Nature is increasingly seen in regards to sustainability or environmental protection with the rise of environmental degradation, due to the drastic rise in production by factories, defective agricultural policies, techno-centrism, deforestation, and more. However, with the lack of priority given to environmental protection and rising significance given to industrial growth, especially in Pakistan, we are faced with ignorance and lack of interest due to the government not emphasizing the gravity and relevance of the issue.

Even when the idea of nature or sustainability is considered, it is almost always a second priority especially when there are more “pressing” issues such as the current political turmoil, stabilization of our economy, and foreign policy, as well as increasing GDP and improving international relations and image. But beneath political and economic issues, we have abundant social and religious issues that demand our immediate attention, such as poverty, unemployment, religious persecution, and rising prices. It becomes almost inconceivable to prioritize finding ways tree plantations can be environmentally safe.

However, over the years, this seemingly aloof attitude has been subject to a slight change and the government has implemented policies to have a safe space for Pakistanis to inhabit: such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s billion tree tsunami, the goal to plant a billion trees in five years, the abolishment of plastic bags in Cantt, and having Pakistan be one of the 200 countries part of the global climate deal which will be enforced in 2020. However, we have much farther to go if we wish to successfully achieve a safe, healthy, and protected environment.

At a grassroots level, we must examine the different attitudes and approaches to nature holistically. First, the individual. Individuals from the ages of 10 to 18 are taught at schools to prioritize the issue of environmentalism and preservation of nature. Naturally, their response to taking care of the environment is more active and effective. Another driving factor for the youth is that they are working towards their own future, whereas when we examine adults ranging from the age of 40 and beyond, we see a major problem. They believe that the severe effects of climate is something they will be saved from as they will not live to see the harm it causes and thus are not driven to take any action.

Our community needs a shift in mindset in order to achieve true success in any field, we need to set aside the disparity that divides us and causes rifts among our own people. Our local, regional, and national community must strive to understand the importance of nature and how our very well being depends solely upon it. Only when we work together as a united force can we see and make an effective impact.