KARACHI: Nowadays Karachi is sizzling and reminding us that the megacity needs more trees as its temperature rises due to climate change and heat waves, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) leader Altaf Shakoor here on Sunday.
He said with temperatures rising steadily and heat waves becoming more frequent and intense, Karachi faces a growing climate challenge that threatens public health, economic productivity, and the overall liveability of Pakistan’s largest city.
He said while global climate change is a major contributor, local environmental degradation and declining green cover have worsened the impact of extreme heat on millions of residents.
He said every summer, Karachi experienced prolonged periods of high temperatures that place immense stress on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and low-income communities.
“Heat waves increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses while also driving up electricity consumption and placing additional pressure on already strained infrastructure.”
Altaf Shakoor said unlike many cities around the world, Karachi had limited open spaces available for large-scale parks and conventional afforestation projects. However, this should not become an excuse for inaction.
The city still possessed significant opportunities to expand its green cover through innovative urban forestry initiatives that could help reduce temperature and improve environmental conditions.
He said one of the most promising opportunities lies along the corridors of the Lyari and Malir rivers. These river systems, despite facing environmental challenges, offered substantial space for the development of linear urban forests.
Large-scale plantations of native tree species along both riverbanks could create green corridors stretching across the megacity, helping reduce urban temperatures, improve air quality, stabilize soil, and provide recreational spaces for nearby communities.
He said transforming the Lyari and Malir River belts into urban forests would not only contribute to climate resilience but also support broader environmental restoration efforts. Such projects have successfully revitalized neglected urban waterways in several countries and can serve as a model for Karachi’s sustainable development.
Equally important was the protection and expansion of mangrove forests along Karachi’s extensive coastline, he said, adding mangroves are among nature’s most effective climate defenses.
They absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, protect coastal communities from erosion and storm surges, support marine biodiversity, and help moderate local environmental conditions.
He said Karachi is fortunate to possess one of the region’s largest mangrove ecosystems, yet these valuable natural assets continue to face pressures from pollution, encroachment, and unsustainable development.
“Strengthening mangrove conservation and undertaking large-scale plantation campaigns along suitable coastal areas should be treated as a strategic environmental priority. Expanding mangrove cover would generate environmental, economic, and climate benefits for decades to come.”
He said in addition to riverine and coastal forestry, Karachi urgently needed a comprehensive roadside tree plantation program. Thousands of kilometers of roads, streets, service lanes, and medians provided opportunities for planting shade trees that can directly benefit residents. Tree-lined streets reduce surface temperatures, provide shelter for pedestrians, improve air quality, and enhance the visual appeal of urban neighborhoods.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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