by Umm e Hani

Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural heartland, is dealing with a serious climate crisis that affects both its heritage and its people. The city’s air quality has deteriorated to dangerously low levels, making it the world’s second most polluted metropolis. This severe scenario is affecting not just the health of Lahore’s inhabitants, but also the educational system and economy.

LAHORE, THE CULTURAL HEART OF PAKISTAN, IS A CITY OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE. BUT NOWADAYS IT IS SUFFERING FROM A HUGE CLIMATE CRISIS. AIR QUALITY IS A GROWING CONCERN WITH HIGH LEVELS OF AIR POLLUTION CONTRIBUTING TO RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND VISIBILITY ISSUES.

The repercussions of Lahore’s deteriorating climate are felt across all sectors of society. High levels of air
pollution have led to a surge in respiratory problems among the populace, particularly endangering those
with pre-existing conditions like asthma. Furthermore, the extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by
climate change, have forced temporary closures of schools, disrupting students’ education and academic
calendars. This disruption, in turn, has economic ramifications, with decreased consumption patterns
affecting businesses and exacerbating financial strain, particularly among low-income groups. The
resulting economic hardships have even led to a rise in suicide attempts, highlighting the profound
societal impacts of climate change in Lahore.

Youth-led programs like waste reduction campaigns, community gardens, and tree-planting efforts can be extremely important in reducing the negative consequences of climate change in Lahore. In addition to enhancing nearby ecosystems and air quality, these initiatives help people in the neighborhood feel more accountable. These programs have the power to create long-lasting change and increase community resilience to environmental difficulties in the future.

It is critical to present a united front in response to Lahore’s climate problem, with the youth spearheading the movement for long-term, sustainable change. Advocating for meaningful action and channeling their collective energy, youth may spur a larger movement towards environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Lahore’s youth have the opportunity to create a more resilient and healthy future for themselves and future generations by working together with appropriate ministries and agencies.

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Cover picture source: www.ctvnews.ca

The author is a student of Media and Development Communication at University of the Punjab, Lahore