Islamabad, The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) recently held a vital brainstorming session in Islamabad, focusing on the severe smog and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission issues plaguing Pakistan, particularly in Lahore. As of 21 November 2023, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 345, ranking it as the second-worst city globally for air quality. This initiative sought to address the worsening air quality in Punjab’s cities, which face annual smog emergencies during winter.

According to United Nation Pakistan, the event brought together key figures from various organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others. This meeting responded to the intense smog incidents that necessitate the closure of schools, offices, and parks in Punjab’s major cities, severely disrupting daily routines.

Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, the Habitat Programme Manager at UN-Habitat, highlighted the urgency of collaborative efforts to address the air quality crisis. The FAO presented a report identifying the main sources of smog, with the transport sector accounting for 42% of the air pollution in Punjab.

Brig. M. Ashraf introduced ‘Energized Buildings,’ a novel strategy for Pakistan’s energy crisis and climate change combat. This approach involves leveraging solar energy and subsoil temperatures for efficient building cooling and heating.

The session concluded with stakeholders agreeing on a joint approach to tackle air quality issues. They stressed the need for energy-efficient practices, sustainable urban development, and focused interventions in sectors with high pollution levels. The plan includes collaboration between government bodies, environmental agencies, and the public to ensure measurable improvements in air quality. Two technical committees were established to strategize on reducing smog and GHG emissions in the construction sector.