Posts

Showing posts with the label environmental friendliness

Desalination Meets Sustainability

Image
The Growing Importance of Desalination in Water Supply Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and as populations grow and climate change intensifies, the need for alternative water sources becomes increasingly urgent. One of the most promising solutions is desalination — the process of converting seawater into potable water. While this technology has been around for centuries, modern advancements have made it more efficient and widespread than ever before. Desalination has evolved from ancient methods like boiling seawater to more sophisticated techniques such as reverse osmosis, which uses high-pressure membranes to filter out salt. Today, there are over 16,000 desalination plants operating worldwide, producing an estimated 56 billion liters of fresh water daily. This equates to about 7 liters per person on the planet, highlighting the scale of this industry. However, the environmental impact of desalination cannot be ignored. The process generates a significant amount of brine...

How induction stoves are reshaping life in Madhesh

Image
A New Era in Nepali Kitchens In the small village of Birendra Bazar, located in Ganeshman Charnath Municipality of Dhanusha, a quiet transformation is taking place. On a hot afternoon, 28-year-old Archana Kumari Mahara steps into her kitchen, where a shiny new induction stove sits on the counter. The aroma of sizzling potato snacks fills the air as she prepares a meal in just minutes. For her, this is more than just a modern appliance—it’s a symbol of liberation. For years, Archana used a smoky mud stove, which filled her home with harmful fumes and forced her to spend hours collecting firewood. She recalls the constant coughing, the soot-covered walls, and the difficulty of getting meals ready on time. Now, with the induction stove, her life has changed dramatically. Cooking is faster, safer, and more efficient. She no longer has to worry about the dangers of smoke or the hassle of gathering firewood. Despite the benefits, not everyone in the community has embraced the change. Thal...

CM Maryam pledges to embrace Japanese tech for cleaner Punjab

Image
Punjab's New Era of Development and Environmental Progress Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled a bold vision for the province, emphasizing the adoption of advanced Japanese technology to elevate cleanliness and environmental standards. This initiative marks a significant step in the region’s development journey, aiming to create a cleaner and more sustainable living environment for residents. During her address to the Pakistani community in Yokohama, Japan, on Monday, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the progress being made in various sectors. She noted that healthcare services are now more accessible, with medical care reaching citizens at their doorstep. The chief minister also shared positive developments in Pakistan, stating that the country is witnessing improvements across multiple areas, with more changes expected in the near future. One of the key points she emphasized was the contribution of overseas Pakistanis to the nation’s economic stability. She pointed out t...

Elephant Sanctuary Leads Ecosystem Standards

Image
A New Model for Ethical Elephant Tourism In the heart of Phitsanulok, a serene forest area in Wang Thong district, lies an elephant sanctuary that is redefining what it means to practice ecotourism. The Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary has become a beacon of hope for elephants who have suffered from years of exploitation, offering them a safe haven where their well-being is the top priority. Spanning over 900 rai, the sanctuary is managed by the Sappraiwan Elephant Foundation, which focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that were previously used in tourism and logging. Many of these animals arrived at the sanctuary with physical injuries and deep psychological trauma, having endured years of hard labor. Now, they are given a chance to live in peace and dignity. Currently, five female elephants, aged between 40 and over 60, reside at the sanctuary. They are undergoing comprehensive physical and emotional rehabilitation, allowing them to recover and thrive in a natural environ...

SU Launches 'Marka-e-Haq' Monsoon Plantation Drive for Independence Day

Image
Environmental Initiative Marks Independence Day Celebrations at Sindh University As part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and national pride, Sindh University's Area Study Center Far East and Southeast Asia, in collaboration with Inner Wheel District 327, organized a monsoon plantation drive. The event, held on Friday, was themed 'Marka-e-Haq and Green Sindh University Initiative' and was conducted as part of the broader celebrations for independence day. The initiative was officially launched by the Vice-Chancellor of Sindh University, Prof. Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khoumbati, who planted the first sapling. This symbolic act set the tone for the day, highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility and community involvement in creating a sustainable future. Several key figures from the university and the Inner Wheel District 327 also participated in the planting activity. These included the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professo...

