Growing impact of climate change demands urgent, coordinated, sustained action: CNS

ISLAMABAD, Jun 04 (APP):Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI(M), T Bt, has said that the growing impact of climate change demands urgent, coordinated and sustained action at the national, regional and international levels.

In his message on World Environment Day, the CNS said that environmental protection is no longer solely an ecological concern; rather, it is intrinsically linked to economic stability, food security, public health and sustainable development, according to a statement issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (Pakistan Navy).

The governments, institutions, industries and communities must therefore, work together to adopt innovative and practical solutions that reduce environmental degradation and promote resilience for future generations, he said.

World Environment Day is observed on 5th of June every year to promote global awareness and inspire collective action for the protection and preservations of our environment. It is a global call to confront the escalating environmental crises under United Nations Environmental Programme. This year’s theme, ‘A Global Call for Climate Action’, serves as a timely reminder that climate change remains one of the most serious challenges confronting humanity today. Rising temperatures, surging sea-levels, melting glaciers, super floods, severe droughts and extreme weather conditions are affecting millions of lives and damaging eco-systems.

Pakistan is ranked by various international rating agencies between 5th and 8th most affected country in the world by climate change. It faces serious environmental challenges including coastal erosion, water scarcity, pollution and increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as mega-floods, severe heatwaves and droughts. In this regard, protection of our national resources and eco-systems has become a national responsibility requiring collective commitment and proactive measures.

Climate change does not affect one country alone; rather it transcends borders and influences regions with the capacity to impact the entire globe. Developed and developing nations therefore, must work together by sharing technology, resources and innovative solutions to mitigate growing environmental risks. International organizations, schools and communities can spread awareness and inspire people to adopt greener lifestyle.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf said Pakistan Navy is firmly committed to supporting national efforts aimed at environmental conservation and climate resilience. As guardians of the country’s maritime frontiers, Pakistan Navy continues to undertake comprehensive initiatives focused on protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable environmental practices, he said.

He said through regular coastal, sea and beach cleaning campaigns, environmental awareness drives and community engagement programs, Pakistan Navy actively contributes towards reducing marine pollution and preserving the ecological balance of Arabian Sea, particularly along our coastal belt.

The CNS said a major focus of Pakistan Navy’s environmental initiatives is the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests along Pakistan’s coastline. Mangroves play critical role in protecting coastal communities against erosion and extreme weather, supporting marine biodiversity and absorbing carbon emission that contribute to global warming. In collaboration with government organizations, Pakistan Navy continues to undertake large-scale mangrove plantation drives and coastal conservation projects to strengthen environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

On this important occasion, the CNS urged all citizens, institutions and stakeholders to embrace environmentally responsible practices and contribute towards safeguarding our planet. Small, yet meaningful actions such as reducing untreated waste disposal into the sea, energy conservation, eliminating plastic pollution and protecting natural habitats can create a significantly positive impact, he said.

“Together, let us answer this global call with unity and resolve, securing a green, resilient and prosperous Pakistan, for the generations to come,” he said.