tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46485070515052543572024-02-20T17:06:17.097+05:00The Colors of LifeLife is beautiful and friends fill this life with the colors of hope, happiness and joys. Standing alone, we do little but going together we do a lot. We love people and nature around us, we wish little and big smiles on faces and we join hands to make this world a place of peace and love.Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-58446418066617194222019-08-10T00:15:00.004+05:002019-08-10T00:15:40.904+05:00Why Should a Climate Reality Leader Think Big<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">This happened exactly ten years before! I walked inside a small room, with few chairs around a big table and nine colleagues waiting for me. I wasn’t confident for what I was supposed to talk. One of my friends said, “it seems like you have something different to discuss today”. And I said, yes it is and let’s see if I could explain it rightly! </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7aaMx4Y_3o/XU3F9GOheAI/AAAAAAAAGkI/HBZ1j4Im31kS7kihnE9SKD8T-zZJWh8RQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="232" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7aaMx4Y_3o/XU3F9GOheAI/AAAAAAAAGkI/HBZ1j4Im31kS7kihnE9SKD8T-zZJWh8RQCLcBGAs/s320/1.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span class="s1">I opened my laptop and displayed the very first slide on a big screen. Rising Earth - perhaps the very first slide with beautiful photo of the Earth I showed to my friends. “Here’s the magnificent appearance of Mother Earth - a photo taken by the Apollo Mission to the Moon”. I was recalling words of Honorable Al Gore, after I had my <a href="https://www.climaterealityproject.org/" target="_blank">first ever training</a> with him. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Climate Change, carbon emission, photos of melting glaciers, graphs,... with each slide, the first thing I could do, in fact, was to build my own confidence. A confidence necessary to communicate climate crisis, telling people the facts and helping friends realize what we think as our misfortune (the disasters) is the aftermath of industrialization and unchecked carbon pollution. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Why could I improve confidence during my early presentations on climate change was the use of the updated version of the Al Gore’s slideshow, featured in the Academy-Award winning documentary - An Inconvenient Truth. Like many other Climate Leaders, I also recall the style of Al Gore as he walks us through his slideshow with the great combination of reality and emotions! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">After my first presentation, my first commitment was to continue these discussions with different communities. I could then talked to different communities of faith, youth groups, women and community activists. Interestingly, the more I talked about climate change, the more I was labelled as a person making people scare of climate impacts, besides the occasions, where I had to answers questions about religion vs. human induced climate change. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">To be honest, I wanted people to feel scary. I wanted people to get disturbed so they could realize it’s not an infinite world where we can allow emission of over 110 million tons of carbon emission everyday. I wanted people to think of actions, either small or big, to help stop climate crisis. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Somewhere in my sub conscious, I kept the words “a scary presenter” alive. I thought, people are right in saying this. May be this way, I wasn’t fully helping my audience to get ready for real action. That was the time, I made a big shift in my work as Climate Reality Leader. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I thought one of the best ways would be is to start climate change campaigns and actions. I won’t say it’s luck but a will that I could find great number of committed friends with whom I worked on different compelling initiatives. These friends helped me do things in better way like advocated with a district management to officially ban use of black plastic bags in markets, putting together efforts to establish <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UCaSiigjmQ" target="_blank">Pakistan’ first ever solar powered public hospital</a> and much more. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This shift in strategy changed my own thinking process as I Climate Leader. I started believing that thinking big is rather a good way of multiplying effects. While a small act of climate action has its own value, a Climate Leader, however, should have the will power to do something which is seemingly tough but not impossible. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">And that’s the reason that I, along with my fellow Climate Leader Anam Rathore and two other women leaders, Rehana and Qandeel took a big step - empowering girls schools with solar technology across Pakistan. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Naming this nation wide campaign <a href="https://solarforher.com/" target="_blank">“Solar For Her”</a>, we have been organizing a team of committed campaign connectors across the districts and identifying schools where girls confront the big challenge of extremely hot weather conditions. Our team does fundraising and equip most needed girls schools with solar power to run fans and lights and help girls continue their education. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Over 350 girls in this campaign have already access to solar powered classrooms in two schools. This year, we’re going to establish three more solar powered schools in three different districts. In phase one, we are aiming to establish at least 30 girls solar powered schools throughout Pakistan! </span></div>
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As I reflect on my own journey as a Climate Leader, I have many take aways. The first thing is - facts and realities build up confidence which ultimately leads to productive conversation around climate crisis. Secondly, while actions at individual level can be much helpful, we can amplify impacts by learning from leadership abilities of other team members. And thirdly, never stop thinking big. It would require will power and everything would eventually get easy. <span class="s1"></span></div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-38122946373710128282019-05-25T18:23:00.003+05:002019-05-25T18:23:42.429+05:00Three New Solar Powered Schools for Girls in Pakistan! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Friends, we have super exciting news to share with everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://www.reonenergy.com/" target="_blank">ReonEnergyLimited</a> - one of the leading industrial solar solution companies in Pakistan, has decided to support us in establishing three new Solar Powered Schools for girls in Pakistan. What a great news!<br />
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Our voluntary campaign - "<a href="https://solarforher.weebly.com/" target="_blank">SolarPoweredSchools for Girls in Pakistan</a>" has already established two solar powered schools, one in Muzaffarabad and one in tribal district, Khyber Agency.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSRqn9hO0N0/XOlA2j12jNI/AAAAAAAAGi4/TjsVwI7Gr6c8Qi1vbcCgpYJUSxttd6blwCLcBGAs/s1600/FB_IMG_1558790509497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSRqn9hO0N0/XOlA2j12jNI/AAAAAAAAGi4/TjsVwI7Gr6c8Qi1vbcCgpYJUSxttd6blwCLcBGAs/s320/FB_IMG_1558790509497.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Over 350 girls in these two schools have access to solar powered classrooms, helping them continue their education and fighting climate change.<br />
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Reon will generously provide us solar panels, batteries and inverters for our 3 new #SolarPoweredSchools for #girls. Thank you for this support, Reon!<br />
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Once established, we'll have total five solar powered schools out of 30 schools we are aiming to establish across Pakistan!<br />
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This campaign is not just about installing solar system at schools, but in fact an effort to tell the world that clean energy like solar is the way to achieve sustainable living, fight climate change and reject dirty fossil fuel like coal.<br />
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The three new schools location, with Reon support, will be Kasur (Punjab), Gilgit (Northern Areas) and Chaman (Balochistan).<br />
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You can also be part of this wonderful initiative. Donate at this link to help poor girls fight climate change through solar revolution;<br />
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<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/SolarPoweredGirlsSchoolPakistan">https://www.gofundme.com/SolarPoweredGirlsSchoolPakistan</a><br />
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Don't forget to copy share this request with your friends and families!</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-9448622833906599122019-05-19T00:20:00.001+05:002019-05-19T00:20:32.073+05:00Drilling Failure in Kekra-1 - Not A Bad News<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Soon after the government announced failure of Kekra-1 drilling on the shores of Karachi, social and mainstream media in Pakistan started referring this project as an unfortunate development. The main question is - is it really unfortunate for Pakistan? While many would say Yes, it is in fact NOT.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grwV91gCsGo/XOBaI-PLPPI/AAAAAAAAGis/0sFAMDOIP8QkwdjtEBlAesqEM9pLBr-0QCLcBGAs/s1600/456572_5238592_Kekra-i_akhbar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="182" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grwV91gCsGo/XOBaI-PLPPI/AAAAAAAAGis/0sFAMDOIP8QkwdjtEBlAesqEM9pLBr-0QCLcBGAs/s320/456572_5238592_Kekra-i_akhbar.jpg" width="320" /></a>Kekra-1 well is about 280 km away from the coast of Karachi. Drilling in this well was disseminated among masses as one of the game changers in the economy of Pakistan. While the drilling was still in process, some people, in close company of Prime Minister Imran Khan started briefing the premier that a great news is just next to the door. Without digging into the reality, even the premier directly announced to the nation - get ready for a big news in next three weeks!<br />
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After the much anticipated, so called, discovery met its failure, a new debate started across the social media - how unfortunate the news is. Let us bring some realities on the table to decide if it is a failure or someone good for the future of this nation.<br />
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The project costs around 100 million dollars after drilling deep till 5500ft. Definitely, a financial loss for the companies who invested. Often investment in these projects are considered as at risk with high chances of no outcome at all. The question is - whether it is a right choice of investment? Of course not. Drilling means we are putting our environment at serious risk. People would consider oil & gas as a great economic boost. But do they consider negative impact from huge amount of carbon footprint associated with the oil & gas industry?<br />
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Dirty fossil fuel is one of the biggest reason of climate change - a phenomena which continues to impact our lives in shape of calamities like heat waves, drought, wind and sea storms and much more. We must educate our nation that discovery of oil & gas at the cost of environment is, in no means, a success.<br />
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That's true Pakistan share in global carbon emission is negligible. It's still less than one percent. However, as we are accelerating on the road of industrial development, we are increasing our share in global emission with each passing year. The time would come, when we would not be in a position to argue among the international community that we are the victims of climate change without our fault.<br />
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We produces our energy mostly from the fossil fuels - around 64 percent of total energy mix. On the other hand, despite the proven feasibility of solar and wind technology in Pakistan, our share of energy production from renewable sources is just 2 percent. Why should we be so excited for Kekra-1 projects when we can accelerate projects like Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park- a 1000 MW capacity planned project which is, however, not producing even a 100MW due to lack of political will.<br />
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The most unfortunate dilemma is the lack of awareness both among masses and political leadership. Our people should realize that our future does not shine with the discovery of any oil or gas. Our future is only safe after we make right choices i.e. get benefit from Sun and Winds which doesn't require investment like drilling on the shores.<br />
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Responsibility lies with concerned environmental campaigners and climate scientists to pave a way of education that our energy choice must not lead to gas or oil or even COAL projects. We don't need investment in dirty fossil fuel but we need investment in renewable technology which is affordable, easy and accessible to all. </div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-59493710014173808072019-05-14T14:38:00.003+05:002019-05-14T14:38:37.640+05:00Ask PM Imran Khan set a Five-Year Renewable Energy Target<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiM4PyFFbps/XNqL7H1oT3I/AAAAAAAAGiY/OX_eoRgdsM0JNyDRZSiSQk-9AzZ2dCclACLcBGAs/s1600/PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiM4PyFFbps/XNqL7H1oT3I/AAAAAAAAGiY/OX_eoRgdsM0JNyDRZSiSQk-9AzZ2dCclACLcBGAs/s320/PM.jpg" width="206" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Let us ask our Prime
Minister set a 5-year target of Solar and Wind Energy production in Pakistan and
promote this most affordable and viable technology for our better future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHHMW9K" target="_blank">Add your message here for thePrime Minister Imran Khan.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So, why we need to demand
this from our Prime Minister? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If we look at the
current energy mix of Pakistan, fossil fuel, i.e. oil and natural gas, stands
at the top with its 64% share in total energy production. It means we spent
more money on import of an energy source which is not good for our unstable economy
and also adversely affects our environment. Hydro power- a capital intensive source
comes next with its share of 27% in energy production. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now the most viable,
economically suitable and environment friendly source of energy is renewable
i.e. solar and wind. But unfortunately, solar and wind energy share in total
energy production is only 2%. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lack of political will
and unawareness about renewable potential are among the major causes this affordable
technology could not thrive in Pakistan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With rapid industrial
development, Pakistan energy demand will continue to grow. In a context where