China Shares Paper Recycling Expertise with Pakistan

Image
China Shares Advanced Waste Paper Recycling Technologies with BR Partners China recently hosted an International Training Workshop on Waste Paper Recycling Technology, where it shared its advanced solutions for waste paper recycling with Pakistan and other members of the BR group. The event was organized by the International Cooperation Department of China's Ministry of Science and Technology and carried out by the China National Pulp and Paper Research Institute. The workshop aimed to promote knowledge exchange and technological collaboration in the paper industry. The 15-day program brought together professionals from 11 countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nepal. Participants were introduced to China’s state-of-the-art technologies, engineering designs, products, and equipment in the pulp and paper industry. The initiative focused on enhancing understanding and practical skills in waste paper recycling, which is crucial for sustainable development and reso...

BNU Honored as Pakistan's First WWF-Certified EcoSmart Campus

Image
A Pioneering Step in Sustainable Education Beaconhouse National University (BNU) has set a remarkable precedent in Pakistan's higher education landscape by becoming the first university in the country to receive certification under WWF-Pakistan's EcoSmart Campus Certification Programme. This significant achievement underscores BNU's unwavering dedication to embedding environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable development into its institutional operations. The university's commitment to sustainability is evident through various initiatives that have been implemented across its campus. These include upgrades to green infrastructure, the adoption of low-carbon management protocols, and the establishment of waste segregation and recycling systems. Additionally, BNU has integrated environmental education into its academic programs, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing environmental challenges. ...

ISA Focused on Boosting Ethiopia's Solar Growth

Image
International Solar Alliance Supports Ethiopia's Renewable Energy Ambitions The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has made a strong commitment to support Ethiopia in unlocking the vast potential of solar energy development. This initiative comes as part of broader efforts to foster sustainable growth and attract private sector investment into the country's energy sector. The ISA, led by Director-General Ashish Khanna, has emphasized its role in helping Ethiopia develop a robust framework for solar power projects. During a recent discussion, Khanna highlighted that the alliance is working closely with Ethiopian authorities to create an environment conducive to solar energy development. This includes the implementation of a country partnership framework, which will guide collaboration over the next three years. One of the key components of this partnership is the goal of generating 400 megawatts of electricity through large-scale grid utility projects. Such initiatives are ex...

Pakistan Drives Global Fair Green Funding Initiative

Image
Pakistan's Leadership in Advocating for Fair Access to Green Resources Pakistan has emerged as a strong voice in the global conversation on fair access to green financing and technology for developing nations. This stance was clearly articulated during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2) in Geneva. The event, chaired by Federal Climate Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, brought together delegates from Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, Sudan, and Tajikistan. The discussions centered on ensuring that the upcoming Global Plastics Treaty promotes equitable treatment for all countries, with particular attention to those most affected by plastic pollution. Addressing the Imbalance in Green Financing Dr. Malik strongly criticized the current distribution of green financing, highlighting the stark disparity between developed and developing nations. He pointed out that wealthy countries, which a...

Pakistan Seeks Equal Green Funding in Global Plastics Talks

Image
Pakistan Leads Efforts for Equitable Global Plastics Treaty Pakistan has emerged as a key player in advocating for a fair and effective Global Plastics Treaty, emphasizing the need for equitable access to green financing and technology for developing nations. The initiative highlights the importance of ensuring that all countries, especially those most affected by plastic pollution, have the necessary resources to address environmental challenges. During the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2) in Geneva, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik led an interactive briefing with delegations from Bangladesh, Egypt, Tajikistan, Malaysia, and Sudan. This session is critical in shaping a landmark global agreement aimed at curbing plastic pollution. Dr. Malik expressed concerns about the growing disparity between developed and developing nations in the fight against environmental degradation...

