Daily Times

I am no expert at anything but, I try to understand everything I come across. Among the subjects I know almost nothing of is Climate Change due to degrading environment. So, when I learned of a seminar, followed by an In House Discussion at the NDU on this subject, I went there eagerly, to learn. I did. Here I seek to share the modest understanding that I have acquired.

The foremost thing I became conscious of is the fact that the entire world may be facing an existential threat but, the threat to us is far more imminent. We, in Pakistan, may soon be in a state similar to that which Cape Town already is in, within a decade or two.

Water shortage has begun. Meteorologists are warning that very soon this region will face drought and floods alternately. Both will result in food shortages and epidemics. Water shortage will result in energy shortages as well, gas is already decreasing. Energy shortages will reduce industrial production; increasing national poverty and unemployment. Obvious consequences are increased lawlessness and political and social unrest. An Apocalyptic scenario.

I also realized that whatever we do, degrades the environment. We live, breathe, eat, drink water, need heat in winter and cool ourselves in winter and, in doing so, degrade the environment. And this, apart from the far greater damage caused by industries and vehicular movement.

I knew from the basics of Botany that plants; living things which also degrade nature, also gift back to nature. This is why there is such world-wide emphasis on plantation, so as to undo an infinitesimal portion of the damage that our being has caused over the millennia.

The upside here is that China is willing to take the lead towards a green world. More importantly, the Chinese have made huge progress in reducing environmental degradation and are very willing to share it. They will not, however, thrust this down any nation’s throat. In our case, if our leaders express the desire to go green, we could make CPEC a green venture

The problem is that we cannot do without the industry that has become essential to the modern world. Nor can progress in science, which might result in greater degradation, be halted. Consequently, our endeavors to reduce degradation of the environment and bequeath a “livable” environment for our grandchildren revolves around a) attempting to minimize the damage and b) to undo as much of it as we can, in an endeavor towards a “green(er)” world.

The catch here is the greatest degradation is caused by the industry; which we need and, any attempt to minimize the damage and/or undo some of it; costs. It costs the rich; those who rule their respective countries and, collectively, also rule the world. Trump’s US has refused to join the global movement on climate change and a green world. Other developed countries are also dragging their feet.

The ones who suffer the consequences least and, therefore, will fight becoming green tooth and nail, as long as they can; confident that their grandchildren will have the wealth to suffer less. Their confidence might be ill founded but they have it. The trillion dollar question then is, what can we do, if the people who can contribute substantially, refuse to act?

Another obvious fact is that governmental representatives have their pat explanations. The most popularly acceptable reasoning is the factually true one i.e. “compared to developed countries, our contribution to environmental pollution is negligible, even Indian contribution is far greater”. True. But what they don’t tell us is that, we are among the countries which are most susceptible, will begin to suffer first and most.

The upside here is that China is willing to take the lead towards a green world. More importantly, the Chinese have made huge progress in reducing environmental degradation and is very willing to share it. It will not, however, thrust this down any nation’s throat. In our case, if our leaders express the desire to go green, we could make CPEC a green venture.

Then, what can we do? I suggest the following at national, provincial, and individual levels; as applicable. First, increase our water storage and production of green energy immediately. Second, improve our “Water Management” and reduce energy wastage. Third, resort to agricultural means that waste less water e.g. in no other region of the world does rice have to grow while submerged under water.

Four, undo as much of the damage already done, by planting trees, adding to the greenery by planting trees and plants and edible items. Five, begin to prepare people that water too is a commodity which will soon have to be rationed and purchased. Six, immediately, impose huge fines for water wastage and energy wastage. Since energy pilferage is usually by the poor, awareness must initiate the process of warnings, followed by punitive action.

Those more knowledgeable on the subject could add or subtract from my list. But, simultaneously we, the aware civil society, should undertake a national awareness campaign. People must be made aware of what is happening and warned of the inevitable steps that will become essential to the existence of humankind. Thus creating pressure groups which may help galvanize reluctant or indifferent governments.

The entire globe is at war; faced with the four horses of Apocalypse if we do not act; and it’s not in the future; the horsemen have mounted their horses. I girded my loins, cleaned my sword and spear, and tried on my armor at the conclusion of the first day of my education on this subject. I suggest all citizens of the world follow suit.

The writer is a retired brigadier. He is also former vice president and founder of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)

Published in Daily Times, February 19^th 2018.