Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday urged the rich countries to provide funds to the developing countries like Pakistan to fight global warming and improve the ecosystem.
He was addressing the main ceremony of International Environment Day in Islamabad, the Radio Pakistan reported.
This year, Pakistan is hosting World Environment Day in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
“It is a matter of distinction for Pakistan to host the World Environment Day,” PM Imran said, adding that this is also acknowledgement of the steps taken by Pakistan for protection of environment.
The prime minister commended the UN for repeatedly asking the developed world to fulfill its responsibility and support those countries which are working for the protection of environment.
Imran Khan said the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is an opportunity for the world to do the course correction and work towards meeting the carbon emission cut targets.
The prime minister pointed out that Pakistan's carbon emission share is miniscule, yet it decided to take initiatives to offset the impact of global warming.
“One billion trees were planted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in a period of five years from 2013 to 2018”, the premier said, adding that another one billion trees have also been planted in different parts of the country under Ten Billion Tree Tsunami project.
PM Imran urged the nation to become part of the mega forestation programme to make it a success story which will have positive impact not only on the lives of the people but also the country and its economy.
He said greater responsibility rests with the teachers to educate the children about the importance of plantation.
The prime minister said local communities will be involved for the protection of forests.
He said the back of timber mafia has been broken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the help of forest guards which helped increase the forest cover in the province.
The prime minister said Recharge Pakistan is also being initiated with the purpose to restore wetlands and improve the water table.
He said 15 national parks have been established which will also help promote tourism. He said by 2030, we will be producing 60% energy from renewable sources while 30 per cent of all vehicles would be transferred to electricity as part of efforts to limit emissions.
Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose message was read out by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, commended the strides made by Pakistan to cope with climate change.
President Xi said his country stands ready to work with Pakistan and other countries to inject new impetus into global environmental governance and contribute to a clean and beautiful world.
In his message, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan for undertaking a mega project of planting ten billion trees. He said it is a huge campaign for forestation.
UN Secretary General António Guterres said these next ten years are our final chance to avert a climate catastrophe, turn back the deadly tide of pollution and end species loss. He said we should finally make peace with nature and secure a better future for all.