Blue carbon sequestration at risk. – By Naseem Sheikh

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Carbon is one of the most abundant chemical elements on Earth. It is universally abundant and essential component present in atmosphere, ocean and  human body. It is also part of carbon mono oxide and  carbon dioxide (a gas that comes from both natural and anthropogenic sources). Excess amounts of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is connected to climate change.It must be absorbed other wise it becomes a great risk for environment. Forests and other terrestrial plants are good carbon absorbers but aquatic plants are greater and more efficient carbon sequesters than these terretrial sources.

Carbon sequestered by way of aquatic plant, coastal sediments and coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, sea grass meadows or inter tidal salt marshes is called blue carbon. These blue sequester components protect people from coastal erosion, storms and flooding; also making them valuable for climate change adaptation and provide nursery grounds for fish.

Blue carbon sequestration is very important to control global warming, it absorbs carbon 40 times faster than terrestrial forests. terrestrial forests and plant biomass such as leaves, stems, branches or roots are pretty good at carbon sequestration, but their carbon stores are bound to the lifetime of the trees, for only 100 or so years, and then it is released back into the atmosphere,especially when it is cut down before maturity , blue carbon can be sequestered for years to decades, and for thousands to millions of years in underlying plant sediments.

Blue carbon sink components include mangroves, salt marshes and sea grasses, are found on every continent except Antarctica, cover less than 0.5% of the seabed. they are responsible for more than 50%, and potentially up to 70%, of all carbon storage in ocean sediments. These coastal ecosystems cover between 13.8 and 15.2 million hectares (Mha), 2.2 and 40 Mha, and 17.7 and 60 Mha, respectively. Combined, these ecosystems cover approximately 49 Mha.

One of the main concerns with Blue Carbon is the rate of loss of these important marine ecosystems is much higher than any other ecosystem on the planet, even compared to rainforests. Current estimates suggest a loss of 2-7% per year, which is not only lost carbon sequestration, but also lost habitat that is important for managing climate, coastal protection, and health.

A mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline or brackish water. The term is also used for tropical coastal vegetation consisting of such species. Mangroves occur worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. Mangroves are being lost at a rate of 2% per year. Experts estimate that carbon emissions from mangrove deforestation account for up to 10% of emissions from deforestation globally, despite covering just 0.7% of land coverage.

 

In Pakistan, mangrove swamps of the Sindh coastal zone are extensive, covering 243,000 hectares (ha) compared with 7,400 ha along the Balochistan coast.

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A marsh is a wetland that is dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plant species. Marshes can often be found at the edges of lakes and streams, where they form a transition between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The three main types of marsh are salt marshes, freshwater tidal marshes, and freshwater marshes. carbon sequester rate in all three types is different.
Marshes have high productivity, with a large portion of primary production in below ground biomass. Marshes sequester carbon in underground biomass due to high rates of organic sedimentation and anaerobic-dominated decomposition. Salt marshes cover approximately 22,000 to 400,000 km2 globally, with an estimated carbon burial rate of 210 g C m−2 yr−1.

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Tidal marshes are being lost at a rate of 1-2% per year. They cover roughly 140 million hectares of Earth’s surface. They have lost more than 50% of their historical global coverage. Pakistan is blessed to have more than 240 major wetlands including 19 Ramsar sites, which are international significant wetlands, covering an area of 1,343,627 hectares (3,320,170 acres) in Pakistan.

Seagrasses are a group of about 60 angiosperm species that have adapted to an aquatic life (here sponges, clams, small fish and other filter feeders thrive), and can grow in meadows along the shores of all continents except Antarctica. they are essential for coral reef formations. seagrass meadows form in maximum depths of up to 50m, depending on water quality and light availability, and can include up to 12 different species in one meadow.

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Seagrasses are in global decline, with some 30,000 km2 (12,000 sq mi) lost during recent decades. seagrasses are about 177,000 sq km left globally. ‘Seagrass meadows are negatively affected by impacts accruing from the billion or more people who live within 50 km of them.
Carbon sequestration rates in seagrass meadows vary depending on the species, characteristics of the sediment, and depth of the habitats, but on average the carbon burial rate is approximately 138 g C m−2 yr−1.

keeping in mind the current scenario of such rapidly decreasing rate of blue carbon sinks,  practical steps must be taken  not only for survival of remaining aquatic plants but also for plantation of new plants and to safe their habitat because all thees are complexity inter connected and important for climatic control.

