The write up addresses the severe smog crisis in Lahore, its links to climate change, and the urgent need for action to prevent other cities from facing similar environmental challenges.
Pakeeza Rafique
I am deeply concerned about the ongoing smog crisis in Lahore, which has been severely disrupting daily life and compromising public health. The thick blanket of smog has led to poor visibility, increased traffic accidents, and a rise in respiratory issues, particularly among the elderly and children. The situation has become alarming, and it is a wake-up call for the entire nation.
Read: Worsening air quality puts 11M children under 5 in peril in Punjab, warns UN
Lahore’s smog problem is a clear indication of a much broader issue – the alarming impact of climate change on our environment. Once limited to the winter season, smog has now become a recurring problem, heavily affecting air quality and public well-being. This persistent smog results from a combination of rising pollution levels, weather conditions, and environmental degradation, all worsened by the global phenomenon of climate change. In the face of this environmental crisis, it seems that the old adage “less is more” no longer holds true. Here, “less is not more, but more and more is less.” As pollution levels rise, more emissions, more waste, and more industrial activity are only depleting our resources and causing irreversible damage to our environment. This increasing pollution directly contributes to worsening smog, making the air unbreathable and the city unlivable for millions of people.
The warming of the planet has led to an increase in moisture in the atmosphere, which promotes the formation of smog. Additionally, Lahore’s air quality continues to deteriorate due to high levels of industrial emissions, car exhausts, and the burning of crops in neighboring areas. These factors combine to create the hazardous smog that covers the city for extended periods, making the air toxic and unsafe for the population. The smog issue in Lahore is just one example of how climate change is increasingly affecting Pakistan. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and shifting seasons are having a profound effect on agriculture, water supplies, and public health. If we continue to ignore these trends, we risk facing even greater environmental and societal challenges.
Read – Pakistan’s smog crisis: What can be done and how?
To prevent further cities from suffering the same fate as Lahore, urgent action is needed. The government must enforce stricter pollution control regulations, promote the use of cleaner energy sources, and prioritize the improvement of public transport systems to reduce emissions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens on the importance of reducing pollution and conserving resources. If we act now, we can still protect our cities and safeguard the future for generations to come. But if this issue is left unaddressed, Pakistan will continue to face the devastating effects of climate change.
Read: As winter sets in, deadly smog chokes Pakistan
_____________________
Pakeeza Rafique is a Researcher based in Islamabad