our economy needs much needed stabilization, we simply can’t afford continue
our dependence on costly and dirty fossil fuel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So why not to ask our
political leadership set an ambitious target of energy production through solar
and wind and promote this technology at wider scale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wind energy potential in
Pakistan is estimated as 50GW. We have only 600MW installed wind energy. Wind
technology potential widely exists in southern wind corridors of Pakistan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwfGsv7X230/XNqMNnU5w7I/AAAAAAAAGig/YpbfhfVagFAidX88jVSvmA-boUBLGJn5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Solar%2BPakistan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="484" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwfGsv7X230/XNqMNnU5w7I/AAAAAAAAGig/YpbfhfVagFAidX88jVSvmA-boUBLGJn5QCEwYBhgL/s320/Solar%2BPakistan.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Similarly, solar energy
technology has tremendous potential to grow in the country, especially in the
southwest part. Despite a low installed capacity of around 500MW for now, this
technology has still created an estimated 15,500 local employment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So join us in approaching
our Prime Minister with a demand from every one of us that we need revolution
in solar and wind energy technology in Pakistan. Pakistan has no clear set
target for renewable energy. This is the time we set our direction in the best
interest of our economy and our nation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHHMW9K" target="_blank">Record your messagehere!</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you want to share
your photo as well, please inbox us on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Promote-Solar-and-Wind-Projects-in-Pakistan-844823592231687/" target="_blank">facebook page.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-7419570151754663212016-12-24T00:10:00.003+05:002016-12-24T00:29:51.012+05:00Donate and make Solar Powered Schools a reality!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Imagine an extremely hot classroom with no electricity in a temperature of 40 ℃ during summers, or too less light in a classroom during winter when bad weather shut down the power. </span>A <a href="https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/light-up-a-school-to-educate-children" target="_blank">solar powered school</a> which can help run at least <b>3 ceiling fans and 6 energy saver lights</b> would not be less than a blessing for little angels.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3QzM1hXbag/WF10RVj07cI/AAAAAAAAF0I/GLuuZd9logkUOJWFua8HRGnUCAMGszexwCEw/s1600/10433113_10152561935198087_5714042295064543371_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3QzM1hXbag/WF10RVj07cI/AAAAAAAAF0I/GLuuZd9logkUOJWFua8HRGnUCAMGszexwCEw/s400/10433113_10152561935198087_5714042295064543371_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>How can you help us? In fact there are number of ways!</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/light-up-a-school-to-educate-children" target="_blank">Donation;</a> </b>You can donate even $3 or more. Donate here; </div>
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<span class="s2">https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/light-up-a-school-to-educate-children<a href="https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/light-up-a-school-to-educate-children" target="_blank">https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/light-up-a-school-to-educate-children</a></span><span class="s1"> </span><br />
<b><br /></b><b>Do a Five-minute presentation </b>Do a short five-minutes presentation to your colleagues or friends and we'll send you a short ready made presentation for your use (comment if you need this presentation)</div>
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<b><br /></b><b>Spread the word on social media </b>Share this link on facebook, twitter, linkedIn and ask your friends to donate </div>
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<b>Make it published </b>If you or your friend run a page, blog or website, post our campaign link their to reach more people to read and donate.</div>
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<b>Ask us </b>Contact us if you need to donate or help by any other way!<br />
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So come forward, help in this cause and <a href="https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/light-up-a-school-to-educate-children" target="_blank">donate here</a> so we can make solar powered schools for our future generation a reality! </div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-20689756788826465472016-08-05T02:53:00.001+05:002016-08-05T02:57:36.610+05:00Ask Pakistan Railway Paint the Train with Climate Change Messages<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHwNG3nAzac/V6O5H1z8HqI/AAAAAAAABbQ/tRd5v_0rLPwyH3kkbpd2EDgiSfPUDiwzgCLcB/s1600/train-clipart-Clipart-of-train-clipart-best.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHwNG3nAzac/V6O5H1z8HqI/AAAAAAAABbQ/tRd5v_0rLPwyH3kkbpd2EDgiSfPUDiwzgCLcB/s320/train-clipart-Clipart-of-train-clipart-best.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Every day thousands of people use trains to travel across Pakistan. A country which suffers the brunt of climate change like</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> heatwaves, flooding, scarcity of drinking water, drought and sea level rise, is less aware of science behind the climate crisis. We need to educate our people!<br /><br /><a href="https://web.facebook.com/TrainClimateChange/" target="_blank">"Paint the Train with Climate Messages"</a> is our new campaign where we will request everyone join us in demanding the Pakistan Railway to put climate change awareness raising messages on a train. This will provide an easy and affordable way to educate wider community about climate change and help them learn solution to fight climate crisis.<br /><br />You can join this campaign by adopting different ways of actions like;<br /><br />1) Hashtag #PaintTrainWithClimate and ask Pakistan Railway to paint the train with climate change messages for broader community awareness</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />2) If you travel in a train, take your photo along with a message written on something and ask Pak Railway "Paint the Train with Climate Message"</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />3) Write an article or blog about this campaign and share it on our <a href="https://web.facebook.com/TrainClimateChange/" target="_blank">page</a></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />4) Talk about it in some TV or radio interview </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />5) Send your messages to different environmental organizations, Pakistan Railway and even to the office of Prime Minister</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />6) Join our online survey to demand the Pak Railway to Paint the train with Climate Change message</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />7) Any other way you find easy to communicate your message to Pak Railway!</span></div>
</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-44861823465310372822016-04-16T19:30:00.000+05:002016-04-16T19:34:06.912+05:00You helped us ask the PM Nawaz Sharif sign the Paris Agreement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A big thanks to everyone who added their names and showed solidarity with us in asking Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.<br />
<br />
Here is the letter we sent to Prime Minister Office in Islamabad today!<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6pt;">April 16, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Muhammad Nawaz Sharif <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ref: Public
resolution to Sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Prime Minister, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would like to thank you for your personal
attendance and much valued representation of Pakistan in the opening session of
the 21<sup>st</sup> session of the Conference of Parties (COP 21) in Paris,
France last December 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The outcome of the COP21 was widely
appreciated by international community, particularly those concerned of global
environment and climate change. The historical Paris Agreement as a result of
two week negotiations in Paris thus brings too much hope for us all as the
world leadership, including Pakistan, agreed to take every possible step in limiting
the emission of greenhouse gases which is the primary cause of climate change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you know, Mr. PM, the UN Secretary General
Ban Ki-moon will convene a high level signing ceremony on April 22, 2016
in New York where the world leaders will be invited to sign the Paris
Agreement. The Paris Agreement will enter into force if at least 55
countries, which together accounts for at least 55% of the global emission,
sign the agreement and ratify it within their own legal system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dear Prime Minister, the citizens of Pakistan
from across the country have reached us through online survey to demand that
our Government should take proactive action and join the signing ceremony of
the Paris Agreement in New York. We, as the citizen of this country, very much
look forward that our Government play it due role in making the Paris Agreement
a huge success. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Signing of the Paris Agreement is important
for us all. Every day, human induced activities like burning of fossil fuel in
industries, transportation and massive global deforestation lead to
emission of 110 million tons of greenhouse gases into the Earth’ atmosphere.
This huge amount of emission is negatively changing our climate and bringing
in frequent disasters like heat waves, flash floods and deeper droughts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pakistan although contributes less than one
percent in global carbon emission, but it still suffers from catastrophic
climate crisis. Similar to the 2015 heatwave in Karachi, meteorologists have
again predicted another heatwave this year, thanks to climate change. We
would never forget the 2010 flood which affected 20 million Pakistanis and
brought one-fifth of the country land under water. Every year we are losing 6%
of our total GDP due to environmental degradation and weather related
disasters. This is the time our Government join the international community in
every possible effort to fight climate crisis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The citizens of Pakistan demand the Prime
Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to join signing ceremony at New York
and sign the Paris Agreement. The citizens also demand that the Government of
Pakistan take proactive measures to put in place a strong inventory system of
greenhouse gases emission and make its national climate action plan (Intended
Nationally Determined Contribution) “specific” and in the best interest of the entire
nation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On behalf of our fellow citizens who contacted
our voluntary campaign! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Asif Iqbal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Climate Reality Project Pakistan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Al Gore’s Climate Change Leadership Program<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.climaterealityproject.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://www.climaterealityproject.org/</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-5587170928059793692016-04-08T11:25:00.000+05:002016-04-08T11:25:08.361+05:00Demand Prime Minister of Pakistan to sign the Paris Agreement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Dear friends, we have started a campaign to demand Prime Minister of Pakistan to sign the Paris Agreement. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Please add your name in this survey before April 16, 2016 and also share the link widely, specially to fellow Pakistanis in the country and abroad. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Here is the link to add your name and share among your social network; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H8MCLPM">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H8MCLPM</a></span></span></div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-36610098465315397952016-04-03T12:37:00.000+05:002016-04-03T12:37:08.905+05:00From a Solar Powered Parliament to a Safer Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In February 2016, the parliament house of Pakistan achieved a distinct
status of becoming the world’ first ever parliament which is 100 percent solar
powered. 3,940 solar panels installed
over the rooftop and in the parking area of the building produce 1MW
electricity and surplus energy is sold out to the National Grid.</div>
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The story of solar powered parliament house of Pakistan is part of the
big picture the global climate movement is shaping to transition to clean
energy pathways and limiting global carbon emission to the scientifically
endorsed limit of below 450ppm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Irrespective of the fact that Pakistan’ share of carbon emission is
still less than one percent of the global emission, the country is part of the
recent Paris Agreement which encourages all UN member countries to take
strenuous efforts in achieving a common goal of staying below 2 Degree Celsius
to avoid dangerous climate catastrophes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pakistan has remained a victim of climate crisis since long. Last year,
the GermanWatch index stated Pakistan as the 8<sup>th</sup> most affected
country due to climate change. In 2010 this ranking was number one. Among the
most recent examples is the May 2015 heatwave in Karachi which killed about
2000 individuals. In February 2016, temperature in Karachi peaked to 36.5
Degree Celsius, a February never been so hot in last twenty years. From a sea
level rise in the coastal areas of Baluchistan and Sindh to melting glaciers in
the North, climate change continues to challenge human survival in Pakistan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite the growing challenges of climate change, Pakistan has the
potential to get benefits from a wide range of opportunities to tackle this
issue. Renewable energy is one of the options. A study conducted by MIT,
Stanford University and University of California confirmed that Pakistan can
produced 92 percent of its electricity only from solar power which is the highest
rate in the world. This would definitely require a strong political will. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pakistan being part of the global community can play its part to make
Paris Agreement a success by strengthening domestic system of carbon inventory
and verifiable reporting mechanism against the needed climate financing to
harness promising opportunities like renewable energy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although, certain outcomes of the Paris Agreements like current pledges
made under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit carbon emission are
not sufficient to keep the average temperature increase below 2 Degree Celsius.