 

 

A good step by Pakistani Nation towards Dam building, Sustainability and Hydroelectricity production- by- Naseem Sheikh

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Water level is decreasing rapidly due to poor management, lack of dams and water reservoirs, urbanisation and carelessly consumption.

water for irrigation and consumption is curbing in Pakistan.  Keeping in mind to fulfill the future requirements for water supreme court of Pakistan start a donation campaign for construction of Diamer-bhasha and Mohmand dams.

Donations can be made in the form of cash, cheques, pay orders, demand drafts, prize bonds deposited either at the counters or through online transfers.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar himself has donated Rs1 million to the account created solely for the purpose of raising money. The CJP’s donation was the first contribution to the said account, according to a press release on the Supreme Court’s website dated July 5, 2018.

Director General inter Service Public Relations pakistan (ISPR )Major General Asif Ghafoor also announced that officers of the army, navy and air force will donate two days’ pay for the noble cause while soldiers will pitch in with a day’s salary.

A statement from the Supreme Court stated On July11,2018 that all the officers of law department (BS-16 and above) will donate two days’ salary, and the staff (BS-2o to 15) a days’ salary of the current month for the construction of the dams.

The Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association (PALPA) announced on Wednesday its members will contribute three days salary to the fund for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.

Citizens can also donate Rs10 to the CJP’s dam fund by typing “dam” and sending the SMS to 8000 which will deduct the amount from the phone’s credit. The account, titled “DIAMER BASHA AND MOHMAND DAM FUND–2018”, has been opened by the Finance Division of the Government of Pakistan under the Supreme Court’s order. It bears account No. 03-593-299999-001-4 and IBN No. PK06SBPP0035932999990014.

Donations for ”Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund Account” are accepted at all Muslim commercial Banks (MCB) branches (IBAN NO PK09MUCB1022736261007751) .

Askari Bank is accepting contributions to Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dam fund -2018 through branches, ATMs, i-Net & Mobile Banking. IBAN PK29ASCM0000020100579803.

Construction of dams not only help in water storage but also for hydroelectricity production. Hydroelectricity is the need of the hour. And a great step towards sustainable and green way of living.

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Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a concrete-filled gravity dam, in the preliminary stages of construction, on the River Indus in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. Its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Yusuf Taxa Gillani of Pakistan on 18 October 2011. Upon completion, Diamer-Bhasha Dam would be the highest Roller-Compact Concrete (RCC) dam in the world. The dam site is situated near a place called “Bhasha” in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamir district, hence the name.

Upon completion, Diamer-Bhasha Dam would (i) produce 4,500 Megawatts of electricity through environmentally clean hydropower generation; (ii) store an extra 8,500,000 acre feet (10.5 km3) of water for Pakistan that would be used for irrigation and drinking; (iii) extend the life of Tarbela Dam located downstream by 35 years; and (iv) control flood damage by the River Indus downstream during high floods.

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Mohmand Dam is a proposed multi-purpose concrete-faced rock-filled dam located on the swat river approximately 37 km north of Peshawar and 5 km upstream of head works in the Mohmand Agency of Pakistan Federally Administrative Tribal Area (FATA).

Once completed, the dam will generate 740 MW of hydroelectricity, irrigate 15,100 acres of land and control floods downstream. It is expected to provide numerous estimated annual benefits including Rs. 4.98 billion in annual water storage benefits, Rs. 19.6 billion in power generation benefits by generating 2.4 billion units of electricity annually and Rs. 79 million in annual flood mitigation benefits.

Another spell of monsoon is near to hit Pakistan. by Naseem Sheikh

 

Weather of pakistan  is expecting another good spell of monsoon rain after very hot, humid and sweaty period. PMD (Pakistan Meteorological Department ) has informed that the “second spell of monsoon rains is expected in coming 24 hours, travelling through the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, has made its way into the north-eastern parts of the country.”

 

 

 

 

 

Rainfall is expected to match the long-term average to slightly more in northern half of Pakistan. Good rainfall spell are expected during the 2nd and 3rd decade of the month, which may cause urban flooding and flash floods in some parts of the country.

 

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According to the spokesperon of meterelogical department, the monsoon with gusty winds and thunder splash will lash isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Lahore divisions, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir regions from 13th to 15th July.

“Seasonal Low lies over North Baluchistan on 14th and 15th July with its trough extending southeastward. A shallow westerly wave is affecting northern areas. Weak monsoon currents are penetrating Kashmir and its adjoining areas,” Met department said.

Considering the weather forecast by PMD, National Disaster management Authority alert low to medium flooding in river Chenab and associated nullah of river Ravi and chenab during the rainy week.

Flood warning have been issuing Alert to people residing in / close to river plains / water courses.

Flooding

 

Relevant stakeholders have been asked to remain on alert and ensure timely clearance of sewerage / drainage system in all major cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan and Peshawar.