Pakistan Seeks Equal Green Funding in Global Plastic Talks

Image
Pakistan Takes the Lead in Advocating for Equitable Global Plastic Treaty Pakistan has emerged as a key player in advocating for a fair and effective Global Plastics Treaty, emphasizing the need for equitable access to green financing and technology for developing nations. The country's efforts are aimed at ensuring that the voices of less developed countries are heard and prioritized in global environmental negotiations. During the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2) in Geneva, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik led an interactive briefing with delegations from Bangladesh, Egypt, Tajikistan, Malaysia, and Sudan. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing discussions, which aim to finalize a landmark global agreement to tackle plastic pollution effectively. Dr. Malik highlighted the growing concern that the world's poorest countries are being left behind in ...

Forest Dept Using Hydroseeding to Revive Barren Lands

Image
Introduction to Hydroseeding Technology In response to the growing environmental challenges caused by climate change, Punjab's Forest Department has initiated the use of hydroseeding technology to restore barren lands and combat land erosion. This innovative approach involves spraying a mixture of seeds, water, and nutrients onto the ground using specialized machinery. The technique has shown promising results in areas such as Jallo Park near Lahore, where it has been successfully implemented over several acres. Benefits and Potential of Hydroseeding According to the Chief Conservator of the Punjab Forest Department, Abid Gondal, hydroseeding is an effective method for greening barren lands and accelerating environmental restoration. He emphasized that this technique has been tested at the government level in Pakistan with the goal of improving green cover and restoring degraded ecosystems. Gondal highlighted the potential of hydroseeding, especially in regions where traditional...

Fuel from Waste Plastics: Cutting Oil Costs - Prof. Dankwah

Image
The Potential of Waste Plastics as a Renewable Energy Source Professor James R. Dankwah, a Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, Western Region, has highlighted an innovative approach to addressing Ghana's energy challenges by utilizing waste plastics as a source of fuel. His insights were shared during an inaugural lecture at UMaT, where he discussed the topic: 'Waste Plastics, a Modern Day Resource Paradox: Leveraging its Positive Attributes for an Environmentally Sustainable Metals Production.' According to Prof. Dankwah, converting waste plastics into fuels such as diesel and petrol could significantly reduce energy costs for the country. He emphasized that while waste plastics have both advantages and disadvantages, the key lies in effective management. "We can set up an oil-making industry in Ghana based solely on plastics and other raw materials available locally," he said, challen...

Asia's Plastic Pollution to Surge 70% by 2050: OECD Report

Image
Southeast Asia and East Asian Nations Face Growing Plastic Pollution Crisis Plastic waste leakage into the environment in Southeast Asian countries, along with China, Japan, and South Korea, is projected to rise by nearly 70 percent by 2050 if no effective measures are taken to address the issue. This alarming trend was highlighted in a recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which identified the region as a "hotspot for plastic pollution." In 2022, an estimated 8.4 million tons of plastic waste leaked into the environment in this region. The OECD's Regional Plastics Outlook report emphasized that informal and unsafe practices such as open burning and dumping continue to be prevalent, particularly in rural areas across ASEAN countries and China. These practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and public health risks. Plastic waste has become a major global environmental concern, contaminating rivers, ocea...

Protecting Forests in a Warming World

Image
The Growing Threat of Wildfires and Strategies to Combat Them France is currently facing one of the most significant wildfires in recent decades, with the blaze now spanning an area larger than Paris. This crisis is part of a global pattern where wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. As temperatures rise and droughts become more common, the risk of forest fires is increasing, raising concerns about how to mitigate these dangers. Wildfires are not limited to France; Spain and Portugal are also experiencing similar challenges. These fires often have human causes, such as intentional land clearing for agriculture or accidental ignition from discarded items like glass bottles, cigarette butts, or hot car exhaust pipes. However, the underlying driver of many of these fires is global heating, which is largely attributed to greenhouse gas emissions. This warming trend creates drier conditions that make forests more susceptible to burning. According to Alber...