World Environment Day – SPO Civic Café – June 2012
Charting the Course for a Green Economy in Pakistan
Pakistan is number one on the climate change risk index in the world and its bio-capacity to sustain economic growth is showing steep downward trend.
Speaking at SPO civic café on world environment day ;NSDS-Charting the course for a green economy in Pakistan, former Environment minister Malik Amin Aslam quoted Banki Moon, “our foot is stuck on the accelerator and we are heading towards an abyss”. He noted that though developed nations have larger ecological footprints than developing countries, it is a phenomenon that effects the latter the most.
He said, we are facing three challenges of Fuel – Food – Financial and climate change is exacerbating the crisis.
SPO Chief Executive Naseer Memon speaking on the occasion said, It is imperative for every citizen to realize his social responsibility to contribute towards better climatic conditions and even small steps such as saving electricity and avoiding the use of plastic bags can make a huge difference. He said civil society has the power to inform leaders and those around them. He left the audience with a responsibility to spread the information they have received.
Introducing the audience and the program, SPO Chief of Programs Zafar Zeeshan said the Civic Café is a space for all to discuss contemporary issues and developments. The basic idea behind the Civic Café is to strengthen the role of civil society through dialogue, and to provide space for discussion on various topics, building new relationships, and strengthening old ones.
The audience took part in question answer session with enthusiasm and debated on last government polices implementation, their affects and Pakistan’s current leadership will on implanting new emerging policies.
