Average temperature across Pakistan will increase between 3.9°C and 4.4°C by 2080s, corresponding to an increase in average global temperature rise of between 2.8°C and 3.4°C by the end of this century because of climate changes. This was stated at the concluding day of the 'International Symposium on Strategies Conservation of Endangered Ecosystem' on Tuesday at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
The Symposium was arranged by the university's Department of Botany. It was chaired by UAF's Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. Vice-Chancellor of the Agricultural University, Peshawar, Professor Dr Khan Bahadar Marwat was the guest of honour on the occasion. Delegates from many countries, including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, also participated.
Professor Dr Iqrar Khan said that the climate change would boost the variability of monsoon rains and enhance the frequency and severity of extreme events, including floods and droughts. He said Pakistan's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 309 million tones of carbon dioxide (CO2). Among it, energy sector was the biggest contributor with a 50 percent share while industrial processes contributed 6 percent. Pakistan was a small GHG emitter contributing about 0.8% of the total global GHG emissions on per capita basis.
Dean of UAF's Faculty of Sciences Professor Dr Ashraf said that collaboration among institutions was vital to devise a roadmap for meeting future challenges. Dr Dawud Mohammad Hassan from Jordan stressed the need for holding more such events to bring together all stakeholders and provide a platform to find solutions to problems. Dr Latif Bin Muhammad from Malaysia praised the UAF for highlighting the issue and said that it was vital to preserve ecosystem and expedite efforts in this regard. Dr Munir from Turkey also spoke on the occassion.