Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The European Union and WWF-Pakistan on Sunday organised activities to promote action on climate change by celebrating Climate Diplomacy Day.

The event started with the participants cycling from the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on a designated route as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness to curtail the growth of greenhouse emissions by promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation. The cycle ride was followed by the screening of a thematic documentary: ‘There Will Be Water’.

A short documentary competition was also launched this year for students, including, Climate change and poverty; climate change – from global to local themes, in which students from various cities across Pakistan participated.

Ambassador of the European Union Jean-François Cautain said: “The EU remains committed to the Paris Agreement and its full implementation while progressing steadily with the finalisation of the measures to reduce emissions by at least 40% by 2030.”

WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan stressed the importance of promoting a common worldwide understanding of the need for action to mitigate climate change.

Ministry of Climate Change Secretary Syed Abu Ahmad Akif was the chief guest of the event. “Each year, the European Union around the world celebrates ‘Climate Diplomacy Day’ with events taking place to highlight climate action in the EU and beyond. Conferences, citizens’ debates, exhibitions, films and social media activities aim to encourage informed debate and a joint response to the climate challenge,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, September 25^th 2017.