Senator Sherry Rehman Launches Youth Climate Caucus Initiative

The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, led by Senator Sherry Rehman, has put forward a groundbreaking initiative to establish a Youth Climate Caucus. This move aims to ensure that the voices of young individuals are heard in policy-making decisions and legislative processes concerning climate and environmental issues.

During the committee's inaugural meeting, Senator Rehman, along with members such as Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Senator Naseema Ehsan, and Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, discussed a comprehensive plan of action to address environmental challenges in various sectors. Emphasizing the urgency of engaging the youth in combating climate crises, Senator Rehman announced upcoming environmental public hearings to evaluate the country's progress in tackling climate change vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, the committee plans to visit the Leopard Preserve Zone in Margalla Hills National Park to observe wildlife conservation efforts and advocate for the ban on trading and captivity of exotic species in Rawalpindi and Islamabad Capital Territory to safeguard endangered wildlife.

Senator Rehman stressed the need to address environmental pollution, particularly the issue of smog in Pakistan, and outlined the committee's agenda, which includes discussions on water scarcity, monsoon impacts, renewable energy, and the transition to clean energy sources.

Collaborating with key authorities like the Ministry of Water Resources, Pakistan Meteorological Department, and National Disaster Management Authority, the committee aims to tackle water-related challenges and enhance preparedness for extreme weather events. The importance of public support in combating climate change, given Pakistan's impending water scarcity and plastic pollution in water bodies, was also highlighted.

The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change is set to focus on critical issues such as hazardous waste management, glacial lake outburst floods, and the elimination of single-use plastics. Senators Kakar and Ehsan expressed their backing for the committee's endeavors and stressed the significance of involving educated youth in climate change research and mitigation efforts.