Faiza Tehseen

The government has been asked to make “green education” a part of national development and environmental strategies to help find viable solutions to environmental challenges.

“For the promotion of eco-friendly practices and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, it is crucial to equip the young generation with the relevant knowledge and skills. There is a dire need to include environmental education in the national curriculum at all levels of education,” stresses Muhammad Saleem, spokesman of the Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ministry. Talking to WealthPK, he said green education was the knowledge and skills critical for framing and promoting sustainable solutions, source conservation and combating climate challenges. “Green education curriculum should cover topics like sustainable urban development, conservation of ecology and biodiversity, and renewable energy.” He said green education was necessary to understand the basic requirements for building safe cities.

“Urban areas, especially the megacities, are grappling with unplanned expansion, pollution and waste management issues. So, to balance economic growth with environmental conservation, proactive measures are needed to be taken. This approach can be made possible only through awareness campaigns and green education.” Saleem said: “These awareness drives should recommend measures like expanding public transport networks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, implementing strict regulations to avoid industrial pollution, installing rooftop solar systems and promoting green building architecture.” The ministry official said that the role of community involvement and smart technology was vital for Pakistan’s green transition.

“Affordable smart irrigation systems and waste management applications are also a must.  Climate action is no longer optional. It is essential for the survival of the coming generations.” “Despite all these benefits and the importance of green education, significant challenges remain – limited finance, lack of trained professionals and a greater public awareness. Pakistan can seek collaboration, expertise and technical assistance from other countries in this regard,” Saleem underscored. Talking to WealthPK regarding the promotion of green education and planning in Pakistan, Dr Muhammad Akbar, an environmentalist from Gilgit-Baltistan, said: “Such a strategy should be implemented at the grassroots level.”

He said people should be made aware of environmental issues through practical models at the grassroots level. “Green education should be made part of national curricula focusing on awareness concerning source conservation, ecology and natural habitats.” Quoting the example of GB, Akbar said that some specific species were marked for conservation – Astore Markhor, ibex, Ladakh Urial, and blue sheep. “Conserving such species helps save a good number of other species.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk