Karachi’s extreme heat: KPC workshop discusses policy gaps, lack of interest of govt departments

KARACHI: Workshop participants Thursday called for climate-resilient urban planning, expanded urban forests and stronger government policies to address Karachi’s rising temperatures and environmental degradation.

The recommendations emerged at a training workshop titled “Extreme Heat, Climate Change and Karachi” at the Karachi Press Club, where environmental journalists and professionals discussed policy gaps and the performance of government agencies responsible for development and environmental protection.

KPC Secretary Aslam Khan praised the club’s Environment Committee for organising training on emerging climate challenges and proposed holding such sessions every two months to strengthen journalists’ understanding of environmental issues.

Climate Action Centre Director Yasir Hussain highlighted the environmental costs of development and housing schemes, particularly the destruction of agricultural land in Malir and the loss of local communities’ livelihoods.

He stressed that development projects should be assessed from the perspective of affected communities and called for accelerated urban forestry, regular air-quality monitoring and public disclosure of pollution data, alongside measures to minimise related health risks.

Hussain urged authorities to adopt coordinated plans to keep Karachi green and cool, promote nature-friendly housing and reduce the use of concrete and other heat-retaining materials. Better ventilation in buildings, he said, could also reduce reliance on air conditioners, which were also contributing to climate change.

He proposed establishing cooling centres to protect people during extreme heat, particularly amid prolonged power outages. He called for government incentives to encourage the adoption of solar energy as electricity costs rise and supply remains unreliable.

Discussing wider climate impacts, Hussain said changing weather patterns were disrupting crop cycles, while the rapid drying of rivers, including the Indus, posed a serious environmental threat. He warned that the Indus Delta was deteriorating and its mangrove forests were shrinking.

He also explained the relationship between climate change and El Niño, underscoring the need for preparedness and coordinated action to address the growing climate risks facing Karachi.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026