3-Day Conference on “Climate Change, Water Scarcity and Future of Agriculture in Current Scenario” begins at Shah Latif University
From Correspondent
Khairpur, Sindh
Industrialized countries are responsible for producing carbon dioxide that has caused rise in temperature, disaster in agriculture, and affected economic activities in all the sectors including tourism, Prof. Dr. Ashfaque Hussain, from Karabuk University of Türkiye, said on Thursday.
In his keynote speech on ‘Meta-Analysis of Linkages between Climate Change and Tourism Development: Evidence from Turkey’, delivered at Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, he said that owing to climate changes and challenges, every segment of the society has been affected badly.
The 3-Day Conference on “Climate Change, Water Scarcity and Future of Agriculture in Current Scenario: Suggesting the Way Forward for Sustainable Agriculture Growth” has been organized by the Department of Geography, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur in collaboration with Sindh Higher Education Commission, National Bank of Pakistan and Office of the Research, Innovation & Commercialization.
Prof. Ashfaque said mitigation measures may be initiated by adopting long term climate change policies.
Speaking about negative impacts of climate change, he said climate change has disrupted tourism in Turkey which has experienced wild fires, irregular rain fall, prolonged droughts etc.
He said that there is also some positive side of the climate change i.e. barren and arid land is being fertilized. “The beach tourism in Turkey has extended.”
He suggested that sustainable development tourism policy be adopted, climate resilient infrastructure may be developed and friendly eco-transportation pattern may be initiated.
Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, in his presidential address said that climate change is a global phenomenon which has adversely affected the world community. “It is the process of changes in the frequency and intensity of precipitation, heat waves and other extreme occurrences which impact on agriculture yield. It creates in price hike for many important agriculture crops, commodities and varieties.”
Dr. Ibupoto said that mitigation strategies include adopting renewable energy resources, wind and small hydro projects, sustainable transport such as electric vehicles encouraging bio fuels and promoting more sustainable use of land for food security.
Prof. Dr. Amanat Ali Jalbani, Vice Chancellor Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, who was the chief guest, said our country is basically agrarian country where more than 70% of income is being generated from agriculture products but we are dependent on imported food items.
“Despite being an agricultural country, we are facing shortage of wheat and sugar, and even cannot not produce drinking water bottle.”
“Think of manufactured Tetra Milk companies. Suppose these companies blocked the supply of milk, we cannot survive,” he warned of grave situation.
He held the rulers and political stake holders responsible for the destruction, and said, “The teachers are considered the Think Tanks, but in Pakistan policy-makers and rulers do not implement the recommendations of the teachers.”
“It is need of the time to develop a policy for the best practices for agriculture products,” he exhorted.
Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand Vice Chancellor of Arore University of Art, Architecture, design and heritage Sukkur said it is the need of the hour that sustainable measures should be taken to avert future catastrophes. “We have to adopt change of behavior and reduce the Carbon Dioxide and use the solar system at large to save the energy wherein sustainable infrastructure may be developed.”
Dr. Safdar Ali Sheerazi, Professor of Punjab University said that climate change is a reality. “Pakistan is one of the top ten countries among the world facing the immense challenges of climate change. It is high time to aware the masses to combat climate variability.”
He said Sindh province has suffered adversely. “We must concentrate to reduce vehicular emission and the steps may be taken for forestation and use of green energy.”
Prof. Dr. Qasid Hussain Mallah, Dean Faculty of Physical Sciences, and Dr. Noor Hussain Chandio Chairman Department of Geography SALU Khairpur also spoke.
Dr. Noor suggested that approximately 20% of land may be allocated for forestation. He briefed the academic and research contribution of the Department of Geography.
A large number of Faculty Members, Researchers, Students and Media Persons attended the inaugural session.
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