KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has stressed the need for urgent and collective action to address climate change, warning that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, water scarcity, pollution, and environmental degradation pose serious threats not only to ecosystems but also to public health, food security, and sustainable development.
In his message on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, observed annually on June 5, the Naval Chief said this year's theme, "A Global Call for Climate Action," serves as a reminder that climate change remains one of the most significant challenges facing humanity. He noted that rising sea levels, melting glaciers, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and other extreme weather conditions are already affecting millions of people worldwide and placing additional pressure on healthcare systems.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf said Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and continues to face serious environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, water shortages, pollution, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. He emphasized that environmental protection is no longer solely an ecological issue but is directly linked to human health, economic stability, food availability, and community well-being.
He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change, urging developed and developing countries to work together through the sharing of technology, resources, and innovative solutions. He also stressed the role of educational institutions, organizations, and communities in raising awareness and promoting environmentally responsible lifestyles.
The Naval Chief reaffirmed Pakistan Navy's commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience, noting that the force regularly conducts coastal, sea, and beach cleaning campaigns, environmental awareness initiatives, and community engagement programs aimed at reducing marine pollution and protecting the ecological balance of the Arabian Sea.
He particularly highlighted Pakistan Navy's efforts to conserve and restore mangrove forests along the country's coastline. Mangroves play a vital role in protecting coastal populations from erosion and extreme weather, supporting marine biodiversity, improving air quality, and absorbing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf urged citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices, including reducing plastic pollution, preventing untreated waste disposal into the sea, conserving energy, and protecting natural habitats. He said even small individual actions can contribute significantly to building a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient Pakistan for future generations.
Health experts have increasingly linked climate change to a rise in heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, waterborne infections, food insecurity, and mental health challenges, making environmental protection a critical public health priority.
