• Founded by father and daughter duo (Johann Hoschtialek and Jovana Hoschtialek) from Grenada; the 195in365initiative is an unprecedented global environmental campaign

By Dela Ahiawor, Ghana, CAJ International Magazine

The deadly firestorms that erupted in Los Angeles, California in January once again makes the catastrophic effects of climate change palpable.

This time around, scientists have confirmed that climate change was liable for the broiling weather that set off the blazes in Los Angeles- unlike previous fires caused by negligent human actions.

Clearly, this is a wake-up call to rump up the global campaign to combat climate change; bearing in mind the withdrawal of the US, a key ally in the fight against climate change from the ‘Paris Climate Accords’ as Trump return to the White House.

Needless to say, the US withdrawal and funding cuts by American multinationals will adversely affect US-backed green energy projects in Southern Africa, Eastern Europe, Ecuador, Colombia, Bangladesh and Central Asia.

No doubt, greentech (cleantech) is batting on a sticky wicket as Trump claw back clean energy spending. This calls for a global effort to galvanize other parties (countries) still committed to the ‘Paris Accords’ to continue working together to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C (2.7° F).

For this reason, the initiative to travel to 195 countries in 365 days dubbed: (195in365initiative) set to commence in the second quarter of 2025, couldn’t have come at a better time.

Founded by father and daughter duo (Johann Hoschtialek and Jovana Hoschtialek) from Grenada; the (195in365initiative) is an unprecedented global environmental campaign aiming to inspire greater awareness for climate change as never before.

Johann Hoschtialek, an environmental advocate is the driving force behind the expedition. This Grenadian led initiative launched in Grenada in 2022 deserves global support to help preserve people and planet from the adverse impacts of climate change.

In an interview with Johann Hoschtialek- he urged passionate youth representatives and interested parties from every country willing to make a change to apply to join the (195in365 expedition).

To ensure fairness in the selection process, Johann explains: “When persons apply it will be analyzed with the assistance of local or regional organizations to sift through the applications to choose the right persons from each country.” He also called on governments, multinationals and NGOs to support the initiative with funding and assistance.

He added that: “The 195in365 expedition is a global effort to promote sustainability and all the 17 sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For it to succeed, all participants must work together to achieve the desired impact.”

Read: The Human Cost of Climate Change in Pakistan

The daring expedition is divided into six stretches. Starting from the Americas, to Africa, Middle East, Asia, the Pacific and terminating in Europe. The logistics preparation of this world tour will involve about 20 diesel-powered sleeper buses, about 10 diesel and electric semi-trucks with specialized trailers with innovation Centre, giant LED screens and a mobile stage for education and entertainment. Participants will travel 100,000 kilometers by land to over 140 countries. The rest of the countries: including islands and far- flung corners of the globe will be reached by boats and airplane; where participants will engage the youth and communities on taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.

The convoy which will be made up of youth representatives from over 150 countries will include scientists, journalists, climate activists and others.

Growing up in the eighties- Johann, a father of three girls was known for being extremely enthusiastic about raising awareness against deforestation and saving whales.

Four years ago, Johann Hoschtialek inspired by the sustainable living practices of his well-off neighbors- together with his oldest daughter, Jovana Hoschtialek, also an eco- warrior decided to embrace the sustainable lifestyle. This inspired the (195in365 initiative). The Grenadan government bought into the (195in365) idea and supported Jovana to represent the youth of Grenada at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. As you would expect, Jovana discovered that young people from across the globe at COP 27 were all deeply committed to taking action to address climate change. This was an epiphany for Jovana and her father – who was also in Egypt for COP 27. They returned to Granada and started planning for the195in365 expedition.

In each of the 195 countries, participants will focus on raising awareness, which includes showcasing environmental issues, innovations and local responses to climate change. Next is promoting climate science education and supporting communities to mitigate, adapt and become more resilient to climate change.

Lastly, participants will focus on youth mobilization, which involves engaging youth in community service projects aimed at solving sustainability challenges.

