Karachi is facing an emerging environmental crisis as rising temperatures and recurrent heatwaves highlight the growing need for tree planting and greenery across the city. The chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party, Altaf Shakoor, emphasized today in a statement the urgent need to address these challenges to protect the health of citizens and the future of the city.
Shakoor highlighted that the unchecked increase in temperature, driven by climate change and exacerbated by local issues such as pollution and unplanned urban development, is severely impacting the quality of life in Karachi. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and laborers, are particularly at risk during the intense heat months.
In response, Shakoor proposed transforming the banks of the Lyari and Malir rivers into urban forests, which would create green corridors that mitigate heat, reduce air pollution, and provide recreational spaces. Such initiatives have proven successful globally in improving urban environments.
Furthermore, Shakoor emphasizes the importance of protecting and expanding mangrove forests along Karachi’s coastal belts. These ecosystems are crucial for carbon storage, coastal protection, and marine biodiversity. He supports a comprehensive tree planting campaign, aiming to green ten percent of Karachi and calls for legislation to make tree cutting a punishable offense.
Similarly, establishing a system for treating waste before it is dumped into the sea is also very important to prevent pollution. Shakoor considers green infrastructure an integral part of urban planning, like roads and bridges, and calls for collective action from government bodies, environmental groups, businesses, and the public to transform Karachi into a resilient, healthy city.
With joint efforts, the proposed urban forests and widespread planting can form a protective green shield against rising temperatures, ensuring a sustainable and cooler environment for future generations.