Rainforest alone has lost nearly 20% of its cover since the 1970s due to cattle ranching and soy farming, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and disrupting global climate regulation. Meanwhile, extinction rates have risen to 1,000 times the natural pace, largely driven by habitat destruction and pollution. Encouragingly, progress is visible through global conservation efforts. Costa Rica’s protected areas, covering over half its land, demonstrate how economic growth can coexist with ecological recovery. Similarly, Europe’s rewilding projects restore ecosystems by reintroducing native species such as wolves and lynxes. The Chipko Movement in India remains a symbol of grassroots conservation, inspiring global environmental activism. Aligning with SDG 15, nations must strengthen forest protection and biodiversity restoration to secure a sustainable future.
“Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Marine Pollution and Ocean Health (Aligned with SDG 14: Life Below Water)
Marine pollution poses a growing threat to ocean ecosystems and global biodiversity. Every year, over 100 million marine animals die from plastic waste, while coral reefs—home to nearly a quarter of marine species—have declined by 50% in the last five decades. However, global action is intensifying. The Ocean Cleanup Project has extracted more than 200,000 kilograms of plastic from the Pacific Garbage Patch, symbolizing progress through innovation. Nations such as Kenya and members of the European Union have enforced bans on single-use plastics, curbing oceanic waste generation. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Restoration Program further exemplifies resilience through coral farming and reef rehabilitation. To achieve SDG 14, global cooperation and technological innovation must continue to protect marine ecosystems and sustain the planet’s life-supporting waters.
“The ocean is a mighty harmonist.” – William Wordsworth
Renewable Energy Revolution (Aligned with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)
The transition to renewable energy marks a pivotal step toward global sustainability. Despite progress, fossil fuels still supply around 70% of global energy, driving emissions and delaying clean energy adoption. Low-income nations face additional barriers due to limited infrastructure and financing. Yet, hope lies in rapid innovation—global solar capacity has expanded over 200 times since 2000, with costs falling by 85%. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) now assists over 160 nations with technical and policy support for cleaner transitions. Denmark’s leadership in wind power stands as a benchmark; half its electricity now comes from wind due to strong policies and community participation. To realize SDG 7, nations must strengthen collaboration, financing, and local engagement, ensuring energy access that is both affordable and sustainable for all.
“Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s the key to sustainability and resilience.” – Ban Ki-moon
Natural Disasters and Global Responses (Aligned with SDG 11 and SDG 13)
Natural disasters increasingly threaten global communities, worsened by climate change and rapid urbanization. Each year, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires displace over 30 million people, causing severe humanitarian crises and infrastructure damage exceeding trillions. The growing frequency of such events demands urgent action to strengthen resilience and preparedness. However, progress is evident through early warning systems by UNISDR, which significantly reduce casualties, and urban resilience initiatives like 100 Resilient Cities that integrate climate adaptation into planning. Bangladesh’s Cyclone Preparedness Program offers a model of success through community training, early warnings, and cyclone shelters, reducing fatalities by 90%. These efforts demonstrate that proactive disaster management and community engagement can save lives and sustain development. As the world faces intensifying natural hazards, global cooperation remains essential to build resilient societies and advance the goals of sustainable cities and climate action.
“We must prepare for disasters as if they were inevitable, because they are.” – Margareta Wahlström
Conclusion
The last century has been a remarkable period of environmental transformation. While progress in areas like renewable energy, conservation, and international agreements is commendable, significant challenges remain. Aligning with the SDGs offers a roadmap for a sustainable future. In Sha Allah, continued global cooperation and innovation will ensure the next century is defined by regeneration and resilience.