The agreement however has good things to offer as well - a global commitment of
raising USD 200 billion annually by 2020 to support vulnerable countries fight
climate change. Highly feasible solar projects together with enhanced system to
verify and report carbon mitigation in Pakistan can open ways to access this Green
Climate Fund. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pakistan has the opportunity to revert its challenges associated with
climate change with climate resilient country. A strong political will is
however needed to make drastic improvements to make this desire a reality.
Pakistan still needs to make its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution
(INDC) stronger under the Paris Agreement which currently has no specific
targets due to lack of authentic and reportable carbon inventory system. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Number of promising initiatives at the government level gives strong
hope that Pakistan is not undermining its climate action as part of the global
community. The country approved its National Climate Change Policy in 2012. In
early 2015, the government reinstated its Federal Climate Change Ministry and introduced
net metering system which allows consumers who install solar system to sell any
surplus electricity to the National Grid. Only the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, after
its completion would generate 1000MW of electricity. The federal government’
Green Pakistan Program aims to plant 100 million trees and the KPK government
has initiated Billion Trees Tsunami program to plant another 1.5 billion trees
in the country. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The only option to act on climate is in the best interest of all of us.
We still have a long way to go and make our country a safer part of the world. A
strong political will is no doubt a key to make this happen fast. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-58009586567089751862016-01-03T01:19:00.001+05:002016-01-03T13:35:50.996+05:00This is all about You Al Gore! A Tribute to Your Leadership! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is all about Al Gore!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paris Agreement is a well-deserved celebration for
us all in the global climate movement! This historical agreement has finally
set the tone to say goodbye to fossil fuel and transition to clean renewable
energy like Solar and Wind! We could not have achieved this milestone without
the visionary leadership of Al Gore who mobilized grass root climate actions
and largely contributed to drive political will to reach the Paris Agreement! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank you Al Gore for
everything you are doing for the Planet Earth! Happy New Year 2016 </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO2STYgcfhA/VoghpHLLvYI/AAAAAAAABZA/BOnDuOU68wI/s1600/Al%2BGore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO2STYgcfhA/VoghpHLLvYI/AAAAAAAABZA/BOnDuOU68wI/s400/Al%2BGore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.emaze.com/@AFIFZLOQ/appreciating-al-gore" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our project of compassion</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.emaze.com/@AFIFZLOQ/appreciating-al-gore" target="_blank">:</a> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the Paris Agreement, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I thought inviting everyone
to say something special for Al Gore would be one of the respectable ways to
acknowledge his true leadership in global climate campaign! Today, I feel so
excited to share all those messages I have received from our wonderful fellows
and friends to appreciate Al Gore for his profound contribution in the Paris
Agreement. Thank you everyone for joining me in this simple but lovely
initiative! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Visit this <a href="https://www.emaze.com/@AFIFZLOQ/appreciating-al-gore" target="_blank"><b>beautiful online presentation</b></a> and click play to enjoy our collective tribute to Mr. Al Gore!!</span><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Happy reading, I would love to hear from you on asifoghi@yahoo.com. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Asif </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-48436388774187358662015-12-13T19:33:00.000+05:002015-12-18T12:24:07.217+05:00Add Your Special Word of Thanks to Al Gore! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Add
your special words of thanks to Al Gore for his years’ long struggle to fight
climate crisis and his wonderful contribution in making the Paris Agreement in
COP 21 a reality. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.85pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Add your word of thanks <b><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/29LM3FL" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
will send all the collective responses to Al Gore with the start of New Year
2016! </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_--gYlt1_c/Vm2BMsluEoI/AAAAAAAABWM/A_ZSpW3ZX9s/s1600/Al%2BGore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_--gYlt1_c/Vm2BMsluEoI/AAAAAAAABWM/A_ZSpW3ZX9s/s1600/Al%2BGore.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Al Gore,
the Nobel Laureate and a great climate campaigner, dedicated his utmost efforts
to motivate grass root communities, businesses and world leadership act on
climate change. His tireless efforts made hundreds of thousands citizens from
different parts of the world understand the reality of climate crisis and
demand their leaders to protect the only Planet Earth from human induced
climate change, reject denials and accept the long lasting solutions like clean
and renewable energies. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Al
Gore’s profound wisdom and passion to solve climate crisis largely contributed
to the historical Paris Agreement where world leadership adopted a new global
pact to fight climate change. This is the time we as concerned citizens of this
Planet Earth express our sincere gratitude and word of thanks to Al Gore for
what he did for us all at present and for our future generation!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Add
your words of thanks on this link </span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/29LM3FL" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/29LM3FL</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">as a special New Year wish for Al Gore!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>PS: Send me your favorite photo on <i>asifoghi@yahoo.com</i> in case you want your picture to appear along with your message for Al Gore when I feature all the messages with start of New Year 2016 :)</b></span></div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-3907639221530397142015-12-12T14:42:00.001+05:002015-12-12T14:45:48.813+05:00Countering Climate Change Terrorism in Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recent terrorists attack in Paris and the brutal killing of more than
120 innocent lives had such an enormous impact that the world media started
counting it as the worst atrocity in France after the World War-II. World
leadership reacted promptly with much needed solidarity with the victim
families by turning on lights after the Eiffel tower put them off in grief. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Unexpectedly, despite the big loss and declared emergency, the president
of France announced the county will continue to host the two-week international
negotiations on climate change, that started from November 30<sup>th </sup>in Paris. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The decision had stunned international community in circumstances when
the France borders were sealed given the severity of Paris incident. Someone
known to the reality of climate change can imagine how important this decision was
by the French president.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSOJteHqipI/Vmvry3Dd-8I/AAAAAAAABVs/dLzE2cJfI1c/s1600/COP21-Paris.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSOJteHqipI/Vmvry3Dd-8I/AAAAAAAABVs/dLzE2cJfI1c/s320/COP21-Paris.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In profound solidarity with the people of France, it is safe to say that
the threat of Climate Change is worse than incidents like Paris terror attacks.
According to James Hansen, Former Director, NASA Goddard Institute of Space
Studies, “the energy trapped by man-made global warming pollution is now
equivalent to exploding 400,000 Hiroshima atomic bombs per day, 365 days per
year”. This is no doubt, a disastrous energy to bear with. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Countering terrorism of any form has now become indispensable global need.
If that’s the case, climate change is nothing less than terrorism. Scientists
believe that the 2 Degree Celsius global warming threshold has to be maintained
to avoid dangerous catastrophes like the 2010 floods in Pakistan and the heat
waves of Karachi and India. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The decision of French president has confirmed the urgency of climate
crisis. The dangerous greenhouse gases (GHG) have reached the level of 400 ppm
in atmosphere against the scientifically safe limit of 450ppm. Exceeding this
limit would mean crossing the 2 Degree C threshold and allowing frequent and
disastrous incidents like powerful cyclones, sea level rise, massive flooding
and deeper droughts. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Environmentalists have long debated over the urgency of climate crisis. The
question is if we as a state were fully ready for Paris negotiations. Pakistan
is one of the most affected countries due to climate change as confirmed by the
German Watch index. Dr. Qamar Zaman Chaudhry, the former head of the Pakistan
Metrological Department, in a recent conference in Lahore has warned that
disturbance to our glaciers system due to global warming can put our water,
food and energy security at higher risks. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Just a few months back, a report was presented
to the Senate standing committee on Science and Technology confirming that the 31,000
acres of coastal area in Badin has already disappeared due to sea level rise. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pakistan needs a serious attitude for Paris negotiations. We already
missed the UNFCCC’ deadline of October 1<sup>st</sup>, 2015 to officially submit
our GHG emission reduction targets “Intended Nationally Determined
Contribution” (INDC). After two weeks of the deadline, unfortunately our
submitted INDC appeared as target-free commitment on the UNFCCC website. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The initial draft of our INDCs had indicated 10% reduction of GHG
emission by 2030. The reason explained by the government behind this target-free
commitment is the lack of reliable data on our peak emission levels, which reflects
our lack of preparation toward climate action. In contrary, a small Island state
Fiji in their INDC have set their emission reduction target by 30%, including
20% target conditional with international financial support.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pakistan’ contribution in global carbon emission is less than a percent
with 135<sup>th</sup> world ranking in terms of its per capita carbon emission.
