International moot on environmental degradation begins

JAMSHORO: Experts have called for an immediate governmental role in combating the environmental challenges to avert natural disasters being caused by climate change and formulation of policies guided by recommendations of environmentalists and other related professionals.

They were speaking at the 2nd International Conference on Environmental Degradation commencing at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Convention Centre, organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, in partnership with the Sindh Higher Education Commission.

Themed "Consequences of Environmental Degradation: Natural Disasters, Socio-Economic Challenges, and Governance - Charting the Path Forward for Sindh, Pakistan," the conference attracted environmental experts and scholars from diverse countries alongside representatives from universities across Pakistan.

Sindh Higher Education Commission Chairman, Prof Dr. SM Tariq Rafi, was the chief guest, with Vice-Chancellor Professor (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro presiding over the proceedings.

In his address, VC Dr. Kalhoro underscored the urgency for governmental interventions to mitigate environmental risks, emphasizing alignment between policies and expert recommendations.

He stressed the indispensable role of both federal and provincial governments in averting environmental threats and emphasized the importance of policy coherence with expert advice to effectively manage natural disasters.

Dr. Kalhoro said that while the repercussions of environmental change are felt globally, Pakistan, including Sindh, faces significant risks. He highlighted the comparative advantage of developed nations like Japan, Malaysia, China, Korea, and the USA in mitigating environmental risks owing to their robust resources and sustainable development practices. He called for Pakistan to chart a similar course, emphasizing the critical role of researchers and experts in this regard.

Dr. SM Tariq Rafi elucidated the conference's objective of generating recommendations to inform disaster management policies at both provincial and federal levels. He affirmed that the suggestions emerging from the conference would be forwarded to the concerned authorities for policy formulation.

Director (Operations) of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Imdad Hussain Siddiqui, shed light on the profound impact of climate change, citing the devastating floods of 2022 in Sindh.

Professor Dr. David G. Roof from Ball State University, USA, highlighted the pivotal role of higher education institutions in tackling environmental challenges.

Conference Convener Dr. Hamadullah Kakepoto extended a warm welcome to the attendees, while conference secretary Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto and other dignitaries also shared their insights during the event.

Following the inaugural ceremony, featured sessions ensued, with scholars from various countries presenting research papers and delivering keynote addresses.