Pakistan faces severe climate change challenges, including escalating heatwaves and widespread deforestation. Despite tree planting campaigns, efforts are insufficient to address the scale of the crisis. Tree planting is crucial for managing climate challenges, improving public health, and protecting agriculture and the environment.
Pakistan had 648,000 hectares of tree cover in 2010, but lost 148 hectares by 2023, releasing 60.2 kilotons of CO2. Since 2001, Pakistan has lost 9,940 hectares of tree cover, representing a 1% decrease, and emitted 2.88 million tons of CO2 equivalent. Deforestation, driven by human activities, is a major issue.
Forest fires, primarily caused by human negligence, are the leading driver of deforestation in Pakistan. Recent fire incidents highlight the severity of the situation. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts, including public awareness campaigns and educational seminars.
Sustainable plantation involves choosing the right species, avoiding ecologically harmful and invasive species, and ensuring post-plantation care. Pakistan’s diverse terrain supports various ecological zones and forest types, necessitating a variety of vegetation suited to different zones.
Urban tree cover is crucial for enhancing environmental quality. Expert advice is necessary before planting saplings, as not all trees are suited to every region or ecosystem. Choosing appropriate species for specific environmental conditions is essential for successful growth and maximizing environmental benefits.
Promoting extensive tree plantation can serve as a pivotal strategy for addressing Pakistan’s energy crisis. By diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Pakistan can move towards a sustainable energy future.
Prioritizing large-scale tree plantation is a holistic approach to tackling Pakistan’s environmental, social, and economic issues, contributing to disaster resilience, public health improvement, energy conservation, and sustainable development.