We could still have presented strong INDCs to UNFCCC to mitigate our carbon footprints
through international funds and in return doing projects like underground mass
transit system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As the on-going Climate Change talks in Paris (COP 21) are going to
conclude today December 12, 2015 with the final draft to release soon, we still
have a lot of work to do as individual nation as well as global community to
make progress on climate action as top and indispensable priority. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-24333096607401249852015-09-23T23:31:00.002+05:002015-09-23T23:32:28.435+05:00Go with a Letter to Your Local Imam Masjid (Faith Leader) to be Your Climate Advocate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9DqWrrFvos/VgLv7rBYbEI/AAAAAAAABVI/BaSfBpnTPRo/s1600/faisal-mosque-faisal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9DqWrrFvos/VgLv7rBYbEI/AAAAAAAABVI/BaSfBpnTPRo/s320/faisal-mosque-faisal.jpg" width="320" /></a>Starting with the first year target of getting 50 volunteers to contact 50 Imam Masjid/Faith Leaders, we are launching a new campaign "My Faith Leader My Climate Advocate". <br />
<br />
This campaign will aim to get Imam Masjid of every Muslim community in Pakistan talk about Climate Change during Friday Sermons. The process is very simple; <br />
<br />
Step 1: Show your Interest to be a volunteer. Contact us through Email asifoghi@yahoo.com and let us know your full name, your email address and your local Masjid address you want to engage with<br />
<br />
Step 2: We will send you a link to download a Ready-Made Letter which explains why to request your local Imam Masjid to talk about Climate Change during Friday Sermons<br />
<br />
Step 3: Post your updates on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImamMasjidClimateAdvocate" target="_blank">page</a> or email us directly to confirm you have engaged your local Imam Masjid on this subject<br />
<br />
Step 4: We will feature you on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImamMasjidClimateAdvocate" target="_blank">page</a> for your act of faith leadership<br />
<br />
Feel free to share this process and our page link among your friends and social media circle. <br />
<br /></div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-27398464563968951502015-08-11T15:04:00.000+05:002015-08-11T15:24:45.929+05:00Islamic Declaration on Climate Change Calls on 1.6 Billion Muslims to Take Action<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;">The
International Islamic Climate Change Symposium is co-hosted by </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Islamic Relief Worldwide,
GreenFaith and the Islamic Forum for Ecology & Environmental Sciences
(IFEES). Influential Muslim leaders including religious leaders, activists,
academics, policy makers and civil society representatives from around the world
are coming together ahead of the UN Climate Change conference in December in
Paris to officially launch the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJC1r1Q_Y-0/VcnNCYSnYgI/AAAAAAAABT0/Kmfl_qgnC3o/s1600/Istanbul-HD-Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJC1r1Q_Y-0/VcnNCYSnYgI/AAAAAAAABT0/Kmfl_qgnC3o/s320/Istanbul-HD-Wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Symposium is a global platform
for Muslim leaders and activists to contribute to the negotiation process and
mobilise the global faith community. Its aim is to raise awareness within the
Muslim world on the dire impact of climate change and to call on the 1.6
billion Muslims around the world to realise the moral imperative of addressing
climate change as part of their religious duty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <a href="http://islamicclimatedeclaration.org/" target="_blank">Declaration</a> calls for all nations
with the greatest responsibility and capacity to lead the way in tackling
climate change, for Islamic leaders around the world to pay more heed to the
social and ecological responsibilities they have as they exploit the fast
declining resources of the earth by reducing their carbon footprint and phasing
out the use of fossil fuels by shifting to 100% renewable sources of
energy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There is a growing movement among the faith
communities that supports the view that the climate crisis is also a moral
crisis. The adverse impacts of climate change that we have witnessed so far are
a clear case for people of faith to examine the underlying moral causes of this
phenomenon. It further prompts the faith community to take action to halt the
desecration of nature that leads to destruction of creation and human lives. It
also presents an opportunity for these communities to bear witness to
alternatives to the fossil-fuel addicted economic system to one that meets
development goals and is also spiritually fulfilling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Symposium will also showcase examples
of best practice in the operation of field based grassroots projects
incorporating environmental sustainability, adaptation to climate change impacts,
and people-centred solutions, as well as how civil society organisations are
mobilising Muslim communities to address climate change from around the Muslim
world. It will furthermore seek specific recommendations for action to be
developed to realise this ambitious change in the Muslim world in the lead-up
to, and after COP 21.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is hoped that the Declaration will
result in strong commitment from all the participants in order for there to be
a strong outcome in Paris. Faith leaders from other faith traditions will be
joining the Symposium as a sign of solidarity and to welcome the declaration
following the Pope’s Encyclical released in June.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-33487607650461592932015-07-17T23:06:00.001+05:002015-07-17T23:16:14.276+05:00Meeting People of Different Faiths in Rome- A Personal Reflection! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Businesses of life often orchestrate people’ thinking in complex way
that they find it hard to come on certain common point. Difference of opinion
is profoundly influenced by cultures and norms. However when it comes to
personal gains, people thrive their own school of thoughts, often neglects
facts or try to manipulate situations towards personal favors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The real story of climate crisis is not much different than such
personal and cultural conflicts. The extent to which common citizens get
completely confused on which path to follow, some wise leaders step in and recall
them the power of faith. This is what Pope Francis realized in the best
interest of humanity and presented to the world his historical Encyclical on
climate change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being a follower of my own religion Islam, I see the importance of
Pope’ Encyclical as one of the most powerful tools which attracts diverse group
of people work for the only Planet Earth as one universal family! I could
personally witness this extraordinary value last month when I was invited in
Rome by GreenFaith- a US based organization whose mission is inspire,
educate and mobilize people of diverse religious backgrounds for environmental
leadership. I found myself among those passionate environmental activists who
were Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Baha’i, Buddhists all filled with the spirit
of environmental protection in their hearts and souls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxuB6qtAtqU/ValCJjYH1dI/AAAAAAAABTA/oWOw8WHwdxM/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxuB6qtAtqU/ValCJjYH1dI/AAAAAAAABTA/oWOw8WHwdxM/s320/IMG_2440.JPG" width="320" /></a>This three-day Multi-Faith Climate Convergence in the city of Rome was
one of the best interfaith gatherings, enriched with the evidence of social
actions every person had or have been doing in their own communities. As a
Muslim, when I kept on believing protecting environment is our moral
obligation, I was totally impressed how different individuals and their organizations
have contributed their part for protection of Mother Earth by getting inspired
of their own individual faiths. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The time I lived and learnt from those passionate participants coming
from different parts of the world, I was thrilled to know how Christianity
motivated people stand up for the Mother Earth. When I looked at what the Hindu
fellows have done in mobilizing their own communities, making their villages
clean was my own realization that each faith finds common values for humanity-
here it is making Earth green. And when I interacted with those fellows who
follow the religion of Baha’i, I learnt how powerful their own stories are when
they call for climate action! In short, this is what I can truly call
interfaith harmony which brings people closer to each other.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This Climate convergence gave a spiritual meaning for people of different
faiths. And it happened in such a critical time when we are almost at the verge
of climate crisis. We are left with just a few weeks when the world leadership is
gearing up to convene in Paris and decide the fate of Mother Earth due to human
induced climate change. GreenFaith was able to bring people of different faiths
on a common ground, not only to say special thanks to Pope Francis for his
Encyclical through a peaceful Climate March in the Vatican City but also
provided a meaningful opportunity to us all reflect on our past, our own
religious teachings and our environmental practices. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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Everyone in the gathering linked his climate action with his/her own
spiritual values. In Islam our Prophet Muhammad guides us find blessings of
Allah by not only getting kind to our brothers and sisters but to our Planet
Earth as well. At the same time, I learned how other faiths give satisfaction
to their own followers by doing every small or big action for environmental protection.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFap_8MXmuE/ValGNq1cYzI/AAAAAAAABTU/qLOFE2kXvcs/s1600/IMG_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFap_8MXmuE/ValGNq1cYzI/AAAAAAAABTU/qLOFE2kXvcs/s320/IMG_2445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The time has come we make sure reflect on science and faith together. Science gives us facts and figures about climate crisis and faith encourages us to take action and protect humanity. Faith is also powerful as it invites individuals learn and explore the secrets of universe. This is the sense we all need to transform into those who are supposed to be decision makers on our behalf at the Paris conference. We have to take this message on because we have to protect our present and our future generations from climate crisis. We have simply got a big responsibility which is truly rewarding! </div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-53998264989391474862015-07-13T22:29:00.003+05:002015-07-13T22:34:33.881+05:00A letter to Pakistan Ulama Council on Climate Change <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Honorable Chairman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pakistan Ulama Council,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Maulana Tahir Ashrafi<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bayt-ul-Aman, Begumpura Mor, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">G.T Road, Lahore, Pakistan<br />
Phone: +92-321-5777776<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Subject:
A Request to Call Muslim Communities act on Climate Change and Environmental
Protection <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear
Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ramzan Mubarik! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am Asif Iqbal, a voluntary Climate Change
campaigner in Pakistan. It’s my pleasure to write you this special letter as we
start the month of blessings i.e. Ramzan Karim! What I am hopeful is my
anticipation that you can make a green history with your humble consideration
to my request to call for our Muslim communities living in Pakistan in
particular and outside Pakistan in general to stand for protection of our
Environment and fight Climate Change! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Honorable Maulana Ashrafi, being a
Chairman of the Pakistan Ulama Council, I think you hold an important place to
help Muslim community understand religious responsibilities to protect our
environment, value of scientific knowledge related to climate change and urge
them take much needed actions. And why it is important for us all, our Quran
and our Holy Prophet has already made it clear;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">It is He who has appointed you guardians
in the earth, and has raised some of you in rank above others, the He may try
you in what He has given you. Surely your Lord is swift in reckoning; and
surely He is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Qur’an 6:165)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“The earth is green and beautiful and
Allah has appointed you his stewards over it”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">~ Prophet
Muhammad S.A.W<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Being the followers of Almighty Allah,
we all have strong belief, without a single matter of doubt, that Allah has
bestowed human being with the gift of thinking power we call human
intelligence. That’s the reasons that human being has made advancement in the
field of science to know the secrets of the universe. With this belief in our mind
and heart, we also hear from climate scientists (almost 97%) that how humans of
the present world, particularly from the rich and industrial countries are doing
harm to our Planet Earth and its natural eco-system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Let me explain this in a simple way; one
of the blessings that Allah grant us is the heat of Sun, which keeps our Earth
warm and a livable planet. Our Earth absorbs most of this heat and part of it
is reflected back to atmosphere which is a layer consist of greenhouse gases
such as Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide etc. These greenhouses gases are capable
of trapping the heat which comes back from the Earth. This natural process
keeps our Earth warm which is necessary to maintain life on the Earth. This is
a balanced natural system Allah has created for us. With the absence of these
layers of greenhouses gases, there would be no heat and the Planet Earth would
become a ball of ice and an unlivable place for human being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">However, Maulana sahab, the real problem
is caused historically by the rich industrial countries like the US, Europe and
in present time by growing economies like India and China. Many other
developing economies are also following the same path. These countries are
responsible for massive environmental pollution by burning fossil fuel (coal
and oil) with excessive use of transportation and industries. Burning of fossil
fuel produces large amount of greenhouse gases which further concentrates into
the atmosphere. This excessive amount of greenhouse gases is damaging the
natural system of our Earth atmosphere. The more greenhouses are concentrated
into atmosphere, the more heat is trapped and the more Earth gets warmer. It is
same like a person feels more heat if numbers of blankets are put on his body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">So what’s wrong if these rich industrial
countries, along with developing economies continue polluting our environment?
Let me explain it… According to climate scientists, increased concentration of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has disturbed the eco-system of our Planet.
In last one century, the world’ average temperature was 0.6%. In Pakistan this
figures accounts for 0.8%. Climate scientists have unanimously declared that 350
particles per million (ppm) is the safe amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,
whereas the historical and current pace of environmental pollution has already
made this concentration to 400ppm. Climate Scientists warns that if we do not
keep the concentration below 350ppm, the Earth annual temperature will exceed 2
degree Celsius, which will cause irreversible climate change i.e. frequency and
intensity of natural disasters like floods, cyclones, sea/rain storms, heat
waves and drought will increase. We will face more abnormal weather changes,
which will directly impact our food and water system. Global warming will
further contribute into rapid melting of glaciers and increase in sea level,
thus inundating coastal areas with sea intrusion. In conclusion, global
environmental pollution is directly risking lives of billions of innocent lives
with their increased exposure to climate related natural disasters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">So what does Pakistan Ulama Council can
do in helping poor communities protected from these disasters? As I read the
philosophy of the Council, one of its principles follow the Madina’ model i.e.
