Asim & Tamreez

I just read a thought provoking article on the impact on climate change becoming apparent even in areas like Kashmir. With major issues like terrorism, “politicians”, and corruption hovering around us like hungry vultures, we ponder little about this extremely important part defining our future. Climate change is a major concern for the whole world. The rising rates of pollution are alarming and the impact now visible in the areas considered as habitat of ecosystem. Devastations caused by droughts, famines and even tsunamis and earthquakes are consequences of changes in the environment which we have a contribution towards.

Keeping aside the global climate change debate, just the concern itself for environment is sadly a rarity in our part of the world, both at individual and state level. Although we contribute a small percentage compared to other heavy polluters in the world, the rate at which the pollution is rising is very alarming. The level of air pollution in Karachi for example is estimated to be 20 times higher than World Health Organization standards. The Pakistan Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency which claims the responsibility to implement the so-called Pakistan Environmental Protection Act of 1997, seem to have done little to convince the 180 Million people of the world’s sixth most-populous country to take ownership of their surroundings. The pollution is on the rise due to less stringent regulations enforced by our government, poor maintenance and state of our industries, cars and other CO2 emitters, and most importantly lack of general awareness about environment itself. We see piles of garbage in the middle of our residential areas and sadly people feel no discomfort in polluting their own streets and roads.

Its not just Pakistan, its a general human problem. But it is more painful to see it consistently among Muslims. I am generalising because we should be at the forefront of the ‘War for Environment’ owing to our religion. When it comes to environment, ironically we Muslims seem to know little about or perhaps knowingly ignore the magnanimous responsibility of vicegerentship entrusted upon us by God himself (Quran, 2:30; 6:165).

“Do you not see that God has subjected to you all things in the heavens and on the earth. And made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, seen and unseen..” (Quran, 31:20).

It is a huge responsibility and we seem to be in denial not just about environment but towards humanity at large. We are willing to  even die for our religion but we will cut a tree or dispose off our garbage on the streets or treat our animals like ‘animals’, feeling no pain.

What can we all do? Recognition of our responsibilities and taking ownership of our actions is a good starting point and the ability to implement is inherent in us. We need to change our day to day habits, becoming more environment conscious in anything we do. We can all start from our own courtyards and every little bit helps, we’ll soon see an impact in our surroundings.

Take care of the environment, safeguard the future of our next generations.