DawnMedia’s Bold Move for Climate Action: ‘Breathe Pakistan’ Conference Sets New Standards
DawnMedia’s ‘Breathe Pakistan’ campaign culminates in Pakistan’s first-ever international climate change conference, driving collective climate action.
Climate change remains one of the greatest crises facing the world today, causing devastating environmental disasters such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, Pakistan is among the most vulnerable nations to climate change. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, DawnMedia took a groundbreaking step by launching the ‘Breathe Pakistan’ campaign—an initiative dedicated to fostering a national dialogue on climate resilience.
DawnMedia’s Call for Collective Climate Action
DawnMedia spearheaded the ‘Breathe Pakistan’ campaign to shift the climate conversation from select circles of policymakers and activists to mainstream public awareness. The campaign aimed to drive impactful climate action, culminating in the first-ever international climate change conference in Pakistan.
The ‘Breathe Pakistan’ Campaign: A Nationwide Movement
Launched on August 14, 2024, ‘Breathe Pakistan’ started with influencer-driven initiatives, where celebrities and politicians received saplings to plant and encourage mass participation. DawnMedia further amplified the campaign through:
- Public service messages highlighting Pakistan’s climate vulnerability.
- A creative approach inspired by mycelium networks, symbolizing collective strength against climate change.
- Extensive coverage across all Dawn Media platforms, including DawnNews, Aurora, CityFM89, and Dawn.com.
Global Support and Mycelium Warriors
The campaign gained momentum with over 30 sponsors, termed ‘Mycelium Warriors,’ including:
- United Nations Pakistan
- Government of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Corporate leaders like Unilever Pakistan and EBM
- International organizations such as the World Bank Group and WWF
The Landmark ‘Breathe Pakistan’ International Climate Change Conference
Held on February 6-7, 2025, in Islamabad, the conference was a direct response to the lack of climate justice outcomes from COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani, CEO of Dawn, emphasized the need for a dedicated platform for multi-sector dialogue to drive tangible climate solutions.
Key Discussions and Expert Insights
With 70 expert speakers from 11 countries, the conference addressed critical topics such as:
- Climate Justice and Climate Finance
- Media’s Role in Climate Awareness
- Government-Corporate Partnerships
- Women’s Empowerment in Climate Action
- Climate Education
High-profile speakers included:
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- Senator Sherry Rehman, former Minister for Climate Change
- Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the PM on Climate Change
- Global climate leaders Valerie Hickey (World Bank) and Harjeet Singh (Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative)
Prominent journalists such as Zaffar Abbas (Dawn) and Mahfuz Anam (The Daily Star, Dhaka) examined journalism’s role in holding climate violators accountable.
Government and Private Sector Commitments
The conference concluded with commitments from the government and corporate sectors to tackle:
- Glacial Melt and Water Management
- Pollution Control and Biodiversity Conservation
- Food Security and Climate Resilience
- Deforestation and Agriculture Enhancements
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani hailed the event as “momentous,” highlighting its significance in reinforcing national resolve against climate change.
Future Plans and Next Steps
With the success of Phase 1, DawnMedia now aims to extend ‘Breathe Pakistan’ into its next stage:
- Encouraging individuals and businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
- Partnering with educational institutions to foster climate consciousness among youth.
- Monitoring commitments made at the conference and facilitating corporate-government collaboration for green investments.
A recent Ipsos study on Climate Change Knowledge in Pakistan revealed that only 31% of Pakistanis recognize climate change as a critical issue—15% below the global average. This underscores the need for sustained awareness campaigns like ‘Breathe Pakistan’ to bridge this gap.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
DawnMedia’s ‘Breathe Pakistan’ campaign is more than just an initiative—it’s a call for sustained, collective action against climate change. With growing corporate and governmental engagement, the movement is set to shape Pakistan’s climate resilience strategy for the future.
Join the movement and be part of Pakistan’s climate revolution!
Related Articles:
- How Pakistan Can Combat Climate Change
- The Role of Media in Climate Awareness
- Global Climate Justice: Where Does Pakistan Stand?
Source: https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1145388/dawnmedia-delivers-on-its-call-for-collective-climate-action