“availability of food, clothing, healthcare and education for the people” which
makes me feel confident in appealing you step in and play your role to protect
humanity as we are supposed to do with the ideology of our religion Islam. Our
religion clearly instruct us not to destroy crops and trees even at the time
war, which means there is a logic behind protection of our natural resources,
which is necessary for human subsistence. If we talk about the context of
Pakistan, we have already witnessed the impacts of climate change in 2010 when
the northern parts of our country received rains in three days, which otherwise
occurs in normal period of six months. In terms of sea level rise, many of our
coastal villages have gone under water. In 1999-2000, we suffered from severe
drought in parts of Sindh and Baluchistan, which had sharply declined under-ground
water table. In coming years, we will suffer from extreme food and water
crisis. Numbers of our villages in Sindh and Punjab provinces have malnutrition
rate, which is worse than many in the African countries. We need to tell our
Muslim communities how profit making economies are playing with the natural
system, making the planet a dangerous place to live in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Maulana Tahir Ashrafi sahab, our religion Islam
teaches us to learn and help our brothers and sisters at the time of
difficulties. Human induced Climate Change is a valid reason for us all to come
forward and take action in the true spirit of Islam- protecting humanity. Our
government has already developed a comprehensive National Climate Change Policy
to ensure, food, energy and water security through sustainable economic growth.
More encouragingly, the present government has also reinstated the Federal
Climate Change Ministry after realizing the real challenge of Climate Change to
our country. However we all need to work hard and push the government take
timely, real and aggressive measures. We have the role to avert this challenge
and being the Chairman of Pakistan Ulama Council, you are even in more influential
position to take this responsibility on your kind shoulders. As I said earlier,
you can make history in the Muslim world if you really become champion of
actions on climate change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Maulana sahab, with the blessing of
Al-mighty Allah, you are a known scholar, whereas I am just an ordinary
citizen. Therefore pardon me if I dare to suggest you some of the actions you
can take in the best spirit of humanity; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Call on the
entire Muslim community to get serious on the issue of climate change by
protecting the natural resources Allah has bestowed us for our subsistence. It
includes sustainable use of fresh water as wasting water is a sin, less air
pollution as by doing this we conflict with the balance of nature and avoid
wastage of food as per the teaching of Islam</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Ask the
Government of Pakistan to take all necessary actions while it participates in
the UN led Climate Change Conference in Paris this December 2015 in which the
world political leaders are expected to sign a new binding agreement on Climate
Change in order to limit global environmental pollution and protect humanity
from irreversible climate change. Our Government needs to take bold stand along
with other poor and developing nations to put real pressure of all those rich
and industrial countries who are major contributors of greenhouse gases
emission and responsible of damaging our environment</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Ask the
government officials, particularly the Federal Climate Change Ministry, who are
involved in planning and development of different environmental projects, to
promote sustainable economic growth by encouraging clean and renewable energy
i.e. wind and solar power projects, instead of long term investment in fossil
fuel industries</span></li>
</ul>
<br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Request faith
leaders to include climate change and environmental protection part of their
religious education to common citizen and urge them guide communities of faith protect
natural resources at household, community and national level with the true
spirit of Islamic teaching</span></li>
</ul>
<br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Ask policy makers
and parliamentarians to formulate laws and ensure implementation of already
existing laws in the best interest of our environment and life of common
citizens and children</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> At the end, I would like to say my heartiest thanks
for your due consideration and sympathy to this noble cause as I believe you
will explore further the teaching of Islam in perspective of environmental
protection and will draw upon a comprehensive approach on behalf of Pakistan
Ulama Council to serve people in need.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> With my deepest gratitude and respect to you</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Asif Iqbal</span></div>
</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-47168380959490769122015-06-24T16:16:00.000+05:002015-06-24T16:16:10.606+05:00Karachi heatwave and appeal to Climate Change Ministry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="yiv1735560753yui_3_16_0_1_1435136583806_9682">Dear friends, </span></div>
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<span id="yiv1735560753yui_3_16_0_1_1435136583806_9724">As you know the current heatwave has taken more than 800 lives in Karachi. It is not only the impact of climate change but also lack of regular electricity supply to citizens during extremely hot weather. That's why we are requesting every responsible citizen of Pakistan or elsewhere to add their message as appeal to Climate Change Ministry of Pakistan to take practical steps and promote renewable energy technology i.e. solar and wind projects in Pakistan so that people not only enjoy round the clock electricity supply but also are able to fight climate change. </span></div>
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<span id="yiv1735560753yui_3_16_0_1_1435136583806_9807">Please go to this link and add your message: </span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2WRQJN7" id="yiv1735560753yui_3_16_0_1_1435136583806_9802" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2WRQJN7</a> </div>
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<span id="yiv1735560753yui_3_16_0_1_1435136583806_9876">Feel free to share this link along with above stated message so that we can reach maximum citizens to raise our appeal. </span></div>
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<span id="yiv1735560753yui_3_16_0_1_1435136583806_9875">Many thanks</span></div>
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Asif</div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-41601612666729148482014-09-27T02:29:00.000+05:002014-10-04T00:05:39.172+05:00A letter to the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif: Restore Climate Change Ministry in Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Honorable Prime Minister,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Muhammad Nawaz Sharif<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Islamic Republic of Pakistan </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Dear Mr. Prime Minister,</div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RM0cZ1x-KE/VCXXu_xesLI/AAAAAAAABQI/V3XmDRsWqvQ/s1600/NawazSharif-UnitedNations-UNGA_9-18-2014_160119_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RM0cZ1x-KE/VCXXu_xesLI/AAAAAAAABQI/V3XmDRsWqvQ/s1600/NawazSharif-UnitedNations-UNGA_9-18-2014_160119_l.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a> It was a matter of great encouragement that you, being the Prime
Minister of Pakistan, addressed the UN General Assembly and emphasized that
Climate Change has to be blamed for this on-going massive flooding in our
country. You are also very right in saying that this is Climate Change which is
damaging economies of world nations, including Pakistan. I, being a Climate Campaigner
in Pakistan, expressed my sincere gratitude to you that you officially
highlighted this most important issue of the 21<sup>st</sup> century at the
most important international platform of the world we call the UN General
Assembly.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, Honorable PM, like many other national and international
environmental advocates, we were deeply shocked with the fact that our Government
demoted the Climate Change Ministry of Pakistan soon after you became the PM
and took over the cabinet. It was also very disappointing that the Government
reduced the annual budget of this new yet very important Ministry about 60%.
Demoting the Ministry into Climate Change Division was widely seen by
international community and environmental organizations working in Pakistan as
one of the unwise decision by the Government. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Climate Change is affecting 6% of our GDP annually. We have witnessed
historically massive flooding during 2010 which put one-fifth of the country
land under water and affected more than 20 million people. We witnessed floods
in a row- in 2011, 2012 and now in 2014. The aftermaths of these climate
related tragedies were unbearable and hard to express. Climate Change is
affecting our economy, damaging our infrastructure, destroying our houses and
crops and putting our coastal areas like Karachi at high risk of sea level
rise. On 26<sup>th</sup> May 2010, our Meteorological department noted highest
temperature of 53.5<sup>o</sup>C in Pakistan which was a record temperature in
any Asian country. Similarly, our weather patterns in the country are
significantly changing due to Climate Change. Our winter seasons are getting
shorter and severe and our summers are getting hotter. We are witnessing
abnormal rains or less rains and our farmers are unable to cope with this new-normal.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Honorable PM, you would have experienced during your interaction with
world leaders and other environmental stakeholders during this UN conference
that how the world has started recognizing the reality of climate crisis as one
of the most critical challenge for our survival. The former Vice President of
the US, Mr. Al Gore has been advocating on Climate Crisis since years and I
have personally saw him advocating for Pakistan being one of the most vulnerable
country due to Climate Change. The US Government which never signed the Kyoto
protocol has now proposed new limits through its Environment Protection Agency
to control carbon pollution coming from fossil fuel consumptions which accounts
for 40% of their total emission. Our neighbors India and China are
demonstrating leadership through innovation in clean and renewable energies.
