Islamabad’s Green Initiatives Set a Benchmark for Urban Sustainability: Insights from PM’s Climate Aide Romina Khurshid

Islamabad, September 1, 2024 — Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC & EC), has praised Islamabad's innovative environmental initiatives. These measures, aimed at transitioning to renewable energy and addressing climate change vulnerabilities, are positioning the city as a model for environmental sustainability.

In a recent statement, Khurshid Alam highlighted the significant strides made by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration. The city is undertaking a series of green initiatives designed to mitigate climate impacts and enhance its sustainability. These efforts include the adoption of advanced technologies and the promotion of eco-friendly practices to improve air quality and overall environmental health.

AI-Based Solutions for Improved Air Quality

A key aspect of Islamabad's environmental strategy is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle air quality issues. According to Khurshid Alam, the MoCC & EC has proposed an innovative AI-based solution to monitor and improve the city's air quality. This initiative aims to position Islamabad as a leading environmentally-sustainable and climate-smart city on the global stage.

Currently, Islamabad’s air quality exceeds interim World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The city's air quality is deteriorating due to various factors, including rising emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles. To address these concerns, the proposed AI-based solution will help identify pollution sources and recommend targeted actions to reduce emissions and enhance air quality.

Transition to Green Energy and Electric Vehicles

One of the cornerstone initiatives under Islamabad’s green strategy is the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). The shift towards EVs is expected to significantly reduce air pollution and associated health risks. Khurshid Alam emphasized that electric buses, recently introduced in ICT, are a crucial component of this transition. These buses produce no emissions and contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution compared to traditional diesel-powered buses. Studies indicate that electric buses can be up to 2.5 times cleaner in terms of lifecycle emissions than their diesel counterparts.

In addition to electric vehicles, the ICT administration is also focusing on urban forestry to enhance air quality and support biodiversity. By integrating green spaces and promoting tree planting, the city aims to create a healthier and more inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.

Innovative Environmental Policies and Programs

Several policies and programs have been introduced to bolster Islamabad’s climate resilience and environmental sustainability. These include:

• Electric Bus Service: This service is designed to reduce emissions and improve public transportation’s environmental footprint.
• Climate Change Fund (CCF): The CCF is a pioneering project aimed at addressing environmental concerns in the ICT region. It focuses on financing initiatives that support climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Margalla Hills Fund (MHF): This fund allocates 1.5% of revenue from recreational spots in the Margalla Hills National Park to protect and conserve natural resources. The goal is to safeguard the park’s ecological balance and enhance its resilience to climate change.
• Carbon Credit Programme (CCP): The CCP involves planting 4 to 5 million trees across 2,000 to 10,000 kanals in the capital city, contributing to carbon sequestration and environmental restoration.

Encouraging Other Cities to Adopt Islamabad’s Model

Khurshid Alam urged other cities to emulate Islamabad’s approach to climate action. She emphasized the need for a holistic strategy that includes renewable energy adoption, electric vehicle integration, urban forestry, and climate-resilient construction. By following these practices, cities across the country can achieve their environmental sustainability goals and create healthier living conditions for their residents.

Conclusion: A Green Future for Islamabad and Beyond

Romina Khurshid Alam’s endorsement of Islamabad’s green initiatives underscores the city’s role as a pioneer in urban sustainability. The various programs and policies implemented by the ICT administration reflect a commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more resilient city. As Islamabad continues to set an example for other urban centers, the focus on innovative solutions and collective efforts will be crucial in addressing climate change and fostering environmental stewardship.

Residents and city planners alike are encouraged to support these initiatives and contribute to building a sustainable future. By prioritizing environmental actions and embracing green technologies, Islamabad is paving the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient urban landscape.

Keywords:

• Islamabad green initiatives
• Romina Khurshid Alam climate change
• AI air quality improvement
• Electric vehicles Islamabad
• Urban forestry Islamabad
• Climate Change Fund (CCF)
• Margalla Hills Fund (MHF)
• Carbon Credit Programme (CCP)
• Environmental sustainability Pakistan
• Renewable energy adoption Pakistan