By Abbas Nazil
In a fresh effort at addressing climate change, Pakistan’s Directorate of Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with the Progressive Climate Foundation, organized a one-day workshop for the youth in the country.
The event, which took place in Peshawar, gathered key figures, including Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, and Minister for Social Welfare Qasim Ali Shah, along with climate experts, journalists, and young activists, to discuss the role of youth in tackling environmental challenges.
Barrister Saif emphasized that the younger generation holds immense potential in combating climate change.
He stressed that through education, awareness, and leadership, young people can drive meaningful change and influence environmental policies.
The workshop underscored the urgent need for immediate action, warning that failure to address climate issues now could lead to devastating consequences for future generations.
He assured attendees that the government is committed to supporting youth-driven climate initiatives and providing platforms for their voices to be heard.
Pakistan, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change.
Extreme weather events, such as the 2022 floods, have demonstrated the devastating impact of environmental inaction.
The floods claimed nearly 1,700 lives and resulted in economic losses worth billions of dollars.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in particular, remains highly susceptible to climate-related disasters due to its weak economic and social structures.
Yet, despite the urgency, government responses remain inadequate, and youth engagement in climate action is still insufficient.
A crucial point raised during the workshop was the role of women in climate awareness and prevention.
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Journalist Khalida Niaz highlighted that female journalists and professionals, including teachers and doctors, can play an essential role in educating communities.
She suggested that women in villages could be informed about climate change through small gatherings, helping them adopt sustainable practices such as water conservation and disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas.
Additionally, teachers can incorporate climate discussions into school curricula, while doctors can educate patients about heat strokes and other climate-related health risks.
Young people have multiple avenues to engage in climate action, starting with education and awareness.
Integrating environmental subjects into school and college curricula ensures that future generations are well-informed about climate challenges.
Social media also provides a powerful tool for spreading awareness, as young individuals can use blogs, videos, and online campaigns to promote sustainable practices.
Small but impactful daily actions, such as conserving energy and water, reducing plastic waste, and recycling, contribute to long-term environmental benefits.
Beyond personal efforts, youth can actively participate in environmental initiatives, including tree plantation drives, community clean-up projects, and climate advocacy campaigns.
By engaging with policymakers, signing petitions, and organizing peaceful protests, they can push for stronger climate policies and demand government accountability.
The workshop emphasized that youth must take responsibility for climate action, not only for their own future but for the well-being of the nation.
Pakistan’s ongoing climate crisis demands immediate and collective action from the government, communities, and especially the younger generation.
With their energy, innovation, and commitment, youth can lead the way in creating a sustainable and resilient future.
Their involvement must be encouraged, their contributions recognized, and resources made available to support their initiatives.
Only through collaborative efforts can Pakistan move towards a cleaner, greener, and safer future.
