IndusCast: Prof.Dr Muhammad Fahim Khokhar, (IESE,SCEE, NUST) Interview on Climate Change
We had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Dr. Muhammad Fahim Khokhar, a renowned expert in environmental sciences and a Tenured Professor at the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology (IESE, SCEE, NUST) in Islamabad, Pakistan. Dr. Khokhar holds a Doctoral degree from Germany and has completed three post-doctorates in Germany and France. He has a remarkable expertise in satellite remote sensing, air quality monitoring and assessment, climate change and its impacts, DOAS (differential optical absorption spectroscopy) technique, data retrieval algorithm, and analysis. He has also actively contributed to various European research projects, such as NOVAAC, GEMS, and MACC under the 6th and 7th framework of the European Commission.
In our interview, we focused on two key aspects: the devastating floods that occurred in 2022 and the climate change commitments made by Pakistan in the Paris Accord. Dr. Khokhar provided valuable insights and expertise on both topics.
Regarding the 2022 floods, Dr. Khokhar shed light on the contributing factors and the underlying connection to climate change. He emphasized the importance of understanding the broader context of climate change and its influence on extreme weather events. He explained that climate change has the potential to intensify rainfall patterns, leading to increased frequency and severity of floods. Dr. Khokhar further elaborated on the scientific evidence linking climate change to extreme weather events, highlighting the need for comprehensive risk assessment and adaptive measures to mitigate the impacts of such disasters.
In terms of Pakistan's commitments in the Paris Accord, Dr. Khokhar highlighted the significance of international cooperation in addressing climate change. He emphasized that the Paris Accord provides a framework for countries to collectively work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Dr. Khokhar commended Pakistan's commitment to the accord and its efforts in implementing climate change policies and strategies at the national level. He discussed the challenges faced by Pakistan in meeting its targets and the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation of progress to ensure effective implementation.
As a member of Pakistan's Climate Change Council, Dr. Khokhar expressed his optimism regarding the country's commitment to tackling climate change. He discussed the initiatives being undertaken at the national level, including the establishment of the Climate Change Council, which plays a crucial role in policy formulation and coordination among relevant stakeholders. He stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, research, and innovation to address the complex challenges posed by climate change.
During the interview, Dr. Khokhar emphasized the crucial role of media in creating awareness and educating the public about climate change monitoring and mitigation. He stressed the importance of utilizing media platforms to disseminate information about the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for action.
Dr. Khokhar also highlighted the significance of media in promoting the development of local cost-effective technologies to address climate change challenges. He explained that media can play a vital role in showcasing innovative solutions and inspiring communities to adopt sustainable practices. By featuring success stories and highlighting the benefits of adopting climate-friendly technologies, media can contribute to a wider adoption of these practices.
Brasil