Expert Urges Action to Protect Animals Amid Climate Crisis
News Desk
Islamabad:Renowned wildlife biologist Dr Uzma sounded the alarm on the pressing need to end cruelty towards animals and raise global awareness about their welfare. In an interview with a private news channel, she emphasized the urgent need for collective action to improve animal protection standards worldwide.
She added that the consequences are far-reaching, with climate change projected to drive up to 1 million species to extinction by 2050.
Dr Uzma highlighted the devastating impact of climate change, which is predicted to wipe out up to one million species by 2050. She pointed out that climate change exacerbates existing threats like habitat destruction, pollution, and human-wildlife conflict.
“Rising sea levels are destroying coastal habitats, droughts are decimating food sources, and extreme weather events are shattering the delicate balance within ecosystems,” she explained.
She urged for immediate, collective efforts to combat climate change, protect natural habitats, and support climate-resilient conservation strategies.
“The future of our planet’s precious biodiversity hangs in the balance. We must act now to ensure a livable world for all species,” Dr Uzma stressed.
As a wildlife expert, Dr Uzma shared her firsthand experience of the devastating impact human activities have on species and ecosystems. She mentioned that habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and wildlife trafficking are pushing countless animals toward extinction. Additionally, she highlighted the billions of animals suffering in factory farms, laboratories, and the entertainment industry, where they are subjected to inhumane conditions.
To address these challenges, Dr Uzma called on individuals, organizations, and governments to take practical steps toward animal protection. “We must promote compassion, empathy, and sustainability in our daily choices by supporting eco-friendly practices and cruelty-free products,” she urged.
She also stressed the need for governments to strengthen laws and enforcement to safeguard both wildlife and domestic animals. Organizations, she said, must prioritize animal welfare in their operations and advocacy.
Responding to a question about iconic species in Pakistan, Dr Uzma expressed concern over the rapid decline of the endangered Nayab Markhor—Pakistan’s national animal—due to relentless poaching and habitat destruction.
She also warned that colorful parrots are disappearing due to deforestation and capture for the pet trade.
Other species like the snow leopard, Indus dolphin, and Himalayan brown bear are also facing extinction due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and infrastructure development.
Dr Uzma called for urgent attention to animals in rural areas, emphasizing that stricter laws and community engagement are essential to preserving Pakistan’s rich biodiversity. “Together, we can create a world where animals are valued, respected, and protected for generations to come,” she concluded.
