KARACHI: The global footprint now exceeds the Earth’s capacity to regenerate by about 30 percent, and if the human needs continued at the same rate, they would need two new planets by 2030 to sustain life, said prominent environmentalist and WWF-Pakistan Regional Director Dr Ghulam Akbar on Thursday.
Addressing a ceremony on the occasion of ‘Earth Day 2010’ at the Wetlands Centre, Sandspit, Akbar said, “The world today is in greater peril than ever before. Whether we live on the edge of the forest or in the heart of the city, our livelihoods and indeed our lives depend on the services provided by the Earth’s natural systems.” The demands of humans continue to escalate, driven by the relentless growth in human population and in individual consumption, he added.
A wide array of colourful and informative activities – including drawing competition, arts and crafts exhibition, beach cleaning, puppet show, live musical performance, magic show and games – were organised on the occasion to voice the commitment of a more sustainable future for Pakistan. Around 1,600 students from public and private schools, colleges and universities were also present, and some of the students took part in different contests and informative activities arranged to highlight the importance of the day.
Addressing the ceremony, WWF-Pakistan Corporate Relation, Communication and Fundraising Head Marriyum Aurangzeb said the event had been celebrated with an aim to usher in a new era of nature conservation, encouraging personal accountability and behavioural change to facilitate sustainable living on our planet. Certificates and prizes were also distributed among some schoolchildren who outshined others in different activities.