Communties in Karachi, Pakistan are considered to be particuarly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. To help combat this issue, Islamic Relief is running a project in the area to help communities reduce their carbon footprint, build resilience to changing climate, and to be better prepared for the future.
The project involves working with the local government, think tanks and researchers in order to improve local plans to adapt to climate change. Other initiatives include running community awareness sessions around climate change and resilience, bringing farmers together and arranging training sessions to help communities adapt to the changing climate.
As a result, more than 30,000 people are better prepared to deal with the challenges of climate change.
Inspiring Kanwal
“I was invited to attend Islamic Relief Pakistan’s climate change meeting. The purpose of the meeting was for Islamic Relief staff to establish a climate change youth network, and to educate us on what this involved. After hearing of the initiatives of this project, I was signed up to become part of the network”, says 22-year-old Kanwal from Karachi.
“I was then educated around climate change issues such as floods, heat/cold waves, cyclones and tsunami threats, as well as around the devastating impact such disasters could have on vulnerable communities.
“Before Islamic Relief’s awareness sessions, I was always told that natural disasters happen as a result of God’s wrath, but I was then taught about how these catastrophes can come about as a result of climate change, and that we are the main contributors to this.
“Islamic Relief changed my mindset to understand how our communities are contributing to climate change, and the devastating impact this is having. Now I am the part of a youth network established by Islamic Relief and work hard to reduce my carbon footprint, for example by reducing plastic useage and recycling.
“I hope that our youth network will be more active and will contribute at policy level to combat the effects of limate change. I also hope to inspire my family members to help reduce their carbon footprint”, says Kanwal.
Nazia’s story
“Before, I would spend my time cooking, cleaning and washing clothes”, says mother-of-5sNazia from Karachi.
“However, since October 2021 I have been working with Islamic Relief to help our community adapt to and help combat climate change. I was then elected as president of the local community organisation.
“I have made many new friends who are also part of the community organisation.
“Islamic Relief also gave me the idea of starting a tuition and vocational training center to help other women in the area to learn new skills and have some guidance in their studies.
“Islamic Relief’s climate change project is helping to educate many women in the area. The hope is that it will be a means for women in the community to become agents of change, and to educate the next generation around important issues. Staff are helping to inspire us”, says Nazia.
From climate adaptation to sustainable livelihood solutions and women’s empowerment, Islamic Relief works in Pakistan to help transform lives and address the most pressing needs.
Please donate now to help us continue our vital climate change work in Pakistan and beyond.