The Amazon fire is still burning and here’s why Pakistanis should be alarmed.
Known as the “Lungs Of The Planet”, The Amazon rainforest is one of the world’s most important ecosystems. Amazon fires have gone up by 84% since last year. The situation is so dire that smoke can now be seen from space. Many are blaming the Bolsonaro government’s actions and policies for systematically dismantling Brazil’s environmental policy.
The world is being adversely affected by these climatic catastrophes. Though these matters don’t affect Pakistan directly (for now), we need to pay heed to global warming. Here are a few ways that we, as Pakistanis, can help The Amazon and our future generations.
1) Cutting Down On Deforestation
(Image Credits: WWF & Daily Times)
One of the main reasons for the Amazon fire is rampant deforestation. If we look close enough, we’re doing the same here in Pakistan. One of the ways we can prevent this is by consuming less wood and paper and by planting more trees. In Punjab, you can participate in the Green Pakistan Program. You can also donate to plant a tree in Karachi thanks to the Dawood Global Foundation. Moreover, you can write to the Ministry Of Climate Change In Pakistan and find out ways you can contribute.
2) Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
There are numerous ways we can reduce our carbon footprint. Ditch the plastic bags and get yourself a reusable stylish tote bag for your groceries and shopping! It’s refreshing to see that the Pakistani government is finally banning the use of polythene bags. Moreover, you can also buy used books and clothes (or reuse old clothes as rags), etc. in order to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources that go into the production of these materials.
3) Support Sustainable Businesses
Fast-fashion is detrimental to the environment. Clothes that go out of style often end up being sent to developing countries like Pakistan and are often used as landfill. Considering that most of these clothes are made out of synthetic materials, they aren’t biodegradable thus, they won’t decompose easily. This, in turn, will lead to more pollution. Renting clothes from places like closetor.com or swapping clothes on numerous local facebook groups can help you stay in fashion and keep your conscience clean. Moreover, you can also support sustainable Pakistani businesses that produce eco-friendly products.
4) Spread Awareness
One of the best ways you can help the Amazon rainforest is by spreading awareness in your community. Set up a school presentation or have a family meeting talking about the effects of global warming. Set up a compost bin and reduce the amount of plastic you throw away. Use your bicycle and join your local cycling club to normalize the concept in Pakistan and help in reducing carbon emissions.
5) Donate & Volunteer
You can donate to WWF and other organizations helping to preserve our ecosystems. You can also volunteer at your local zoo or park and help plant more trees or you can pick up trash from the beach. Lastly, you can sign the Greenpeace petition to save the Amazon rainforest.
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I’m your average Pakistani Millennial who loves binge watching trash-TV. When I can, I try to widen my horizons and watch profound works of cinematography as well. In the wild, I can be found sniffing my weathered paperbacks. I regularly obsess over true crime (much to the chagrin of my friends) and love discussing it unprompted. I’m currently working on my undergrad and would love to have a profession in print media.
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