Humankind is facing an imminent threat of extinction, according to new research released this week by the science journal Nature. The report ‘Approaching a state shift in Earth’s biosphere’, reveals that our planet’s biosphere is steadily approaching a ‘tipping point’, meaning all ecosystems are nearing sudden and irreversible change that will not be conducive to human life. The authors describe what they see as a fast paced ‘state shift’ once the tipping point is reached, which contrasts with the mainstream view that environmental change will take centuries. “It’s a question of whether it is going to be manageable change or abrupt change. And we have reason to believe the change may be abrupt and surprising,” said co-researcher Arne Mooers, a professor of biodiversity at Simon Fraser University in Canada’s British Columbia.

Like other parts of the world, nature lovers and environmentalists observed World Nature Conservation Day on Saturday across Pakistan with the theme of increasing awareness about the precious natural resources on the earth. According to environmentalists, “Nature provides us with various indispensable services which have made possible human existence on the planet. Right from the air we breathe to the raw material required for the development process, everything is provided by nature.” “Celebration of this day is important in raising awareness for nature conservation especially in Pakistan where uncontrolled development is creating stress on nature,” Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STNP) President Aftab Rana said.

For conserving nature, there was a need for promoting and creating awareness about biodiversity and natural environment mainly in mountainous regions of Kaghan Valley, Naran, Lake Saif-ul-Maluk and adjacent tourist spots where visitors damage natural environment by throwing garbage, he added. Various international and national steps have been taken for conservation of nature throughout the world while all the government initiatives and legal framework to protect nature needs to be supported by active public participation.

He said the nature conservation day can also be observed individually by helping in conservation activities in the surrounding of natural areas. The STFP will hold a Tree Plantation and Nature Camp for children accompanied by field trips to mark the day with the vision to establish Pakistan as a nature friendly, culture friendly and a people-friendly tourist destination. “Our mission is to promote and facilitate the growth of sustainable and equitable tourism in Pakistan in close partnership with concerned stakeholders from the public, private and NGO sectors,” he said.

THINGS TO DO:

n Travel by bicycle or on foot whenever possible.

n Put your trash where it belongs

n Turn electricity appliances off when they are not in use

n Grow your own vegetables. Herbs like coriander and mint can be easily grown at home.

n Save energy by putting a lid on the pot whenever you boil water. If all of us start doing this, we will save enough gas for one more year.

If you see someone harming the environment,

inform the authorities.

Telephone No: 92-51-9267627

Fax: 92-51-9267622

E-Mail: [email protected]