Pakistan's Path to SDG-13

In the Sindh province of Pakistan, a land steeped in cultural and religious diversity, the battle against climate change is being waged not just through policy but through the power of faith. With more than 95% of its communities driven by religious beliefs, Sindh offers a unique opportunity for a faith-led environmental movement that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG-13) on climate action.

Religious leaders in Sindh have long been pillars of their communities, guiding spiritual and moral conduct. Recently, this influence has expanded to environmental stewardship. When Pir Paghara, a respected spiritual leader, called upon the public to plant more trees, the response was immediate and heartfelt. Communities across Sindh not only planted trees but also committed to nurturing them, showcasing the profound impact that faith-based leadership can have on environmental initiatives.

Sindh’s rich tapestry of religious communities—including Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs—has demonstrated a growing commitment to combating climate change. However, for these efforts to be more effective, there must be a concerted effort to enhance their capacities. Vague exhortations are not enough; clear, actionable roadmaps are needed to guide faith leaders in mobilizing their followers. This involves promoting tree planting, establishing green kitchen gardens, and protecting natural resources, all while integrating economic opportunities that benefit local communities and contribute to sustainability.

Authorities in Pakistan have shown a tendency to focus on immediate, often superficial measures, such as adding charges to electricity bills, without considering more constructive initiatives. Imagine a modest charge of 50 rupees per plant added to utility bills, earmarked specifically for reforestation projects. This simple step could channel significant resources into environmental restoration efforts.

In Sindh, discussions among faith leaders typically focus on ensuring peace during major religious events like Muharram-ul-Haram, Eid, Holi, and Diwali. However, it is imperative to expand these discussions to include climate action. Faith leaders can inspire their communities to engage in environmental stewardship through daily prayers, Friday sermons, and teachings that highlight the spiritual importance of caring for the Earth. By developing green strategies in collaboration with local administrations, they can ensure a district-wide impact, promoting tree planting in mosques, temples, churches, gurdwaras, graveyards, public places, and even individual households.

An effective faith-led environmental campaign would also involve regular follow-ups and the establishment of nurseries through partnerships with forest and agriculture departments. A five-year District Green Plan, supported by faith leaders, could significantly enhance green campaigns across Sindh. Such a plan would include monitoring each planted tree’s growth over a ten-month period and ensuring that town committees at the district and grassroots levels take responsibility for watering and maintaining these trees.

The economic benefits of this approach are also clear. In Umerkot District, known for its religious diversity, multiple faiths have united under the ‘Faith in Action for Sustainable Climate Resilience’ project, facilitated by the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) and funded by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA). This collaboration has resulted in the planting of thousands of trees, helping to mitigate climate change’s adverse effects and improve air quality. These initiatives not only enhance the local ecosystem but also symbolize the unity and collective strength of diverse religious communities working towards a common goal.

For such efforts to be sustainable, a clear and accessible plan for tree planting must be developed for each district. Proper mapping and yearly development announcements can invite public participation in maintaining and protecting these green assets. Integrating faith-based approaches into district agendas is crucial for addressing future challenges like heat waves. Faith leaders can play a pivotal role in drawing upon religious teachings to inspire and mobilize grassroots action.

Each religion’s teachings on environmental stewardship emphasize the importance of planting trees. As Lata Kumari shared, “When I wake up early in the morning and see the TULSI (a religious tree) with my own eyes and water it, my mind finds peace. TULSI removes sorrow from the home and brings comfort inside.” Such personal connections to nature can drive community-wide efforts in environmental preservation.

Despite the promising efforts, there are significant challenges to overcome. Tree cutting has increased, with many indigenous trees like Rohero, Neem, and Babur being felled by wood business owners and the timber mafia. Raising public awareness about the value of these trees is critical. As one campaign poignantly put it, “I absorb 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide alone in one year; in return, all I ask is ‘let me live.’ Every day I serve about four people. Don’t you think I deserve to be saved?”

The stark reality, as reported by Sindh Awaz in 2008, is that 700,000 acres of forest in rural and urban Sindh have been demolished, directly affecting 420 million trees. Without urgent reforestation, heat waves could raise temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Celsius in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, the intersection of faith and climate action is creating a powerful narrative of hope and resilience. Religious communities, united by a shared commitment to environmental values, can be a supportive catalyst for change. Through interfaith collaborations, the leadership of religious figures, and intrinsic motivation, Pakistan can achieve SDG-13 climate action and protect the planet for future generations.