Many under developed countries, including small islands have committed to go
carbon neutral in order to advocate to the world how much fight against Climate
Change is vital for their survival. In fact, the world is gearing up towards
right path, especially in their journey to the Paris Conference in 2015 when we
expect a binding agreement to replace Kyoto Protocol. In such positive context,
it is very strange that our own Government demoted the Climate Change Ministry
and stressed the Climate Change Division with significantly reduced annual
budget. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dear PM, we, as a voice of many concerned volunteers of this country
demand this Government to restore Climate Change Ministry in Pakistan. We need
this crucial platform due to fact that this potential Ministry can effectively
coordinate among different ministries and departments at the Federal and
Provincial level for Climate Change adaptation and mitigation initiatives in
the country. The restoration of Ministry will be a great achievement and commitment
of our Government in order to get well prepared for the Paris Conference. The
Ministry will also help regain the confidence of international community who are
morally bound to support Pakistan both technically and financially to adapt to
Climate Crisis. The reason is obvious- we have been the victims of weather
related disasters due to on-going global carbon pollution made by the developed,
industrial countries. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dear Mr. PM, let me also present you the different messages we have received
from common citizens across the county who are demanding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RestoreClimateMinistry" target="_blank">restoration of ClimateChange Ministry in Pakistan</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSkbgvWvwQw/VCXX3NS5vWI/AAAAAAAABQw/7pszzS2jYqU/s1600/10527560_10152145441350124_6066756623861085804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSkbgvWvwQw/VCXX3NS5vWI/AAAAAAAABQw/7pszzS2jYqU/s1600/10527560_10152145441350124_6066756623861085804_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><b><i>Kindly restore climate change ministry as it is crucial to avoid
effects of climate change and existence of living beings.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Farah Khalid, Jhelum<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>An independent institution is highly needed in Pakistan to face
environmental challenges, especially rapidly increasing pollution. Government
should immediately restore Ministry of Climate Change.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Sonia Fatima, Islamabad<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>We have lots of natural resources (renewable and non-renewable) and we
can get maximum output by using these resources in a meaningful way.<o:p></o:p></i></b><br />
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<b><i>Wardah, Okara<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Please restore the Climate Change Ministry.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Kaleemullah, Quetta <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is a social responsibility of our government for restore climate
change ministry in Pakistan.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Sajida Farman, Karachi<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_I4d5BifrJU/VCXX1jOuLnI/AAAAAAAABQU/t1cPFC9fbWo/s1600/10341833_10152067029285124_2491473218962275844_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_I4d5BifrJU/VCXX1jOuLnI/AAAAAAAABQU/t1cPFC9fbWo/s1600/10341833_10152067029285124_2491473218962275844_n.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a><b><i>PM has not only restore climate change ministry but also establish
climate change institutions in Pakistan. The Government should safeguard the
resources of the country for the ultimate benefits of its citizens.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Rab Nawaz, Peshawar<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>My poor fellows, every year we need to rebuild our mud houses right
after July-August flooding. Can I request the Govt. of Pakistan that please don’t
do this to my kids and their kids and their kids please.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>M.Tariq, Swabi <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Pakistan is a developing country and to cope with environment related
problems we need an organization to deal with such issues.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-324WZbOIp6o/VCXX1TXAMEI/AAAAAAAABQQ/5777NapMX7Y/s1600/10299129_10152070863960124_4010739085110857836_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-324WZbOIp6o/VCXX1TXAMEI/AAAAAAAABQQ/5777NapMX7Y/s1600/10299129_10152070863960124_4010739085110857836_n.jpg" height="200" width="163" /></a><b><i>Jawad Khan, Gujrat<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Please restore this ministry for the sake of the Humanity.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hassan Sohail, Lahore<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>We need this Ministry to keep a check on the environmental issues in
the country. Increase in floods, droughts, diseases, food shortages are all
related to it [climate change]. For the progressive future of Pakistan we need
this ministry.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Farwa, Lahore<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Save Pakistan.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Amra Javed, Karachi<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Please give the issue its due importance and weightage.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Mosarat Nosheen, Taxila<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>If something about Climate Change is not done then our next generations
will have to face the consequences, so restoration of climate change ministry
is very important.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Tayyaba Khalil, Islamabad<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Restoration of climate change ministry in Pakistan is the prime need of
time. The deteriorating condition of environment in Pakistan will put our lives
at stake. For the better living and protection of environment it is must to
restore Climate change Ministry in Pakistan.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Kiran Mushtaq, Quetta<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>The Ministry needs to be restored because Pakistan is facing a lot of environmental
Issues.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Muhammad Muneeb, Peshawar<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Climate Change Ministry in Pakistan MUST BE RESTORED. It is need of the
time.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Anum, Islamabad<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Restore [Climate Change Ministry].<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Maniza Mirza, Copenhagen <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>It's a must.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Raza, London<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Kindly restore Climate Change Ministry. It is necessary.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Munir, Islamabad<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>To address climate change issues in Pakistan, a separate entity is required
which can take mitigation measures on time.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Maryam Abassi, Taxila<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Climate change is a fact and we need to combat its effects on
populations of the world, all human and non-human populations as a matter of
fact. For this purpose we need to work for the cause and effect relationships
of this phenomenon. In order to combat we need teams of experts and scholars
who are already working on this issue. We need policy makers and
environmentalists who can help in maintaining economy and at the same time find
solutions faced by Pakistan now and in near future. All this could be achieved
under one umbrella and that is the Ministry. <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Ali Raza, Lahore<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Pakistan is at forefront among the countries most impacted by climate
change. It is responsibility of our Government to restore the [Climate Change] ministry
so that effective measures can be taken to tackle the climate change impacts.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Shazia Perveen, Hunza<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Dear Honorable Prime Minister Republic of Pakistan, please restore
Climate Change Ministry of Pakistan. Thank You.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>[Someone], Karachi<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Climate change is an internationally recognized phenomenon which will
impact food security, environment and sustainability in addition to devastating
the economy. It is imperative that the govt. make policy and prioritize this
important subject by creating the Ministry of Climate Change. Not only this, but
also emphasize on other ministries to address this complex issue.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Abdul Majid Qureshi, Rawalpindi<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>It is my appeal to the Government of Pakistan to restore the Ministry
of climate change.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Adeela Waheed, Islamabad<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Please Climate Change Ministry ko bahal kiya jay. [Please restore
Climate Change Ministry]<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>[Someone] Narowal <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>It [Climate Change Ministry] is about our future generations. Act on
climate change.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Asghar Ahmad, Karachi<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Best regards,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Asif Iqbal<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Climate Reality Leader<o:p></o:p></div>
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Islamabad, Pakistan<o:p></o:p></div>
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Al Gore's Climate Change Leadership Programme</div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-1703292482971925042014-05-19T18:59:00.003+05:002014-05-19T18:59:49.708+05:00Restore Climate Change Ministry in Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We are asking every responsible citizen of Pakistan demand Government to restore Climate Change Ministry in the country. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">According to the Germanwatch' Annual Global Risk Index 2010, Pakistan was listed as the number one most affected country in the world due to Climate Change. In 2011 Pakistan was again ranked as number three among all the countries. Another report in 2012 listed Haiti, the Philippines and Pakistan as hardest hit by weather related disasters. The recent IPCC report highlighted Pakistan as prone to human induced Climate Change. Some of the critical impacts Pakistan will suffer due to Climate Change include shortage of clean drinking water, flooding like in 2010, heat waves, unexpected rains, sea level rise, melting of glaciers in North and severe drought condition. These impact will trigger weather related diseases, huge displacements and lose of precious lives. We are already witnessing many of these impacts in our lives. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6z8UTxSnOU/U3oN6oJtEqI/AAAAAAAABO8/FBVpM1LVA6k/s1600/Heigh-Flood-in-Pakistan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6z8UTxSnOU/U3oN6oJtEqI/AAAAAAAABO8/FBVpM1LVA6k/s1600/Heigh-Flood-in-Pakistan.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 0px;" /><br style="height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 0px;" />Establishment of Climate Change Ministry in Pakistan was a landmark step, following the announcement of National Climate Change Policy. However, despite the real challenges our people face due to Change Change, the present Government last year demoted the Ministry to Division and reduced the Ministry' budget significantly, considering that it is a burden on country economy. This decision raised lots of concerns among environmental organizations and international community. A separate dedicated Ministry had given a promising image to the country as it had potential to mobilize resources and mainstream actions to help our Citizen face the challenges of Climate Change. Without a proper platform at Government level, tackling big challenges like Climate Change is impossible.<br style="height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 0px;" /><br style="height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 0px;" />At this crucial time, we are asking every responsible citizen of Pakistan demand Government to restore Climate Change Ministry and help everyone face this big challenge now and in future. If you are concerned about the future of your children and loved ones, add your message here and we will include your message in our final demand paper to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to restore Climate Change Ministry in Pakistan.<br />
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-50513814211444914612013-12-29T03:38:00.002+05:002013-12-29T15:42:54.670+05:00When the clocks tick for 2014! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here is the galaxy of wonderful people whom I met, knew and
continue to rejoice as part of a meaningful life! As we get closer and kick start 2014 in our life, I wish you all Happy New Year! You are friends, you are special, you are strangers and you are love! </div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-42468757034835160022013-11-30T22:31:00.001+05:002013-12-07T01:19:28.144+05:00You are invited to join “I am a Youth Climate Leader” Initiative- 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You are a born leader! You have always something unique that makes you the
special one! You have skills and you are full of energies and passion! Sometime
you feel you don’t get chance or express yourself with potential you have. Then
why not join our new initiative <b><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P2RK68Z" target="_blank">“I am a Youth Climate Leader”</a> </b>and unleash your true leadership skills and inspire the
world with your dynamic personality and actions!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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With the start of New Year 2014- our campaign <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/climateprojectconnectors/" target="_blank">“Climate Project Connectors”</a> is launching a new initiative to spark leadership qualities which
challenges the life and abilities of Youth as Leaders for next generation! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Joining this programme you will be able to;<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Create Opportunities rather than wait for
opportunities<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Connect your Values with Actions, and<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Confidently motivate Yourself to take leadership
role in much challenging Climate Crisis<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who can join?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If you are a young individual of age 16 to 30 and you are passionate to
work for Planet Earth, then you got an exciting chance to<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P2RK68Z" target="_blank"> join us in this two to three-day training programme! </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What this programme brings to
you? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>“I am a Youth Climate Leader” </b>is
a combination of interactive activities and sessions full of fun, games,
exercises and energies which will make you realize your leadership skills for simple
to exceptional climate actions. Attending this training programme will help you
express yourself to the outer world with your full potential. The training will
utilize your time in knowing yourself, your potential, shaping your story
telling ability that comes out of your own personal life, connecting your
Values with Actions and building motivational links within groups and
communities you lead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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More importantly, you will get the chance to learn from updated version
of the Al Gore’s slide show on Climate Change, featured in the Academy
Award-winning documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”. Not only this, you will have
the opportunity to join Mr. Al Gore in one of his future trainings and become
part of his global team of Climate Reality Leadership Corps! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How to join? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The programme will start from 2014 onward. If you are a dedicated young
individual aged 16 to 30, all you need is to register yourself for our upcoming
trainings and we will contact you when and where to join. Your participation
will depend upon your motivation we see using the simple online registration
form, the time we organize training in area near to you and number of
participants. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In your selection process, we will look forward to see your motivation
to act as a Youth Climate Leader. Your motivation can be anything simple like;<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>“I want to be a Youth leader to educate 100
women and girls on climate change”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Or more challenging such as; <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>“I want to be a Youth leader and I want to start
a solar/wind power project in my community”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Core theme of this initiative is to believe on you self! Today, you
might just be thinking of what happens around you. Tomorrow, you will be
representing Youth in future UN Climate Summit! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Registration<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Use this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P2RK68Z" target="_blank">online link</a> to register your name for our future trainings;<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>You can also host a training<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If case you don’t want to wait and have resources to organize and host
this training programme, you can invite us for a special training for your
specific group. Contact us on this email
<a href="mailto:asifoghi@yahoo.com">asifoghi@yahoo.com</a> with this simple
information; <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Number of Youth participants<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Details of each participant using the same
online registration form<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Venue for the training<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tentative schedule of training<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Principle of Volunteerism<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>“I am a Youth Climate Leader” </b>is
completely a voluntary initiative. Your participation in the programme will be
fee of cost! The programme, in any case, does not encourage the participants
and hosts to use this training for their personal monetary benefits. What we ask you to bring in this programme is your
true dedication and commitment! <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-35563356287684984712013-11-16T02:07:00.000+05:002013-11-17T23:05:40.762+05:00Finding self- a two-week journey with world best leaders! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">It was almost 4’O clock in the evening- an hour to end the business week. I was sitting in the Embassy of
Japan in Islamabad waiting to hear the result of my visa application! Any
further delay would have ended my hope of going to Kiyosato at all. Not sure,
why I was so confident and satisfied that nothing would go wrong and I will
make it! Perhaps for the first time in my life, my breath was calm in such
situation when the visa officer finally called for my turn. Visa granted!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Later, I learned from
my training with WYSE this was one of my sub personalities which kept me calm
and confident! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">“Ok
boss, I am going to Japan”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">,
I finally disclosed the confirmation with my supervisor in the office who was
waiting if I don’t get visa, we will make the next week plan how to deal with
upcoming delegation from Australia. Anyhow, I had to manage many things, given
the fact I had only 48 hours left to leave for Japan and with zero preparation!
