Climate change has emerged as a dire threat to humanity, giving rise to floods, storms, food crises, heat-waves, and other detrimental consequences. The former US President, Barack Obama, has consistently cautioned the global community about the perils associated with climate change, emphasizing the severe impacts of escalating temperatures, such as destructive storms and severe droughts. Additionally, the prevalence of forest fires continues to escalate year after year.
Undoubtedly, climate change transcends the borders of individual nations and organizations; it is a challenge that confronts humanity as a whole. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, concerted efforts are being made by Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to combat the threats posed by climate change, with one notable strategy being the annual plantation of one million saplings.
In light of the worldwide concern surrounding climate change, the President of Aga Khan University, Sulaiman Shahabuddin, has recently devised a comprehensive policy aimed at addressing this pressing global issue. This policy not only extends to the country of Pakistan but also encompasses the six countries where Aga Khan University operates. Ongoing endeavors are being undertaken to gradually address climate change on the university campuses.
Sulaiman Shahabuddin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the fight against climate change. As part of a series of efforts, he presided over a workshop on July 13th, whereby numerous events were organized and practical steps were taken, including the planting of saplings within the institution’s premises, to combat climate change.
Speaking at the ceremony on this momentous occasion, Sulaiman Shahabuddin drew inspiration from former American President Barack Obama and emphatically stated that climate change poses a significant threat to the world. Quoting Obama’s famous words, he asserted, ” We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”
President of Aga Khan University, Sulaiman Shahabuddin, reiterated his unwavering commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions in all Aga Khan hospitals and universities by 2030, aligning with the visionary policy set forth by Prince Rahim Aga Khan. This ambitious endeavor not only serves as a guiding light for other institutions within the country, but also contributes significantly to the attainment of Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Furthermore, Sulaiman Shahabuddin acknowledged the crucial role played by the 95,000 employees and over 100,000 volunteers of the Aga Khan Development Network. They are esteemed ambassadors in the mission to combat climate change, not only within their respective institutions, but also within their communities. Through their concerted efforts, they will continue to make a tangible difference, incrementally addressing the climate change challenge and transforming into a formidable force that will help surmount this global predicament.
Pakistan, in recent years, has faced an array of afflictions stemming from climate change and presently ranks amongst the top ten countries most vulnerable to its adverse effects. This calamitous phenomenon has resulted in significant loss of human life and economic resources within Pakistan. The country’s precipitation patterns, including rainfall, snowfall, and temperature regimes, have been distressingly disrupted. Droughts and floods pose ongoing threats to different parts of the nation.
Regrettably, the global objective of limiting the temperature rise to a safe 1.5 degrees Celsius since the industrial revolution seems imperiled. This dire situation arises predominantly from the escalating reliance on fossil fuels, notorious for their emissions of carbon dioxide—a primary catalyst for global warming.
Sulaiman Shahabuddin’s proactive initiatives promise a brighter future, wherein Aga Khan Universities and all hospital institutions will not only achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, but also make substantial contributions to emission reduction efforts.
Last year, the climate experts of the United Nations released a report on the perils of climate change, cautioning the world about the imminent dangers it poses to both the environment and humanity. This report emphasized the significant impact of a mere 1.2-degree increase in temperature, as demonstrated by the severe repercussions experienced worldwide.
China to Europe has suffered from extensive crop damage, while a torrid heat-wave has afflicted many West African countries, leaving millions of people in dire need due to the resulting drought. In light of these distressing developments, Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, sounded the alarm on the impending destruction of biodiversity, a matter of utmost importance in the present era.
In response to these urgent issues, the member states of the United Nations devised the 2030 Agenda for Development, a comprehensive plan that strives for global peace and prosperity. This agenda comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that call for swift action from all nations, regardless of their level of development, in a collective effort to combat climate change.
To achieve the SDGs, it is imperative to address not only poverty and inequality but also to implement strategies that improve healthcare, education, and economic growth. The main culprits behind climate change, such as heavy reliance on fossil fuels, vehicular and industrial emissions, nuclear pollution, and widespread deforestation, must be curbed to mitigate the adverse effects of rising sea levels, erratic rainfall, reduced crop yields, floods, storms, extreme temperatures, and water scarcity.
Amidst these challenging circumstances, the Aga Khan Development Network, led by President Sulaiman Shahabuddin and Prince Rahim Aga Khan, has emerged as a formidable force in the battle against climate change. In addition to their significant contributions to rural development, their core objectives include providing education and healthcare facilities to communities worldwide.
The Aga Khan Development Network is setting an exemplary standard for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in various regions, including Pakistan. Through their relentless efforts, they have become a role model for others.
In the aftermath of the devastating floods in Pakistan last year, Prince Rahim Aga Khan extended a helping hand to the victims by generously donating 10 million dollars in aid. Additionally, as the Climate Change Leader of the Aga Khan Development Network, Prince Rahim Aga Khan is actively involved in addressing climate change challenges in different countries around the world.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan recognizes the potential severity of the effects of climate change in the coming years. The rising temperatures and sea levels serve as alarming indicators for the world. Just a few months ago, during a gathering in Dubai, Prince Rahim Aga Khan reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts to combat climate change.
It is evident that natural disasters do not strike suddenly; there are often warning signs. If we, as individuals, ignore or neglect these signs, we cannot claim to be unprepared when calamities strike.
Currently, not only Pakistan but the entire world is grappling with severe problems caused by climate change. The Aga Khan Development Network is channeling all its resources and efforts to confront these challenges, transcending boundaries, with the aim of creating a model that can be emulated by the rest of humanity.
It is imperative for every individual to contribute towards resolving this problem. Even if someone can plant just one tree, they should do so, as it is not solely the responsibility of governments or a few institutions. The storm of climate change can have an impact on the lives of every human being, and together, we can overcome this challenge. It is possible to find a solution through collective action.
