Resolution to Establish ‘Pakistan Environment Day’

In light of the above, on this day (29th April 2023), Pakistan Maholiati Tahaffuz Movement, resolves to work towards the establishment of the ‘Pakistan Environment Day’ (PED).

 

 

We request the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change to select a day they deem fit and declare it a day to focus on Pakistan’s flora, fauna, environment, nature, and environmental policy, as well as the impact of climate change on our country. This day should focus on nature and environment within Pakistan and should focus on the mountains, rivers, ocean, animals, trees and more found within our beautiful country. It should serve as a day when as Pakistanis, we renew our resolve to protect our country’s environment.

We strongly believe this could bring about a much needed look inwards and push our country towards an environmentally sustainable future as a nation.

We also invite likeminded organizations, the entire nation, and everyone who cares for our environment to join in this effort. Only together can we bring about change and work towards becoming better.

Need for National Discourse on Environment in Pakistan

Pakistan is near the top on the list of nations most impacted by Climate Change, while the country’s contribution to the Climate Crisis is almost negligible. However, there are several environmental issues being faced by Pakistan both due to the impact of Climate Change as well as a lack of national understanding of the need for a sustainable environment. We tend to neglect our environment while proceeding with high impact projects, or general day-to-day activities such as waste disposal etc. Despite the development of the Pakistan EPA in November 1997, there is a lot of obvious mismanagement, and ignorance in every space, and caring for our environment does not seem to be a priority.

Therefore, we believe that a cohesive National Discourse on Environment is urgently needed within Pakistan especially in the face of the super floods due to monsoon 2022, heatwaves, food security, plastic pollution, conditions of wildlife etc. In order to create awareness in every corner of society, Pakistan needs to clearly prioritize a dialogue on environmental issues and push for enviro-human-centric policies.

Brief History of the first Earth Day and World Environment Day

The USA marked a day in April as ‘Earth Day’ for the first time in Spring 1970. This day was created by then US Senator Nelson as a way to bring the discourse on the lack of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) onto the US national agenda. Before 1970 there was no legal or regulatory mechanism to protect the environment within the USA. It sparked the US imagination and up to 20 million Americans took it up by demonstrating in favor our world’s environment. In December 1970, the US congress went on to authorize the creation of the USEPA. Earth Day is being celebrated on 22nd April annually ever since.

Just a few years later, in 1972, the UN General Assembly designated 5th June as the ‘World Environment Day’ (WED). The first WED celebration took place in 1973 under the slogan “Only One Earth”. WED is celebrated on 5th June every year ever since.

Since then both days are marked as days of education about environmental issues. It is hoped that by creating public awareness environmental issues will be highlighted. In fact, US Senator Nelson had picked 22nd April for Earth Day to maximize the number of students that could be reached on university campuses. While, WED is supposed to drive change in consumption patterns and in national and international environmental policy.

So,

Here’s to Pakistan Environment Day! A day dedicated to creating public awareness and driving change in policy on environment in and for Pakistan!

Thank you for your time, consideration, and support!

Best Regards,
Ahmad Shabbar

Founder
Pakistan Maholiati Tahaffuz Movement
Facebook; Twitter: @PakMaholThfz