In a universe full of planets, there is still no other planet for humans to call home. Climate change and its devastating consequences can eventually make the Earth uninhabitable. Human activities, which include the use of fossil fuels in homes, factories, and vehicles, are major causes of long-term global warming. The burning of these fuels releases greenhouse gases, which raise the Earth’s average temperature by trapping heat in its atmosphere. Other human factors that contribute to climate change. Some natural events, such as volcanic eruptions, changes in the Sun’s activity, and shifts in the Earth’s orbit and tilt, also influence climate change. However, the effects of these natural occurrences do not compare to the consequences of human activities.

Climate change is not an inevitable act of nature, but is a direct result of our actions. To counter the detrimental consequences of global warming, we also need to understand its outcomes. This gives a clear picture of what we should expect if we do not take the necessary measures. These outcomes include extreme weather conditions, heatwaves, and melting glaciers, which cause rising sea levels, and shrinking Arctic sea ice could lead to more intense storms in the future. 

Human activities such as deforestation, unchecked urban sprawl, and pollution aggravate the effects of climate change and make the environment more vulnerable to disasters like floods and landslides. Do we realize that it is we who are affected by our actions??  It’s just like cutting the branch you’re sitting on! Currently, 4.2 million people are affected by the floods in Punjab. 56 people departed from this world in different provinces. 2328 homes are brutally washed away on the map. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has said that the recent floods across the country are not merely "natural disasters" but a direct consequence of human negligence and poor governance. Most developing countries, including Pakistan, often fail to prioritize preparedness, disaster management policies, and implementation of strategies. These gaps always worsen the extreme conditions. 

Developing countries mainly focus on immediate relief rather than opting for long-term solutions to reduce the damage of disasters like floods. Governments should launch large-scale reforestation programs and focus on taking measures to preserve nature and trees. Forests and mangroves help prevent floods and reduce their disastrous effects by acting as flood buffers. They also help reduce soil erosion, which is important for successful agriculture and preventing floods. We need to remember that this planet is our home and it is where we get our sustenance. Preserving soil for agriculture is very important because it is the soil that feeds us, directly or indirectly. If we run out of food from this planet, we can’t get it from anywhere else.

The biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions is the excessive release of carbon dioxide due to the burning of fossil fuels in our homes, factories, and transport. Using renewable energy sources, especially in industries, can significantly reduce these emissions. In particular, the use of solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy can be implemented to make the production and manufacturing of goods more sustainable. Some Pakistani firms are moving in the right direction. For instance, JK Spinning Mills (JJKSM), a Pakistani textile firm, plans to increase their green energy capacity. They already have a 7 MW solar energy system, and they plan to install an additional 7 MW capacity, essentially doubling their solar energy system capacity. This is a private company’s effort towards the green initiative, and our government should take similar steps.   

The Pakistani government faces huge financial challenges in adopting renewable energy production methods without relying on massive loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, or other countries. However, the transition to green energy needs to be among the top priority issues that our government needs to deal with. They need to come up with bankable and investable projects and initiatives that prove to be fruitful. However, until our government can take on large-scale public projects to transition towards green energy, it should focus on supporting the private industry in its green initiatives. One such method is to provide systematic and financial support to the solar energy industry through loans, subsidies, and incentives. They should also provide friendly net-metering for consumers, instead of discouraging new consumers. 

In the age of innovation, our approaches should not only be reactive but also proactive, to counter the risk of disasters.  The first step should be to take pre-emptive measures to prevent disasters and preserve the environment. The next step should be to take measures to improve the environment, and the final step, which is just as important, is to be ready to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters.. We can take the example of our neighbouring country, China, which has introduced the sponge city idea to manage rainwater.. The idea of a flood-resistant city includes green spaces and infrastructure that soaks up all excessive water into the soil instead of creating floods.

Most politicians and governments have seen contributing post-disaster aid, which is important, but investing in pre-disaster plans is essential. Investing in better infrastructure, technology, and institutional laws is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. For instance, it is vital to invest in safety shelters in the event of a disaster, emergency food provisions, early warning systems, and healthcare. On-ground help is always available in Pakistan, and people do step up to help others on a personal level. However, these measures need to be taken on a large scale. An exemplary country in this regard is Japan. They have early action warning for different kinds of natural disasters, and pre-disaster management is their way of life.

The responsibility of taking steps to save our home does not lie only on the government’s shoulders. It is a very important civil responsibility as well.   Our collective efforts can make a significant change. Citizens must cooperate with any green initiatives, take part in drills, and be open to learning about their possible role in making the world a better place.  They should actively participate in community-based programs, and if possible,  take part in organizing awareness programs, fundraising, donating, or volunteering. These measures are especially required in rural areas, where the literacy rate is very low.  Making the world a better, greener place is our collective responsibility. If nothing else is feasible, the least one should do is take part in raising awareness, which is especially simple in the digital world. We have nowhere else to live but here, which means that preserving what we have and sowing the seeds, both literally and metaphorically, for a better tomorrow is key for our and our future generations’ survival. 

This journey towards a better tomorrow is a joint venture, not a tug of war, but a resilient partnership, where the government and citizens should be on the same page about taking the necessary measures for the betterment of our home. The government should lead by building strong infrastructure and policies. On the other side, citizens must lead with compassion, unity, and trust. We must ask ourselves, “Am I playing my role to help the Earth, which is my home, heal and grow?” We need to remember that what we do matters because the well-being of our planet is only possible if governments and citizens act now.