87pc of people support action to reduce impacts of climate change: survey
According to the survey, 87% of Pakistanis support action to reduce the impacts of climate change, with 51% expressing strong support. 80% back efforts specifically aimed at reducing methane emissions, including 44% who strongly support such measures.
In Pakistan, public awareness of climate change is remarkably high: 96% of respondents affirmed their belief in climate change, with 71% attributing it to human activities—a figure that aligns with global trends. Among environmental concerns, water quality was ranked as the top issue, with 61% expressing strong concern, followed by air quality at 58% and climate change at 57%.
'Communities that are feeling the most heat—literally—are also the most vocal in calling for climate action,' said Marcelo Mena, CEO of the Global Methane Hub. 'Cutting methane is one of the fastest ways to bring temperatures down, and people know it. It's not just science—it's a direct response to what they're experiencing on the ground.'
Amid increasing threats from heatwaves, floods, and worsening air pollution, 44% of Pakistanis expressed strong support for methane-specific climate action. Among the four Asia-Pacific countries surveyed, Pakistan, the Philippines (43%), and Indonesia (59%) all demonstrated a strong demand for policy action on methane, positioning the region as a leader in climate advocacy.
'Communities across Pakistan are already living through the harshest effects of climate change, from extreme heat and floods to droughts and toxic air. Evidence from secondary sources suggests that the country emits significant levels of methane, driven by a large agriculture sector, unmanaged waste, and an aging gas network. This survey is a timely wake-up call, underscoring the need to measure emissions, raise awareness, and implement targeted, practical solutions,' said Dr Naveed Arshad, Director of LUMS Energy Institute and Professor at LUMS.
Pakistanis blame large oil and gas companies, waste management corporations, and agricultural producers most for environmental harms. In a separate question, respondents identified oil and gas companies, waste management organisations, and international government systems as the actors most capable of effectively addressing climate change.
Vast Majority of Pakistanis Support Action on Methane Pollution, Blame Industry for Harms
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt urged to declare new ‘marine protected areas'
KARACHI: The WWF-Pakistan has urged the Sindh government to declare new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the province's coast to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly in the ecologically important regions of Pitiani and Dabbo Creeks in the Indus Delta. The call came as part of the organization's statement ahead of World Marine Protected Areas Day, marked globally on August 1. Recognizing recent conservation progress, WWF-Pakistan lauded the government of Balochistan for its declaration of Miani Hor as the country's third MPA on July 29. The site joins Astola Island and Churna Island, declared MPAs in 2017 and 2024 respectively. These efforts, WWF-Pakistan noted, mark the beginning of a new chapter for marine conservation in Pakistan, achieved through sustained collaboration between government bodies, conservation groups, wildlife experts, and coastal communities. The establishment of MPAs is considered critical for meeting international biodiversity goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to which Pakistan is a signatory. The framework commits countries to protecting 30 percent of global oceans by 2030—a target known as '30 by 30.' WWF-Pakistan's Director General Hammad Naqi Khan emphasized that the country's coastal and marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from overfishing, destructive fishing gear, untreated sewage, plastic pollution, and the broader effects of climate change. He stressed the need for both federal and Sindh governments to take decisive steps to declare additional MPAs and protect vulnerable marine areas. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
26-07-2025
- Business Recorder
EPA launches surveillance to eliminate bird nesting around airports
LAHORE: The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday announced that it will complete comprehensive e-mapping of bird cages and nests in Lahore and other sensitive areas within two days through its dedicated aerial surveillance force. Using advanced technologies, the identification of bird nests in sensitive areas, including Lahore, is progressing swiftly. The EPA's aerial surveillance squad is actively conducting drone-based monitoring and video recording. Locations of all vulnerable nests are being digitally mapped. In case of heightened risk of air accidents, immediate 'de-nesting' operations — the removal of nests — will be initiated. The EPA has devised a rapid response strategy to mitigate bird-related threats near airports and other sensitive zones. According to the de-nesting report dated July 24, the EPA squad conducted a successful operation near Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road, removing 20 kite and 30 crow nests. The area has since been declared clear of threats. Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that bird nests pose a serious danger to aircraft, urging citizens to avoid scattering bird feed on rooftops or in open spaces. She stressed that public cooperation is vital for ensuring aerial safety and warned that violators will face strict action. A coordinated crackdown by district administration is underway to prevent bird-related air hazards near airports. Five successful operations were carried out in areas like Badian Road and Gulshan Park, where pigeon cages were dismantled and other potential bird habitats were eliminated. Actions were also taken against poultry and meat shops operating in open areas of Nishat Colony and others. Four shops were fined and shutdown on the spot. Citizens have been urged not to discard sacrificial or leftover meat in open areas, as it attracts birds that may contribute to air accidents. The EPA teams inspected wedding halls and restaurants for improper food waste disposal, issuing notices to three venues for non-compliance. On Khurshid Alam Road, unnecessary tree branches were trimmed to remove nests and control the bird population. Garbage was cleared from Javed Cheema Chowk, Zarrar Shaheed Road, and Jore Pul, as authorities noted that open waste is a major cause of bird congregation. Surveillance has been intensified from Dharampura to Jallo and along Canal Road, where sacrificial meat sellers have been identified. Local vendors have been directed to comply with regulations. At the PAF Golf Club, a wildlife team removed 20 crow and 15 kite nests to help secure the airspace. Minister Maryam Aurangzeb added that the Lahore wildlife team is now heading toward Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road for the next phase of operations, fully prepared to curb bird breeding activities as part of the strategic plan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Business Recorder
Private societies urged to maintain sewage systems
LAHORE: To ensure urban resilience and citizen safety during the ongoing monsoon season, the Punjab Housing Department has directed all private housing societies across the province to maintain effective drainage and sewage systems. According to the department on Wednesday, Punjab Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal issued directives to all district development authorities and relevant agencies to ensure strict compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). According to the instructions, private housing societies must take responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of their sewage and drainage networks. The authorities have been instructed to ensure the availability of necessary machinery to respond promptly in the event of flooding or water accumulation. He further directed that efficient waste management systems must be implemented, and appropriate flood preparedness plans must be in place to deal with urban flooding scenarios. 'It has been observed that the absence of effective strategies during heavy rains causes inconvenience to residents of many private housing societies,' he added. 'This decision, taken under the leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister, aims to prevent such challenges in the future. All relevant departments have been instructed to communicate these measures to the managements of private housing societies and ensure implementation without delay.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
