Centre for Climate and Environmental Research (CCER) together with Kaarvan Crafts Foundation (KCF) launched an awareness campaign on climate change and solid waste management issues in urban cities. As first leg of this campaign, its workshops were held in Multan, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad from 26th February to 8th March 2024.
CCER team with the support of Karvaan team engaged and sensitized the Women-led Entrepreneurs on all the Climate related issues focusing on climate change and sustainable practices, and also explained how every human action is interconnected with the environment. Workshop presenters emphasized the urgency, stating, “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s happening now. Each of us has a role to play in mitigating its impacts.”
In a recent series of workshop in four cities of the Punjab, CCER and KCF focused on climate change and sustainable practices, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, shared their profound insights on the ongoing environmental crisis and our role as individuals in addressing it.
The workshop delved into the concept of water footprints, enlightening participants on the significant impact of their daily activities. A participant remarked, “Understanding my water footprint was eye-opening. It made me realize the direct connection between my choices and the strain on water resources.” Individual responsibility and climate actions emerged as a recurrent theme. Another participant reflected, “We often underestimate the power of our choices. From what we eat to what we buy, every decision contributes to the bigger picture. Being mindful of our consumption patterns is crucial.”
A session on responsible consumption and production resonated with the group. Dr. Muhammad Arfan, the Workshop presenter from CCER, described that the idea of consuming consciously is powerful, it’s about making informed choices, supporting sustainable practices, and reducing our overall ecological footprint. Solid waste management took center stage in discussions about Pakistan’s urban challenges. Participants expressed concerns over the growing waste issue. “Our cities are drowning in waste, and this waste is not just a problem but an untapped resource” another CCER presenter Mr. Sami Naeem Khan shared with the participants.
CCER explained about the transformative potential of waste, often referred to as “black gold”. Participants engaged in dialogue about reducing, recycling, and reusing solid waste. “It’s a mindset shift and we need to stop considering waste as something to discard and start realizing it as something valuable that can be repurposed,” commented by a CCER workshop presenter, Mian Akbar Masood.
Dr Arfan highlighted, “Sustainability is not an individual effort; it’s a collective responsibility. We need community-driven initiatives and policy changes to truly make a difference.”
As the workshop concluded, participants left with a heightened awareness of ecological impacts and a commitment to making positive changes together.
The insights shared in this workshop serve as a reminder that education, awareness, and mindful choices are pivotal in navigating the complex landscape of climate change and working towards a sustainable future.
