Call for a check on pollution, use of plastic products

LAHORE, April 14: Tangible steps need to be taken to resolve the issues of fast emerging pollution problems and plastic disposal. Speaking at a seminar on "Oxo-biodegradable Plastic Technology and Global Warming" at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, LCCI President Shahzad Ali Malik said there was a dire need to create awareness among the masses and anything hurting the environment must be taken seriously as a collective responsibility. He said the entire developed world had very strict environmental standards and for doing business with the world Pakistan's business community would have to establish an environment compliant regime. He called for measures to protect the ecosystem and added that with some awareness and education of the manufacturers the Oxo-biodegradable technology could be adopted at a larger scale, as it was quite flexible and could be compatible with the conventional processes. He said the research had proven that one centigrade increase in temperature cut grain production by 10 per cent. He said the traditional technology being used to produce plastic products was playing havoc, as the products lasted for years and generated waste that created a solid layer on earth surface and had serious repercussions for environment. Punjab Environment Protection Agency Director General Asif Shuja Khan said economic growth had a direct link with environment, as industries complying with international environment standards were well placed in the global marketplace. Agha Saiddain spoke on global warming and environmental challenges for sustainable industrial growth. He called for introduction of cleaner industrial technologies because pollution load could cause multifaceted damages. He said nothing could strengthen Pakistan economically "if we failed to take care of delicacies attached with the environment". He said a recent international study revealed that average temperature in Pakistan had risen by two degrees in only two years and if the trend went on unchecked it could cause natural disasters besides having climatic change and economic impact.