Islamabad : As the Earth Hour is being observed across the world today (Saturday), President Asif Zardari has said it is a reminder that protecting our planet requires collective action.
“Pakistan joins this global effort and supports the simple message behind it that each of us has a role in reducing our impact on the environment and using resources responsibly," he said in a message.
The president said switching off lights for one hour was a symbolic step, but it also encouraged practical actions in homes, workplaces and communities that contributed to environmental protection.
He said as human beings, people needed to reflect on whether their ways of living were in balance with the limits of their planet.
"The pressures we place on natural systems are steadily reducing the space in which life can sustain itself. This calls for a more careful approach to development. Our systems of energy generation and use, patterns of consumption and agricultural and industrial production must remain within the capacity of the environment to support them," he said.
The president said Pakistan’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions was less than one percent, yet it remained among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
He added that recent floods, recurring heat waves and periods of drought had shown how serious those challenges had become.
“Farmers face increasing uncertainty due to changing rainfall patterns that affect crops and livelihoods. In many cities, rising temperatures place additional strain on electricity systems and make daily life more difficult during the summer months. Water availability in several regions has become less predictable, while floods have damaged homes, roads and farmland," he said.
He said Pakistan remained committed to global climate action and to implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement.
"Our national policies are focused on climate-resilient development and on supporting international efforts to address climate change and assist vulnerable countries.”
The president encouraged all Pakistanis to switch off non-essential lights for one hour on the evening of March 28.
“Let us use that hour to reflect on how we can conserve energy, protect our environment and support efforts that promote sustainable living," he told people in the message.
