Environmental day creates awareness among masses: President
05 June, 2007
ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf said that the Environment Day would awareness among people and draw attention of societies to take steps to reverse global climate change. “Pakistan hopes that the World Environment Day will create awareness of global environmental challenges along with the desire to resolve these for the betterment and future of all humanity,” President said in a statement issued on Monday. World Environment Day is observed on June 5, to highlight issues critical to the global environment. The theme of this year's World Environment Day, “Melting Ice-a Hot Topic” has a great significance for Pakistan as five of the eight of the world are in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Three of the world's seven longest glaciers outside the Polar Regions are also located in the Northern Areas. Therefore, Pakistan hopes that this year World Environment Day slogan “Melting Ice-A Hot Topic” will draw attention of the world community to this very serious phenomenon as illustrated by global warming. Science warns us that melting glaciers in the Polar Regions would lead to sea level rise that would result in drowning of low level coastal areas and some small islands may even disappear. Disruption of the Polar Regions due to melting ice may interfere with their vital role in regulating earth's climate, ocean cycles and the life supporting role of migratory species. It is appropriate that 2007 also marks the start of the International Polar Year, an internationally coordinated effort to promote polar research. Today, ice melting is taking place in all the regions of the world. Shrinking mountain glaciers in Asia, Africa, Americas, and in Europe will affect freshwater supplies, with consequences for food production and human health. Global warming and associated climate change call for immediate action and solidarity with those who are particularly vulnerable to its effects. It can mean hunger for farmers for coping with drought. It can mean migration for the islander coping with sea level rise and stormy weather. It can mean a loss of traditional culture and lifestyles for indigenous peoples in many parts of the world.
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