Asif Iqbal is a development professional and a voluntary presenter in Pakistan with Al Gores’ The Climate Reality Project, a group of individuals around the world dedicated to educate stakeholders on climate crisis and seek sustainable solutions. You can contact him at asifoghi@yahoo.com 

 

Living with nature is the most sustainable way in human lives. People who feel concerned about sustainability and threats to human lives, such as climate catastrophes, now believe to seek sustainable solutions for healthy protected life instead of continuing arguments with skeptics. It is a common understanding that “when you disturb nature, in reaction nature disturbs you”. However, unfortunately this natural disturbance now affects poor people more than those who live with more resources. With recent trends, we have witnessed disasters in every part of the world whether it is hunger driven continent of Africa, developed region of Europe or growing economies of Asia. The only difference is the ability of people and countries who have more resilience and resources to cope with disasters than those who become vulnerable in the aftermath of calamities as support from their government and prevailing poverty continue with their lives. The world, as it faces challenges of economic crisis, can however sustain well being of people by living with nature and seeking ways alternate to cost expensive and artificial luxuries.  

 

In the context of Pakistan, where our country contributes less than a percent in global carbon emission and faces extreme poverty, well being of our people remains at higher risk. Changing weather patterns (delayed rains/deeper droughts, heat waves, unexpected monsoon, rain/snow storms) are now going towards extremes as a result of global environmental pollution. Many developing countries like Pakistan although do not stand responsible for this change in the earth eco system. However, with due respect and realization of importance for global advocacy to control pollution, the situation also demands us as a nation to transform our lives which can be compatible with nature, cost effective and sustainable. Also realizing the facts that the world politics has remained less progressive in Kyoto, Copenhagen, Cancun and lastly in Durban than what they should actually be, the need of local level actions and strong environment friendly government policies has thus become more vital.

 

There are number of ways we can transform our lives personally, ask our government to go green and achieve sustainability. We can think about those things which we can do without much external support or which we can advocate with governments as well. Let’s take as an example the basic need of the like i.e water. We should never underestimate the future water crisis despite the phenomenon that this year winter received heavy snowfall in Pakistan. Scientists predict that in future, rain patterns will be different and number of regions will face deeper droughts. So the first important step for us is to save every drop of water. There are number of ways we can save water. For example, innovative water conservation technique such as roof water harvesting has a lot of potential in Pakistan to preserve rainwater and bring it under use rather than wastage. Constructing rainwater ponds is another easy option, particularly in rural areas to store rainwater and use it for agriculture and livestock need. Similarly, at homes by repairing water taps and leaked joints, we can save lots of water. 

 

Simple behavioral change among people matters a lot. People, who use washrooms, particularly in cities, can save good quantity of water with a little change in their life style. An example is to use water pans for bathing rather than taking showers. Bathing is a good habit however in fact not necessary on daily basis. Adjusting toilet flush with a simple flush water reducer can also help protect water from wastage. We should realize the fact that protecting water today will definitely protect our future.

 

Now let’s think about the importance of forest in a natural life. Forest is life and important part of a sustainable healthy environment. We really need to realize that people understand importance of forest and tree plantation with smart use of available space and land in and around homes, schools and our fields. Given the fact that we faced huge losses in shape of massive flooding during 2010 and 2011 flooding in Pakistan, deforestation was one of the contributing factors that triggered flash flooding and destroyed houses and infrastructure. Importantly, forests help us protect from floods and landslides and improve air quality. Research shows that trees also help improving underground water table.  Similarly, growing fruit plants and vegetables along with seasonal crops has multiple benefits. At least everyone get relaxed when there is chilling heat during summer and someone finds a big green tree as shade and survive from weather extremes.