ISLAMABAD: Environment Minister Hameedullah Jan Afridi on Monday said that his ministry’s focus was on creation of public awareness of environment protection and ways to offset negative effects of climate change.
Talking to Swedish Ambassador Ulrika Sundberg at the ministry, Afridi said several initiatives had been taken to involve students in public awareness campaigns about environmental issues.
He said green clubs were being formed in schools with an aim to conserve environment.
The minister said efforts were on to increase the country’s forest cover. “We carry out tree plantation campaigns in the country’s various parts on a regular basis with the help of public and private organisations, students and general public,” he said.
He said he was hopeful that such activities would lead to better public awareness of environmental issues and thus, better protection of environment.
Afridi appreciated the role of media in highlighting issues and challenges facing environment. He called for better use of modern technology to effectively deal with environmental challenges faced by the country.
He declared global warming and climate change as a threat to environment. “We are among those countries, which face adverse effects of environmental changes. However, we are alive to the challenge and trying to cope with it in an effective manner,” he said.
