Lahore: In a significant move to address escalating environmental challenges, the Urban Unit of Punjab launched the Lahore Climate Action Plan (LCAP) during a strategic appraisal workshop on October 24. The LCAP is a comprehensive framework designed to tackle Lahore’s severe air pollution, rising temperatures, urban heat islands, and frequent flooding, and is part of the broader Climate Resilient Punjab Vision.

According to Zameen.Com, the workshop was inaugurated by Raja Jehangir, Secretary of the Punjab Environmental Protection Department (EPD), with program insights shared by Usman Manzoor of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Climate Promise Programme and Shruti Narayan of C40 Cities. Narayan emphasized that regional collaboration would be essential in addressing the complex climate challenges Lahore faces.

Abid Hussainy, Project Team Lead and General Manager of Environment and Climate Change at the Urban Unit, presented an overview of LCAP, aligning it with the 2024 Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan. The plan sets ambitious goals, including a 50% reduction in emissions by next year and achieving emissions neutrality by 2050. Lahore currently experiences 265 days annually with unhealthy air quality levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching peaks of 405. The city’s high pollution levels stem from rapid urbanization, a 4.5 million-strong motorcycle fleet, 3.4 million cars, 6,800 industries, and extensive rice field stubble burning, which has increased by 10% this year. To counter these issues, LCAP will prioritize sustainable waste management, addressing the lack of a proper landfill, and advocating for reforestation to restore green cover across the city.

The official launch concluded with a signing ceremony by Raja Jehangir, Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, and Abid Hussainy, marking a unified commitment to climate resilience. The launch of LCAP sets the groundwork for decisive climate action to restore Lahore’s environment and support the city’s sustainability efforts.