Read: Pakistan ranked as most vulnerable country to climate change

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Courtesy: The Silk Road Today, Cairo, Egypt

The post Traversing 195 Countries in 365 Days to Combat Climate Change first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Amir Murtaza

Climate change is no longer a distant threat but an unfolding crisis with far-reaching implications. It has become one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, affecting every aspect of human life and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in developing countries like Pakistan. The intensification of global warming, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, has led to an increase in extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting climatic patterns. These changes disproportionately affect countries with limited resources to adapt, and Pakistan stands out as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. Recent efforts, such as Pakistan’s collaboration with UNICEF at COP29, provide a glimmer of hope for integrating child rights into climate policies to address these challenges.

Pakistan is ranked among the top ten countries most affected by climate change despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. Its geographic location and socioeconomic conditions make it particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. The country is home to diverse ecosystems, including mountains, rivers, deserts, and coastal regions, all of which are increasingly under threat. The melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, erratic monsoon patterns, and rising temperatures are leading to more frequent and severe floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These climate-induced disasters not only damage infrastructure and livelihoods but also disrupt the lives of millions, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society—children, women, and the poor.

Pakistan is ranked among the top ten countries most affected by climate change despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions

Pakistan’s dependence on precipitation-linked agriculture adds to its vulnerability. Agriculture is not only a key sector of the economy but also a primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population. Climate change has disrupted traditional farming cycles, leading to reduced crop yields, food insecurity, and economic instability. Additionally, urban centers are grappling with the impacts of rising temperatures and urban flooding, while rural communities face desertification and water scarcity. These challenges are compounded by weak governance, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.

All parts of the country, including Islamabad, once renowned for its beautiful weather, are increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change, with many regions, especially in Punjab and KP, now facing smog and poor air quality. Floods, such as those seen in 2010 and 2022, have displaced millions of people, caused significant loss of life, and inflicted billions of dollars in economic damages. Similarly, the prolonged heatwaves experienced in cities like Karachi have resulted in numerous deaths, highlighting the need for immediate and sustained action. Children, in particular, face heightened risks as they are more susceptible to malnutrition, disease, and disruptions in their education due to climate-induced disasters.

The climate-induced disasters not only damage infrastructure and livelihoods but also disrupt the lives of millions, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society—children, women, and the poor.

Given the scale and severity of climate impacts in Pakistan, child-centric climate resilience is not just desirable but essential. A significant proportion of Pakistan’s population—nearly 46%—is under the age of 18. These children are not only more vulnerable to climate-related risks but are also critical to the country’s future. Without targeted interventions, the impacts of climate change on children’s health, education, and overall development will have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s social and economic progress.

Recent efforts, such as the partnership between Pakistan and UNICEF announced at COP29, provide a glimmer of hope. By endorsing the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, Pakistan has committed to integrating child rights into its climate policies. This includes building resilient infrastructure to protect schools and communities, enhancing access to health and education services in climate-hit areas, and empowering children to become agents of change in climate action.

Read: Half the world lacks social protection amid climate crisis

Pakistan must adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to climate resilience. This involves not only improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms but also addressing the root causes of vulnerability. Investing in education, healthcare, and community development is critical for building resilience at the grassroots level. Furthermore, incorporating climate awareness into school curriculums, as proposed by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, can equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a changing world.

A significant proportion of Pakistan’s population—nearly 46%—is under the age of 18. These children are not only more vulnerable to climate-related risks but are also critical to the country’s future

An ecosystem approach to climate resilience is essential for understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by children. Such an approach considers the interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors and emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions. By prioritizing children’s needs and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes, Pakistan can create a more equitable and resilient society.

While government initiatives and international partnerships are crucial, the fight against climate change requires collective action. Communities, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together to amplify children’s voices and advocate for their rights. By fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, Pakistan can pave the way for a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and sustainable environment.

As the impacts of climate change continue to grow, protecting the rights and well-being of children is not just a moral obligation but a strategic imperative for Pakistan’s development. The time to act is now, and by embracing child-centric climate resilience, Pakistan can lead the way in creating a model for sustainable and inclusive development.

Read: Save the Earth for Children – A Bouquet of Poems on Climate Change

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The writer is a Development Consultant and Researcher and can be reached at amirmurtaza1@hotmail.com.

