KARACHI: Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi, emphasized the urgent need to change attitudes to address the growing impacts of climate change, stating that everyone must play a role in overcoming its effects.
Speaking at the two-day Climate Change Conference and Awards -2023 organized by Rotary International District 3271 at Bahria Auditorium, President Alvi highlighted the importance of individual actions, such as planting trees outside homes and avoiding deforestation.
Addressing the inseparability of humanity from global warming, President Alvi commended Pakistan’s efforts, including the 10 billion tsunami program, to protect the environment. He mentioned engaging with schools to raise awareness about climate change and the significance of planting saplings. Notably, he urged residents of high-rise buildings to contribute by planting saplings in clay pots and growing vegetables on their balconies.
President Alvi underscored the need for Karachi residents to be conscious of climate change, pointing out that 500 million gallons of contaminated water are drained into the sea daily. He called for water and electricity conservation, promoting alternative energy sources like solar power.
Discussing broader issues, President Alvi addressed the challenges in education, health, skill development, and technology. He noted that 20.8 million children were out of school in Pakistan, proposing the use of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to bridge the education gap. He highlighted the shortage of nurses in the country and the failure rate in drug rehabilitation, along with the rising problem of mental stress in households.
President Alvi stressed the empowerment of women as crucial for the country’s development. He praised Rotary International for its work, particularly in areas like polio eradication. During the event, awards were distributed, and President Alvi acknowledged the climate-themed paintings created by schoolchildren. Faiz Kadwai, Director of Rotary International, and Mohammed Hanif Khan, District Governor 3271 of Rotary International, also addressed the gathering.