Reaching back home late night, attend a condolence prayer at home town next day
and returning back to home for final packing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">And then I found
two things are missing, other than the normal packing I could do- someone had
broken the wheel of my bag </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"> and I still don’t have travel insurance! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Oh Sonoe had said
travel insurance is must. Hehe! Anyway- r<i>ing
ring…</i> <i>hello! </i>And thanks to my colleague
in Admin- Shumaila who did all the arrangements next day for my travel
insurance before I could leave for airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">But the bag
without wheel was still troublesome. I had no time to buy a new one, but only
to put the heavier bag over my shoulder. Still ok </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">It was Sunday and
all the money changers were off! Let’s leave the story now how I exchanged for Yens
before I caught my flight to Narita! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">That was Part-1; how
to manage many things within 48 hours to get to one of the most important journey
of my life- to participate in International Leadership Programme (ILP) in
Japan! I had heard a lot about it.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">The journey
starts and I finally touched the land of Japan- a completely marvelous country
with its rich culture of hospitality and care everywhere! The more this country
got developed, the more its beautiful people have become the most civilized and
down to earth nation of the world! This gave me one of the learning how to lead
with the value of respect! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">I read somewhere
that a develop country is that where rich people travel in public transport! I
recalled it when I sit with other Japanese in a comfortable bus from Narita
airport to the Ryuo station- a stunning four-hour journey where land-hiding
building gradually turned into beautiful landscape of hills, clouds and blue
sky! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Here in the bus I
met with two amazing fellows of ILP- Mohanad (Sudan) and Hassane (Niger) who
were joining this programme with me and travelling all the way from China.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">We three were almost
a day long late for training programme! It was almost dinner time we entered
the venue. The young smiling participants who were already present in the hall
were so excited and happily mixing up with each other and I thought for a while
if they have been here for so long to get relax and know each other! For me, it
was a big surprise how can facilitators and host create such friendly environment
in less than 24 hours for those who come from different regions and completely
different cultures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Hmmm… my thoughts
straightaway went to the capability of facilitators for creating this environment!
<i>“I am sure they are the world best
trainers</i>”, I said to myself! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">The way all the
new friends and facilitators accepted us- the three later comers, made me feel like early comers</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"> Strange thought but that’s what my mind said that
time. Second learning- how to welcome those who, for any reason, might have left
behind but wants to accompany you! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoIY9eHgsc8/UoaKbaQrsjI/AAAAAAAABC0/0e7kUsDRHs8/s1600/1425668_10151676822055124_2046906405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoIY9eHgsc8/UoaKbaQrsjI/AAAAAAAABC0/0e7kUsDRHs8/s320/1425668_10151676822055124_2046906405_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ashe- our amazing group in the ILP!! </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">And then all of
sudden, within the sea of smiling faces, Zainab- a fellow from India comes and
welcome me in the group! <i>Hi Asif, Zainab
here… I have already put your name in our group “Ashe”</i>, said Zainab, giving
me much attachment in this new environment that I started feeling comfortable! In
my two week of stay in ILP, Japan, I had much to learn from Zainab’
personality! The more she was engaging and available for everyone’s help with
her all-time fun, the more she was simple and focused in life- a secret to disclose
what leadership is!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">The very next
fellow was Barkat- everyone called him <i>“Barkat-
the power” </i>with all their love and appreciation! Barkat- my country fellow
from Pakistan who had been so kind with his attitude, asking me all the time if
I enjoyed my breakfast, did I sleep well, how the session was </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"> It reminds me one of the values-
Care we can build on to become a true leader! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">My two week stay
during ILP was full of excitement and learning with every minute we spent with
the world most amazing people! Sometime I thought all these participants, in some
way, are facilitators of the programme </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"> giving their best to help each other what
leadership is in our simple or most complex lives! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">One of my sub
personalities <i>(a new concept I learnt
about myself) </i>kept on thinking about a charming girl I met in the training.
Where did I saw or meet her before, somewhere! And then one evening, Andrew-
one of our facilitators, while watching a youtube clip on his cell phone said
to me, don’t you recognize this girl?? Oh my God! She is the heroine of my
favorite movie “Black Water”! How come I didn’t recognize her!! For a while I
thought, I can’t be a good leader, but on the very next second my sub
personality rushed me toward Maeve! <i>“I
last time watched your movie at home with my entire family”,</i> I said with a
mix of excitement and apologies, confessing to Maeve that I didn’t know you are
the same awesome heroine! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGmi86AZ2NQ/UoaKilwE4sI/AAAAAAAABC8/lDgkwp48-b0/s1600/1381244_10151672977640124_2049054858_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGmi86AZ2NQ/UoaKilwE4sI/AAAAAAAABC8/lDgkwp48-b0/s320/1381244_10151672977640124_2049054858_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The beautiful Kiyosato!</i> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">The two weeks
long training in a completely isolated place from the lights and fun of Japan
initially looked like a challenge. We were told we have to come with full
preparation with no chance of evening shopping! This was going to be a
different time in my life, I thought! However, looking around the beautiful scenery
and awesome Nature in day light, my thoughts got changed. <i>“I have made the right decision to come here”, </i>I said to my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">“What
did I get the most from this training”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">,
while reflecting on this question with our group “Ashe”, I felt this is the
first such long training where I never got late from a single session! And this
was the case with almost everyone participant! Despite the fact, we had been
starting each day with 10/10/10 exercise at 8AM and closing our day at 10PM,
sometime after 11PM, it didn’t impact the energy of participants. The way our
facilitators engaged us with the combination of joy, music, fun, interesting
debates and sufficient rest could make it a tireless journey of leadership. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Ok let’s dance!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">How come this
counts as a leadership skill </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"> Why not! And this is what I knew from Christian-
one of our charming Ashe members! Music and dance is sharing happiness. When we
share happiness we create harmony in community we work with! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">I could see a
real energy and happiness on face of Christian whenever I saw him dancing! He
can dance over African drums (of course, being the very African) and he danced
over the tunes of Coke Studio with Arif Lohaar’ <i>“Jugni”</i>- a famous Pakistani folk singer! I learned that connecting our
self with others through music and dance can create a strongly interconnected
community with a high potential of dedicating to some valuable cause! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">By the time, we had
been completing our leadership course in Kiyosato, I made a good progress to
learn African dance from Christian, Japanese traditional dance from Misaki (our
Japanese fellow), English one from Katie (our US fellow) and an organized
dancing steps from Zainab! By the way, in return some of the fellows also performed
over traditional dance we, in Pakistan usually do during marriages in Northern
part of Pakistan! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Being pragmatic
and mystic brings lots of values when we are in some sort of leadership role in
our life! Having time with fellows like Stephen (from Germany) and Go (from
Japan), I could connect the secrets that efficiency and objectively targeted life
is not always kind of machinic lifestyle! It gives us much targeted approach to
achieve our life objective with clear vision and path! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Oh this reminds me
the super mystic Kevin (our fellow from the US and Ashe member)! Kevin got the
magic in his hands and fingers. The way he plays with drums is just awesome! He,
being a person with mystic thoughts, continued to inspire me all the way how
music can polish a leader to inspire others. I learned from Kevin how amazingly
he helped his music students perform extra ordinary in academic career. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Kevin also helped
me learn how precious is the way of giving someone recognition of his/her
values by gifting them with different shapes of stones! I could learn how a
stone connects with values of determination and with the value of care. And the
best I could learn from Chris (our facilitator) that such gift is not just a
time-bound appreciation, but a way of connecting our self with such values and
act upon in rest of our lives! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">I could see a
true taste of culture for learning during the ILP. Interconnecting culture gave
me a strong sense of values we as global community own! I heard a lot about
Japanese culture of hospitality, hard work and care for others. But I
personally witnessed this all while spending time with my Japanese friends like
Mio who believes on sharing happiness and care among fellows- being one of the
strongest leadership qualities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">This was the
first training for me where every day and night we got the food presentation which
not only gave us good calories but also familiarity with the food tradition of
Japan. On the other hand, we had friends like Katie from the US, who brought
the values of knowledge, sharing and perfection during the programme! If she had been kind to fellows in free time
of chat, she also showed pro-activeness in every session of team success. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">Almost every
participant during the ILP came up with a new story of appreciation and leadership!
Mostly they were simple in normal life but they gave me a new vision that our
role models are not always someone who have changed the entire world! Our role
models can be anyone around us with simplicity in their lives and perfection in
their small world. I now believe that “big personalities” perhaps inspires us
for one reason but common people around us may inspire us for many reasons”</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRZyB2brsc8/UoaKkmv619I/AAAAAAAABDE/6pE3bIYW58k/s1600/1383763_3628250442850_1404813581_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRZyB2brsc8/UoaKkmv619I/AAAAAAAABDE/6pE3bIYW58k/s400/1383763_3628250442850_1404813581_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The leaders for better tomorrow!</i> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">I recall the
confidence of Dan from Nepal in his night of passion, the best of Apoorva from
India when she performed the role of male fellow, the confidence of Mohanad
(Sudan) who acted as a female in the role play! And I recall the performance of
Kei from Japan, Harald from UK, Nue from Bangladesh and Takahero from Japan and
our very own Hero </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Gill Sans MT"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";">
who had been so inspirational to me and most of us throughout the programme! Perhaps
I can write a book of leadership if I start writing about every participant I
met with during the ILP. My apologies if I miss your name my friends! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">Leadership is
realization of fun and moments of joy we can give to others and help create a
community of action. We could get this fun and pleasure from our two
participants who came all the way from Afghanistan- Parwiz and Shafiq! They
have been the source of recreation throughout the two-week programme. The way
they had been voicing <i>“Ahaaaaan”</i> and <i>“Barkat- The power”</i> made everyone happy.
We often underestimate the value of fun in leadership. If fun can give the
group happiness, it ultimately makes the group stronger, connected and
energetic! This is what our fellows from Afghanistan did in addition to their own
capabilities and strong will of leadership! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif"; font-size: large;">For many, the ILP
was a unique learning. For me, it was more about our Inner world! In my entire
personal and professional life, I thought more about outer world in the concept
of leadership. The ILP enabled me think of myself, my values and my inner
strength to become a leader. The way we can manage our self help us lead in the
world and do something for a better tomorrow. How much we appreciate our self, analyze
our sub personalities and find our center is all about leadership in its own.
