Danish Amjad
Student IBA

“How youth can help UNA Pakistan to improve
The climate scenario in Pakistan”

I am privileged to address today, a problem that has gained significant prominence on the world stage. The problem of worsening climate scenario is nothing new. It has been perpetuated by the incessant growth and unrelenting industrialization. Its no surprise then that, an attempt to improve the worsening climate scenario is thought of as the Anti-thesis for development.

There is no instant fix for climate issue. I will not stand here and make tall claims of what would or could happen in a utopian environment. I do not have the solution to everything, but it seems that neither do you.

I believe that we stand at a unique moment in time, a window when we can still make changes that will prevent the worst forms of climate change from happening. So, today I'm focusing on what business and NGOs can do together. But I also want to acknowledge that political systems must also act.

But what I do believe is that intellectual debate and taking responsibility will no doubt be a starting point to better the climate scenario. We have to coordinate with global organizations working for sustainability. UNA and WBCSD are two prominent organizations among others who are working to address these challenges more actively and strongly to continue their contribution to the debates on energy and climate change issues.

It is time we take an initiative and contribute back to society. Students like me and you, have to step up and understand the implications of the climate issue. It is up to us to reshape attitudes and instill values that promote sustainable development.

Climate degradation is an out come of ignorance, neglect and blatant profiteering. However, it is also partly due to lack of awareness for the issue, this fact stands true especially in Pakistan. It is this aspect we need to tackle first.

We have to be creative, spread the word and draft mandates. We need to regulate business operations and put in place Common sense measure such as emission control and recycling. This is how we can move towards positive change.

The current debate about climate almost always strays to the topic of energy, to be more specific, alternative every. Now that many recognize that climate change is a real problem, concerns over access to energy and future energy infrastructure have come to the forefront.

In fact, the link between energy and economic growth, poverty alleviation, environment and climate impacts is becoming increasingly visible.
Young individuals can make the most by exploring the emerging markets and try to gain precedence in providing energy solutions. Exploring such horizons will have a multifold effect on Pakistan’s climate and economy.

We no longer can afford that 'you first mentality' that we observe at most forums. We now need leadership and actions by both governments and businesses.

Businesses need to fulfill this in a way that minimizes resource use and pollution. Governments should balance competing societal interests and decide on the difficult trade-offs between these interests.

The future leaders should start working on developing innovative ways for business to address global warming within a sustainable development framework. By devising practical mechanisms, measurement tools, and market-based solutions, the youth will help companies reduce the impact of their operations today. And it helps them prepare for a carbon-constrained future by exploring the energy frameworks, sources, and technologies that will be needed tomorrow.

To understand the issue and then acting sustainable is how the youth can help alleviate the climate crisis.