The views were expressed during a special panel discussion titled “Karachi Without Trees: Environmental Degradation, Climate Change and the Future of Our City”, organized by the Environment Committee of the Karachi Press Club.
The discussion brought together environmentalists, urban planners, climate change experts and other stakeholders, who examined Karachi’s growing environmental challenges and discussed possible solutions.
Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili and Environment Committee Secretary Fahmida Yousufi were among those who attended the panel discussion, along with prominent experts and representatives from relevant fields.
The participants observed that the rapid decline in the city’s tree cover, rising temperatures, air pollution, extreme heat and the growing impacts of climate change have emerged as serious threats to Karachi’s future.
They emphasized that environmental considerations must become an integral part of urban planning if Karachi is to be transformed into a livable and climate-resilient city.
The experts noted that the continuous loss of trees is not merely an environmental concern but is directly linked to public health, quality of life and the well-being of future generations. They called for effective measures to protect existing trees and green spaces, along with large-scale plantation drives and the development of new green belts.
The panelists stressed that environmental impacts must be carefully assessed before approving development projects and constructing urban infrastructure. They called for coordinated and long-term planning to promote tree plantation along roads, in parks, on footpaths and at other public spaces.
The speakers also highlighted the increasing risks posed by climate change, particularly rising temperatures and heatwave events. They said trees play a vital role in reducing urban temperatures, improving air quality and creating a healthier urban environment.
The experts urged authorities to make tree protection and plantation a permanent component of environmental and urban policy rather than treating them as temporary campaigns.
Participants further emphasized that tackling Karachi’s environmental crisis requires a collective effort involving the government, local government institutions, environmental experts, civil society, media and citizens.
They pointed out that plantation alone would not be sufficient. Newly planted trees must receive proper care, adequate water and long-term protection to ensure their survival and growth.
The participants agreed that the concept of a “Karachi Without Trees” represents a dangerous future for the city and that decisions being taken today will determine the environmental conditions inherited by future generations.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, participants reaffirmed their commitment to raising environmental awareness, protecting Karachi’s existing trees and promoting plantation initiatives to transform the city into a greener, safer and more sustainable urban centre.
