By: Shehneela Mazhar
As the world wakes up to the undeniable carbon footprint, the call for effective mitigation strategies grows louder. Pakistan too is abuzz with climate change concerns, with the government crafting policies inspired by western literature. Yet, the need for a homegrown approach has become imperative.
Recognizing this urgency, the University of Haripur takes a pioneering step. Introducing an undergraduate degree program dedicated to climate change, the university aims to nurture a skilled workforce to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. This regional first promises to equip the next generation of climate change experts, researchers, and policy makers with indigenous insights.
In the heart of this transformative endeavor stands Zahoor Ahmad, Director of Undergraduate Studies Programs and Associate Professor at the Department of Soil & Climate Sciences, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. His vision and dedication are instrumental in shaping a generation ready to champion climate action. However, the commitment doesn’t stop there. With the seal of approval from HEC, the University of Haripur is set to launch an MS Climate Change program under the same department. This venture not only embarks on vital research into climate-related issues but also molds future leaders poised to combat climate change both at home and on the global stage.
The University of Haripur’s initiative, fortified by Zahoor Ahmad’s leadership, marks a defining moment in Pakistan’s fight against climate change. It’s a promise of innovation, research, and transformative leadership in the pursuit of a sustainable world.