Karachi, Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, highlighted the city’s recognition in the C-40 cities network and emphasized the importance of nurturing urban forests and controlling environmental pollution from vehicles and factories to improve Karachi’s air quality. He stressed the need for proactive measures in all sectors to combat climate change.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Mayor Wahab made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of a climate change workshop held at a local hotel. The event was attended by Municipal Commissioner of KMC Syed Afzal Zaidi, Abid Hussaini of UNDP, Professor Nauman Ahmed, and officers from various departments of KMC. The Mayor underlined that tree plantation is insufficient; nurturing and caring for these trees is crucial for environmental improvement in Karachi.

Mayor Wahab proposed that citizens should adopt trees to enhance the city’s environment. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is also taking steps to alleviate traffic congestion and related environmental pollution by allocating spaces for car parking throughout the city. He emphasized the significance of public awareness, stakeholder collaboration, and teamwork in effectively addressing climate change challenges at the city level.

Recognizing the global effort to combat climate change, Mayor Wahab acknowledged that strategies developed by global environmental organizations are informed by the latest research and data. He noted the importance of collaborative efforts worldwide to safeguard the planet for the human population.

As Karachi’s population rapidly increases, Mayor Wahab pointed out the necessity of progressing environmental initiatives, particularly in major coastal cities like Karachi. The findings and recommendations from the climate change workshop will guide the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s efforts in environmental conservation. Other speakers at the workshop also called for a comprehensive and universal policy on climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action.