PM’s aide says Himalayas become ‘hottest region’ on earth

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Friday said that Pakistan, which was undergoing a heatwave phenomenon at the moment, was recorded as the hottest region in the world. He was addressing a webinar on “Children and Ecosystem Restoration” jointly organized by UNICEF and the Ministry of Climate Change. He also launched five strategic reports and documents based on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) related sustainable development goals pledged by the country. Amin said the weather pattern was transitioning at the present that demanded a consolidated response to the issue. The wind patterns were also changing their direction. “We have to take steps to cope with it and have to plant trees which is the cheapest and effective possible solution,” he added. The SAPM said Pakistan’s Himalayas (northern areas mountain ranges) were becoming the warmest areas in the world. “A report launched in Spain highlights that these areas will be hotter than the rest of the world due to adverse impacts of environmental degradation and climate change.” Amin said plantation had become a challenge in the Northern Areas as there was no land available for the purpose. “It is also the origin of our water reservoir that provides us water. We want the hotels that are being built in Gilgit-Baltistan to be green and regulated to prevent further damage to the ecology driving rapid melting of the glaciers due to rise in temperature,” the SAPM mentioned. Speaking on the occasion, UNICEF representative in Pakistan Aida Girma said the people facing disastrous impacts of the climate change were not seen as victim, rather active members driving the climate action by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). “Cyclones and floods have lead to displacement of millions of masses where Pakistan runs fifth most affected country due to climate change,” she said. Girma added that the impact of climate change would be worst on children and young people. “But young people and children can be the solution all over the world and in Pakistan as well. We have seen many examples in Pakistan where young girls and boys are demanding climate action.” The White Paper on impact of the climate change on children was a very step to address the issue where the UNICEF was assisting the government of Pakistan under Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Plantation, Clean Green Pakistan Index and Champions initiatives, she added. She announced that the UNICEF was going to launch the world’s largest lesson on climate change with the collaboration of Ministry of Education. “We are continuing to work with all partners of Pakistani government in addressing climate change.” The National Recognition Awards for meritorious services in the climate change advocacy and awareness conferred on Aida Girma and WASH specialist UNICEF Yousaf Naeem by Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Rukhsana Naveed. The five strategic papers launched by the SAPM included White Paper on Impact of Climate Change on Children, Policy Paper on WASH on Revised NDC, Pakistan’s Roadmap for WASH SDG Target, and Hand Hygiene 4 All Post-Covid Outbreak. Regional Director and Representative Asia and Pacific UNEP Dr Dechen Tsering and WHO Representative and Regional Director UNICEF Dr Laryea Adjei also addressed the webinar as guest of honour. Parliamentary Secretary Rukhsana Naveed said,”We need to work in balancing and repairing the environment that we have damaged a lot. Unless we address the macro and micro challenges of climate change mitigation no decisive outcome could be achieved.” She said the launch of Hand Hygiene 4 All was a great step post-Covid outbreak, including the launch of WASH under NDC. “We welcome UNICEF study on urban wash behaviours where it is pertinent to raise awareness among the children on environment.” She encouraged the children, youth and mentors to become part of Clean Green Pakistan Index and protect environment.