National Institute of Health (NIH)/NHEPRN will advise all provincial health departments about places where pre-placement of necessary staff and medicines can required.

All concerned have been recommended to ensure precautionary measures to avoid any loss of life or property, which include:

(a) NHA, FWO and C&W departments of respective provinces/ regions to remain vigilant in restoring road links;

(b) tourists be apprised about weather forecast;

(c) availability of staff of emergency services;

(d) in case of any eventuality, twice daily updates should be shared with NDMA;

(e) and relevant departments may issue necessary instructions to stakeholders in the light of fresh weather forecast.

 

 

“Oops! I am not smoker but I am smoking cigarette in public- by – Naseem Sheikh

A deeper understanding of how the loss of our already not-so-clean air will impact  on our health is, just like cigarette smoking, a matter of life and death. Many research work is going on, on intersection of climatic change, air pollution and human health. it is now well understood that short term and long term exposure to airborne particles, including smoke and dust pose major health risks.

In human its impact may start from minor irritation in throat to severe cough, respiratory disorder, reduced line of sight,  hypertension, different types of allergies and other cardiovascular problems resulted in hospital admission and even in children is to premature death. Every year, more than 12 million people die from the hidden risks in our environment, carried by the air we breathe, the water we drink, or unseen chemicals to which we are too often exposed.

Usually normal people on average cannot recognize how bad environmental conditions are bad or worse in which they are living, so to provide awareness to that level, a non commercial scientists team from berkeley Earth, invented a paper and real time app that found how surrounded air create bad impact like cigarette, on health of living being. Currently our air is basically contaminated by dust and smoke that is because of dry land.

Today, drylands compose 41 percent of the world’s total land area and are home to around 2.1 billion people. With passage of time composition of this dryland is under drastic change by different anthropogenic activities, result in production of more dry land area which is basic source for  production of dust and dust borne diseases. Dust composed of many fine soil particle, human and different animal’s dead skin and hair, plant’s pollen, paper fabric, textile fiber, burn garbage particles, coal, volcanic particle, metereolites and much many other sources.

Scientifically “dust” refers to soil-derived airborne particles generated by wind erosion or human activities, such as farming operations or travel on unpaved roads. Any soil particles smaller than 0.05 millimeters – roughly the width of a human hair – can be uplifted into the air.  Dust particles smaller than 0.0025 millimeters (2.5 microns), which are collectively known as “fine” particulate matter (PM). Particles this small stay in the air longer and cause the greatest harm to human health, since they can penetrate deep into the lungs.

Scientists team from berkeley Earth invented an app to check air quality.  It is real time app that collect air data. The data, which shows the number of cigarettes you would have to smoke to equal the danger of the polluted air you breathe,the obtained data further analyzed by two app developers to create a service called, “Shoot is Smoke!” that allows you a real-time look at just how bad the air pollution around you really is. On a recent day, Beijing residents smoked the equivalent of 7.3 cigarettes. In New York City the residents smoked 1.1, in Chicago it was 2.5, and in Los Angeles the number was 4—just by walking outside and breathing the air.

In Pakistan mainly not much work have been done because of lack of cooperation and facilities.

Air quality in Pakistan is cross the safe border limit and is a mother cause of 59,241 deaths annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that major cities in Pakistan are as polluted as the world’s most-polluted cities. The air in Pakistan has an annual average of 60 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m³) of PM2.5 particles. That is four-times the safe levels recommended by the National Environmental Quality Standards for Ambient Air by the Environmental Protection Agency in Pakistan (PK-EPA).

In lahore sources of smoke and dust pollution are deforestation,  industrial emission, biomass burning (crops burning, waste burning, trans road boundary waste burning) , diesel emission ( vehicle traffic, generators for electricity production), coal combustion (domestic, brick kilns and power plant).

 

Scientists team from berkeley Earth are hoping to find a partner that would be interested in trading advertising on the app for setting up monitoring stations in areas that are lacking data. but as few is done in main punjab and few areas adjacent to border with India shows Pakistan also including in that type of polluted area which is not suitable for sensitive people.

How to Stay Safe From Smoke in Pakistan

• Keep the doors & windows closed.
• Avoid going out.
• Stay home, inside office or within the walls as much as possible.
• Cover your face with mask.
• Use goggles & sunglasses.
• Drink as much water as you can.
• Use wet mops while cleaning your houses & offices.
• Eat clean & hygienic food. Try to avoid eating out.
• Don’t drink cold drinks & even cold plain water.
• Try to avoid the construction sites & keep such places wet so that there’s as low dust as possible.
• Get your cars & bikes checked so that there’s as low smoke as possible.