Experts Urge Mandatory Assessments: A Key Step to Prevent Climate Disasters

KARACHI: Recently, environmental and climate activists gathered to discuss a pressing issue: the need for mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) before approving new housing and commercial projects. They voiced concerns that reckless construction, especially in vulnerable areas, threatens Pakistan’s ability to handle severe weather events like floods and landslides.

During the round-table event, experts emphasized the importance of keeping housing developments away from riverbeds and waterways. They referred to the devastating floods in Lahore as a warning of what could happen without proper regulations.

The discussion was organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) at their Capital Office in Islamabad, bringing together activists from across the country, both in-person and online. Participants called for stronger accountability from provincial authorities and environmental bodies responsible for overseeing construction practices.

They highlighted how unchecked real estate and tourism growth has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and blocked waterways, intensifying the destruction caused by natural disasters. Notably, Pakistan is the fifth-largest emitter of methane globally, largely due to improper waste management. In Karachi alone, the city releases around 550 million gallons of untreated sewage daily into the Arabian Sea, worsening the environmental crisis.

Zainab Naeem, an environmental research fellow, pointed out the alarming decline in forest cover due to illegal logging, which weakens the resilience of northern regions against climate changes. She reported that only 24% of the $10 billion pledged for post-flood recovery in 2022 has been realized, underscoring the urgency for governmental commitments to effective climate policies.

Experts stressed that existing environmental regulations, in place for over twenty years, need strict enforcement. Ayesha Khan, a development economist, emphasized that merely having laws isn’t enough; the challenge lies in applying them effectively.

On a proactive note, Air Vice Marshal (retd) Ijaz Mahmood Malik proposed expanding the civil defence volunteer force to better prepare for disasters, recognizing the country’s increasing population.

The FPCCI has committed to working alongside civil society and government bodies to ensure business practices align with environmental standards. They aim to raise awareness and implement initiatives for humanitarian aid and long-term recovery for communities affected by floods.

Online, social media has reflected growing public concern regarding climate issues. Many users express their frustration over inadequate responses to environmental risks, calling for immediate action to protect communities. This digital dialogue highlights a shift in awareness; more people are realizing that climate change isn’t just a distant threat—it’s affecting their lives today.

In closing, the discussions highlighted a critical consensus: without mandatory EIAs and accountable environmental oversight, Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters will only deepen. The call for urgent and coordinated action is clearer than ever.

For further insights, you can explore recent findings from the World Bank on climate resilience here.

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