Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan can ensure long-term economic stability to safeguard communities by integrating climate considerations into urban planning, environmentalist Dr. Muhammad Akbar said this while talking exclusively with WealthPK.

“Currently, Pakistan is grappling with the escalating climate-induced challenges. To enhance resilience and mitigate climate impacts, sustainable urban development will help alleviate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance preparedness for extreme weather events, and improve the quality of life for urban residents,” he said.

Unplanned, rapidly growing urbanization and resource depletion are hindering sustainable urban development in Pakistan. Comprehensive land planning is also important to address this issue. It is necessary to adopt natural safety measures against environmental degradation. One of the measures may include rainwater harvesting, which is particularly helpful for groundwater recharge.

Dr Akbar said renewable energy usage across the globe was one of the most promising examples of sustainable development, widely helping the communities adapt to the climate change impacts. In modern urban planning, resilience against extreme environmental conditions can be aided through mass Electric Vehicle (EV) transit, green infrastructure, and smart agricultural practices.

Urban centers are facing pressing climate challenges. In this regard, concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including relevant government departments, environmental agencies, and local communities, are direly needed. Development of a national urban policy will provide a unified strategy for sustainable urban development and collective transformation across the country, added Dr. Akbar.

Talking with WealthPK, environmentalist and Deputy Director of Communication at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) Muhammad Saleem said, “Pakistan is direly in need of inclusive urban planning, innovation in green infrastructure, and strict implementation of climate resilience strategies.”

He said coordinated efforts were required to ensure environmentally responsible urban growth across Pakistan. Strong local governance is necessary to develop climate-smart urban centers. Financial constraints at the local level impede the development of urban resilience. To address the effects of urban heat islands and enhance biodiversity, the adoption of green infrastructure is direly needed.

He said, “Green roofs and vertical gardens play a vital role in reducing the ambient temperature and improving the air quality. These types of climate adaptation structures not only help address thermal stress but also promote sustainable urban living. So, integration of the construction sector into the national climate policies is imperative. It will help encourage and implement environment-friendly structures.”

Talking with WealthPK, the ministry official said, “Government should announce tax incentives for eco-friendly construction projects. Besides this, taxes should be increased for industries that fail to meet sustainable benchmarks. For this purpose, a dedicated Environment Protection Agency (EPA) unit must be established. It will enforce green building codes and implement zero waste strategies in urban development.”

He said Pakistan could build resilient cities by adopting sustainable urban development practices, implementing supportive policies, and integrating climate considerations into planning processes. All these actions will well equip urban settlements in the country to withstand the impacts of climate change and ensure a socio-economically sustainable future for its citizens.

Credit: INP-WealthPk