LAHORE: (Monday, June 5, 2023): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood has said that the use of plastic must be abandoned to deal with the challenges of climate change being faced by the world. He was addressing a seminar organized by Punjab University College of Earth and Environmental Sciences in collaboration with GIZ Pakistan on ‘World Environment Day’. On this occasion, Secretary Higher Education Punjab Javed Akhtar Mahmood, Secretary Environment Protection Department Dr Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, Member Board of Revenue Syed Mubasher Hussain, Principal CEES Prof Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmed, Daniyal Mansoor from GIZ, faculty members and a large number of students were present. In his address, Dr Khalid Mahmood said that the performance of the CEES for the last five years is commendable and the improvement in the recent QS ranking is a source of pride not only for the college but also for PU. He appreciated the efforts of Dr Sajid and his team for organizing the successful event. He said that we have made the use of plastic common for our convenience which is causing disaster for the world. He said that everyone has to play a role for systematic awareness campaign, legislation and policy making to control pollution caused by plastic. He praised the government institutions for introducing the subject of environment at the school level. He said that steps are being taken to introduce the subject of environment in ADP and BS programs in PU as well. Mr Akhtar said that the employment of millions of people is connected with the plastic industry, for which alternative means have to be found. He said that the increase in the use of plastic and the cutting of trees is not only a threat to mankind, but birds, insects and many species are also facing the threat of extinction. Mr Chauhan said that the government is aware of the effects of climate change and is taking steps to combat it at all levels. He said that to avoid all kinds of pollution, students should play positive role in awareness campaign. Syed Mubashir Hasan said that it is not possible to find a solution to the problems without knowing them, for which the educational institutions and the industry should work together. He said that climate change and use of plastic are major threats. Dr Sajid Rashid said that providing awareness at all levels including schools, colleges and universities is the need of the hour to abandon the use of plastic. He said that the use of wooden toys should be common instead of plastic toys. He said that changes are being made in the curriculum to deal with climate change. He said that solutions to problems are always given by educational institutions while government institutions implement them. Daniyal Mansoor emphasized the promotion of research while describing the performance of GIZ. Environmental pollution awareness documentaries were presented while the awareness stalls by the students were also set up in the event. Later, certificates and shields were distributed among the students who secured positions in the best documentary and poster competitions.