The ILP, in fact changed my way of thinking and absorbing the concept of
leadership. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">With no doubts, I
would give credit to Sonoe and her team of facilitators for their extra
ordinary work. Of course you are the world best quality mentors who know the
secret of leadership! The training has ignited much of the energy in many of us
to take up leadership role in our lives. For me, it goes with the idea of Climate
Change Leadership programme I intend to start for our Youth in Pakistan in near
future! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-85479779047008252602013-10-17T00:00:00.001+05:002013-10-18T23:14:59.674+05:0024 Hours of Reality- The Cost of Carbon..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pakistan Climate Leaders and <a href="http://www.nust.edu.pk/Pages/Home.aspx">National University of Science and Technology (NUST)</a>, Islamabad will be joining 24 Hours of Reality- The Cost of Carbon, on October 23, 2013 at 3PM local time.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TyKUjcM_Js/Ul7eJngUW1I/AAAAAAAABCY/neOZOXlvS4Y/s1600/24+HR+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TyKUjcM_Js/Ul7eJngUW1I/AAAAAAAABCY/neOZOXlvS4Y/s400/24+HR+Photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pakistan was part of the 24 Hours of Reality- first ever live webcast of Climate Reality Project in 2011 when 8.6 million people watched special slideshows on climate change by Al Gore and 23 Climate Leaders. In 2012, Pakistan Climate Leader once again joined 2nd live webcast where more than 16 million people around the world watched "24 Hours of Reality- Dirty Weather Report" and learnt how dirty fossil fuel is making our Planet a hard place to live in.<br />
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This October 22-23, 2013, we will again be joining hands with Climate Reality Project and contribute our efforts in the world' largest live webcast and to break the previous two years records of global viewers who could know the Cost of Carbon in shape of human displacement, flooding and other disasters due to climate change.<br />
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-22065169214992643932013-10-02T21:32:00.004+05:002013-10-02T21:32:52.533+05:00Silence on Climate Change: A Global Crime?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This article was originally published on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/asif-iqbal/silence-on-climate-change_b_4010010.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false">Huffington Post!</a><br />
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Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif recently spoke at the UN General Assembly on global issues, along with other world leaders. Some critical happenings prior to the UN gathering and their concurring political impacts which both Pakistan and the U.S. felt had significantly shaped the speech of Mr. Sharif at the UN desk. The incident of terror in the Pakistani church, drone attacks, on-going Syria crisis and a few other circumstances were the drivers for Sharif speech. No doubt, many of those words the world and the U.S. were desperate to hear from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, particularly on his stance on fight against terror. However, a recent development that has been taking place in the U.S. with the backup support of President Obama didn't attract or influence the thoughts of Mr. Sharif. And that is climate change...</div>
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Climate campaigners across the world, including from Pakistan, are counting the growing interest of the U.S. on climate change quite positively. Obama's reaction to climate change and his concern for quick action has also been heard in Pakistan. However, the newly elected Pakistani cabinet showed rather a disappointing reaction to tackle this issue. While both the countries embrace the consequences of climate change, Pakistan suffers more due to its small resilience and resources to adapt to climate variability. If it is a point of concern for the U.S. on climate crisis, for Pakistan, it is rather a much worrying context.</div>
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World renowned climate activist Al Gore, in his recent interview, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/08/21/al-gore-explains-why-hes-optimistic-about-stopping-global-warming/" style="border: 0px; color: #0088c3; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">says</a>, "The cumulative amount of energy trapped by manmade global warming pollution each day in the earth's atmosphere is now equal to the energy that would be released by 400,000 Hiroshima bombs going off every 24 hours." That's something really big, however the difference in world leadership is their will to hear these words, understand it and act upon it.</div>
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Climate science in Pakistan has always found little space, mainly due to mass unawareness, within the political culture of the country. Some good developments could show off in recent past, however traditionally, each successive government in Pakistan overruled initiatives of previous government, no matter if they actually worked in the right way for mass benefits. Same is the case with the Climate Change Ministry which the present government has demoted to the status of Division.</div>
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With the motive to reduce unnecessary financial burden on country economy, the present cabinet has cut down almost 62 percent of the annual budget, the previous government had allocated for government initiatives on climate change and environment protection. This limited role of government on climate change has put us in a state of isolation in international community.</div>
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What is the understanding of this government on "unnecessary burden on economy"? Today's science is very clear that any inaction on climate change will cost human beings unbearable financial and physical consequences. How much our politicians know this science, will of course be an interesting question!</div>
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Pakistan is among few countries in the world highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. World quotes countries like Pakistan, Russia and Bangladesh as examples of climate change. The 2010 flood had put one-fifth of the country land under water and affected more than 20 million people. This reality had provoked world leadership to act on climate change. Our governments however couldn't capitalize on this opportunity to gain wider awareness and interest to strengthen their ability face climate crisis.</div>
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Assuming work on climate change as financial burden, our government overlooks the reality that climate change costs 6 percent of the country GDP every year. We are becoming a water-stressed and food-stressed country. Only in Karachi City, more than 20,000 people die due to polluted water, making climate change a serious issue like energy crisis and terrorism.</div>
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Only this year monsoon, which started earlier and continued late, affected more than 100,000 people across Pakistan. This is an unusual scenario, where annual precipitation although remains the same but a sudden shift in weather pattern like monsoon can make the government ineffective to protect its people from weather related disasters.</div>
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Experts say Pakistan losses 5.2 billion dollars every year due to climate change. In such circumstances, demoting Climate Change Ministry is questionable. Quoting the Ministry as burden on economy reflects the level of unawareness among our politicians. Maybe our government learns from other countries like in the Pacific and South Asian region, where economic challenges don't stop their work on climate change.</div>
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As the U.S. feel a fear of more Sandy-like incidents, we in Pakistan can also face more floods as we did in 2010. Climate scientists have already predicted it. Only a few minutes of extreme weather can easily destroy years-long development if our world continues to pollute the environment with their dirty fossil fuel. This is the time that world leadership remains as keen on this issue as they feel concern over terrorism or other global issues. A natural pressure should come into the minds of politicians when their governments are violating environmental rights and then they are supposed to talk at such international forums! This world should count inaction on climate change as a global crime.</div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648507051505254357.post-63856012653299719802013-07-24T03:30:00.000+05:002013-07-24T03:41:36.090+05:00The Story of Young Girl Maha for Making Her Community Environment-Friendly!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This story is originally featured on the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/asif-iqbal/the-story-of-young-girl-maha_b_3641736.html">Huffington Post of the US edition!</a> </div>
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This is an incredible story of Maha -- a youth social activist from Pakistan who, in her very young age, has achieved remarkable success by transforming her community's practices towards sustainability and collective thinking!</div>
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Many would underestimate her abilities while looking her young age. However she proved to be a true youth leader by launching a self-sustained waste management initiative among local residents, where she also lives! Belonging to a nature-loving family, she is now a role model for many of us in Mansehra Township -- one of the beautiful valleys in the KPK province of Northern Pakistan. I feel proud sharing the story of Maha in her own words as she talked to me about her marvelous initiative!</div>
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"The idea came to my mind some two years back, when I attended a ten-day event on 'Meaningful Social Action', organized by the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity, (ISGP)", said Maha. It's a non-profit organization that works with individuals, groups and institutions to build their capacities in their efforts for a better society", she further added.</div>
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When Maha returned to her town after attending her training, her mind started exploring what good things she can do in her community. Her family has a healthy habit of regular evening walk on Township roads, where Maha and her younger sibling always noticed residents throwing off wastes in empty plots, outside their homes and sometime over roads. What are these residents doing? Why doesn't our township authority become active so no one throw off waste like this. These were the questions, Maha always thought about.</div>
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"Perhaps alone we can't do this, so let's talk to some like-minded friends about it," Maha said. "Together with my younger brother Adeel and other friends, we started door-to-door visits, educating families how to reduce and distribute the contents of waste and dump them in the proper place", she said but with a little disappointment after her one month efforts of mobilization which couldn't work.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2dfQu7DM_I/Ue8DbuVSzcI/AAAAAAAABBc/JxzRaun4GZY/s1600/Maha+on+left,+with+her+siblings+and+cousins+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2dfQu7DM_I/Ue8DbuVSzcI/AAAAAAAABBc/JxzRaun4GZY/s320/Maha+on+left,+with+her+siblings+and+cousins+-+Copy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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She however didn't stop at all!<br />
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Maha and her brother, after a break for some thoughts, then tried a different approach to make the initial failure a success. This time, these young siblings selected ten houses and other ten young girls from the households and started a discussion how they can solve the issue of waste management.</div>
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A truly young minds brainstorming for a better society!!<br />
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And the decision from these young minds was -- a servant from one of the resident families would go door to door to collect waste and dump it off in a place allocated by the MDA -- a local authority. The next job was how to convince these ten families to pay this servant a nominal monthly payment!</div>
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"This practice went well for about one month. We identified a servant, and families also paid him, but not more than one month," said Maha.</div>
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Another failure, but put more enthusiasm in Maha! Throwing out waste outside homes was still a problem to fix.</div>
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Let's find a permanent sweeper for this job, Maha thought. Another two young fellows also decided to join Maha, her younger brother and a cousin, making a force of five! This time, they thought to first focus their efforts on just their own main road. This young group also decided why not to engage MDA as well, along with their effort to convince local residents on proper waste management.</div>
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Maha wrote an application letter to the MDA and shared her plan, while the youth group continued to convince families join the waste management initiative. To create more interest, Maha also introduced a simple form for interested families, mentioning the name and address of family head and monthly payment for the sweepers.</div>
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Surprisingly, families started showing much interest when they saw youth being so conscious about their environment!</div>
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Maha and her young team visited door to door, introducing the concept to families and encouraging them to join the initiative. Some 23 families initially decided to join Maha and her young team!</div>
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After getting support of local residents, Maha, along with her team of youth and some other local females, approached the Assistant Director of the MDA, sharing with him their plan of waste management. The MDA director was so astonished knowing the efforts of these youth and their passion to motivate local residents for a clean environment.</div>
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The happiest moment came when the director called upon the department's sweeper asking him to collect waste from identified households the very next day!</div>
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"We then re-visited every household, telling them about our successful meeting with local authorities and got families' consensus on timing of waste collection through the official sweeper," said the happy Maha.</div>
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Today, 48 households of the main road of the township have joined this initiative. The road is now clean, while Maha and her group are continuously educating families to keep kitchen and other waste separate and hand it over to the sweeper, rather than throwing it off carelessly.</div>
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"We aim to extend this initiative from our main road to the entire township", said Maha. "This is our pilot initiative and we are trying to engage maximum families in the area, along with MDA, to help them learn sustainable waste management, composting, recycling and other initiative like be natural and avoid packaged food for a sustainable environment," she further added!</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maha is a youth activist and currently maintaining her own <a href="https://www.facebook.com/makhni90" style="border: 0px; color: #399800; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">page</a> on Facebook.</em></div>
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Asifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687937181337295055noreply@blogger.com0