The post Prioritizing Child-Centric Climate Resilience: A Necessity for Pakistan first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Overall fish catches could be down by 25% to 30% this year, according to industry figure
• Shift to solar-powered fishing boats could be a potential solution, says researcher

Aamir Latif 

KARACHI, Sindh, Pakistan

Climate change and rising fuel costs are taking a heavy toll on Pakistan’s already vulnerable fishing industry, with fish stocks and seafood exports plunging in recent years.

Unchecked discharge of industrial and plastic waste and untreated sewage is being compounded by a string of environmental factors such as rising sea levels and temperatures, ocean acidification, coastal erosion, underwater land instability and mud volcanic activity, according to Muhammad Jawad Akhtar, a former maritime adviser at Pakistan’s Planning and Development Ministry.

“The combined effects of pollution, underwater land instability and climate change in Pakistan, mainly in Karachi, have significantly impacted the country’s fishing sector, altering marine environments, reducing fish populations and damaging infrastructure,” Akhtar told Anadolu.

Industrial and plastic waste pollution is degrading vital marine habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs that are essential for the breeding and sustenance of many fish species, he said.

The resulting habitat loss, changes in fish migration patterns and declining fish stocks are directly affecting local fishermen, forcing them to move toward coastal waters of the southwestern Balochistan province, he added.

‘Hundreds of boats standing idle’

Local fishing communities are also facing the challenge of rising costs, particularly as fuel prices soar due to the depreciation of the local currency.

Mohammad Iqrar, a fisherman in the southern port city and commercial hub Karachi, said his monthly operational costs have tripled over the past couple of years – from around 600,000 Pakistani rupees ($2,150) to about 1.8 million Pakistani rupees ($6,400).

“Hundreds of large boats and fishing trawlers are standing idle at the harbors,” Iqrar, 45, told Anadolu.

Profit margins are much tighter and many fishermen have been forced to cut down operations, he said.

A glimmer of hope for smaller fishing operations has been the “good rates” being offered by Iranian companies, which has helped them sustain their businesses, according to Iqrar.

Down by a quarter

Muslim Mohamedi, a former president of the Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association, said overall fish catches could be down by 25% to 30% this year.

“The seafood industry is facing a jumble of issues, mainly dwindling fish stocks, increasing fuel prices and juvenile fishing that continues to persist despite a government ban,” he told Anadolu.

Climate change and sea pollution are already decreasing fish stocks, while juvenile fishing is further exacerbating the problem, he said.

“Adding to all of this is the rising price of fuel that’s forcing fishermen to reduce their operations. How can the seafood industry flourish in such conditions?” he added.

Read: WB Mission highlights future climate change threats to Sindh

Akhtar, the former ministry adviser, stressed that declining fish stocks and harbor navigation issues have had major economic repercussions for local fishing communities.

He cited the example of the Pasni harbor in Balochistan, which has been closed for more than a decade due to siltation, an outcome of underwater land instability and mud volcanic activity.

The sedimentation and resulting changes in water quality have adversely impacted local fish populations, leading to reduced catches for fishermen in the area, he explained.

He said a comparison of satellite images from 2003 to 2023 reveals a significant development of a Sandspit over the past two decades, which has altered the hydrodynamic conditions, leading to major changes in the coastline and sand deposition.

Solar solution

Many fishermen in Pasni have fallen into a debt trap, borrowing money to cover the surging costs of fuel, maintenance and other expenses, according to maritime researcher Naufil Shahrukh.

“The pressure of mounting debts and lack of a steady income is leading to severe mental health issues among the community, including depression and hopelessness,” he told Anadolu.

A potential solution to address issues related to climate change and rising fuel costs could be solar-powered fishing boats, he said.

“Solarization of fishing vessels, fish harbors or fish landing sites and off-grid marine tourism sites for the socioeconomic development of the indigenous fisherfolk … should be an essential part of Pakistan’s fisheries, environmental and energy policies,” said Shahrukh.

Adopting solar technology will reduce fuel and maintenance costs, adding to its environmental benefits, he said, pointing out that similar projects have yielded positive results in neighboring India and the Philippines.

“Along with achieving sustainable development goals and promoting the blue economy, it will also help local fishermen get rid of the debt trap,” he said.

Read: How landslides fueled a climate warrior’s forestation drive in Pakistan

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 02.08.2024)  

The post Climate change, fuel costs push Pakistan’s fishing industry into more choppy waters first appeared on Sindh Courier.