Home / Environment / Karachi's Greenery Shrinks to 3% Amidst Alarming Pollution
Karachi's Greenery Shrinks to 3% Amidst Alarming Pollution
23 Jun
Summary
- Karachi's air quality index has reached alarming levels, exceeding WHO limits.
- The city generates 16,000 tonnes of solid waste daily with limited management.
- Karachi's greenery has significantly reduced to only three percent of its area.
Speakers at a conference held at Karachi University on Tuesday raised serious concerns about the rapid environmental degradation in the metropolis. They highlighted that the city's air quality index has reached alarming levels, significantly exceeding World Health Organization limits and posing grave public health risks.
Experts pointed out that Karachi generates approximately 16,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, and a substantial volume of untreated wastewater is discharged into the sea. The city's greenery has drastically reduced to just three percent, with remaining vegetation threatened by ongoing urban construction projects. This has led to rising temperatures and intensified heatwaves.
There is a noted lack of societal awareness and seriousness regarding climate change, despite Pakistan being highly vulnerable. Speakers stressed the urgent need for responsible waste management, environmental protection, and positive behavioral change at individual and collective levels. They called for stricter implementation of environmental laws and strong government commitment to address these critical challenges.
