Naval chief for collective action against climate change

KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has called for urgent, coordinated and sustained action at national, regional and international levels to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, warning that rising temperatures, sea-level rise, floods, droughts and other extreme weather events are increasingly affecting millions of people and damaging ecosystems worldwide. In his message on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, observed annually on June 5, the Naval Chief said this year’s theme, “A Global Call for Climate Action,” serves as a timely reminder of the serious environmental challenges confronting humanity. He noted that climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global issues, with its impacts extending beyond environmental concerns to affect economic stability, food security, public health and sustainable development. Admiral Ashraf emphasized that governments, institutions, industries and communities must work together to adopt innovative and practical solutions aimed at reducing environmental degradation and enhancing resilience for future generations. Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, he said various international assessments rank the country among the five to eight most climate-affected nations globally. Pakistan faces a range of environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, water scarcity, pollution and an increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, heatwaves and droughts, he added. The Naval Chief stressed that protecting national resources and ecosystems has become a collective national responsibility requiring proactive measures and sustained commitment from all segments of society. He observed that climate change transcends national borders and affects entire regions, making international cooperation essential. Developed and developing countries must work together through the sharing of technology, resources and innovative solutions to mitigate environmental risks, he said. Admiral Ashraf also underscored the role of international organizations, educational institutions and communities in creating awareness and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour. Referring to Pakistan Navy’s environmental initiatives, he said the maritime force remains committed to supporting national efforts aimed at environmental conservation and climate resilience. As the guardian of Pakistan’s maritime frontiers, the Navy continues to undertake a range of initiatives focused on protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts include regular coastal, sea and beach cleaning campaigns, environmental awareness programmes and community engagement activities aimed at reducing marine pollution and preserving the ecological balance of the Arabian Sea, particularly along Pakistan’s coastline. The Naval Chief said a major component of the Navy’s environmental strategy is the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests along the country’s coastal belt. Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastal communities from erosion and extreme weather events, supporting marine biodiversity and absorbing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, he noted. He added that Pakistan Navy, in collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders, continues to undertake large-scale mangrove plantation drives and coastal conservation projects to strengthen environmental sustainability and climate resilience. On the occasion, Admiral Ashraf urged citizens, institutions and stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices and contribute towards protecting the environment. He said simple but meaningful actions such as reducing untreated waste disposal into the sea, conserving energy, eliminating plastic pollution and protecting natural habitats can collectively make a significant positive impact. The Naval Chief called upon all segments of society to unite in support of environmental protection efforts to help build a greener, more resilient and prosperous Pakistan for future generations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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