Human activities have fundamentally increased the concentration of greenhouse gases, warming the planet. The industrial activities on which the modern civilisation depends have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to about 417 parts per million. Toxic materials and gases are burned and released into the atmosphere, absorbing radiation from the sun, increasing the planet’s temperature and proliferating environmental pollution. Moreover, health risks are also associated with climate change/global warming. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 5% of those diagnosed with lung cancer are due to extended exposure to pollution.
Considering the devastating effects of global warming, there is a dire need for manufacturing companies to address the challenges of decarbonisation. Reducing the carbon footprint of the manufacturing industry measures the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a product. Determining a product’s carbon footprint through data sharing helps benchmark decarbonisation effects. As manufacturing industries are on the verge of a data-driven revolution, this data sharing will help manufacturers create a baseline of carbon emissions and establish a foundation for initiatives to decarbonise production operations.
Pakistan has also adopted a strong plan on climate change and environmental issues through several initiatives that have gained worldwide recognition, including the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme and the Protected Areas Initiative. However, the country’s industrial sector is lagging behind this plan. There is a need to call for bold reforms to remain competitive in the local and international markets. The government should provide financial support to the industrial sector to introduce net-zero carbon policies. Investment in low-carbon technologies will create thousands of jobs, make the environment free of carbon emissions, and stimulate economic growth.
Leave a Reply