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Category: Events

  • Land, Water, Rights, and Climate Change: A Cross-Regional Dialogue

    The “Land, Water, Rights, and Climate Change” session brought together activists, stakeholders, and community members to foster an exchange on regional challenges and grassroots activism. Organized by ADS and the Thar Citizen Forum (TCF), the event centered around the shared issues of land rights, environmental conservation, and climate justice in Pakistan. Attendees included representatives from Thar, Multan, Cholistan, Muzaffargarh, and other areas of Seraiki Wasaib.

    The objective was to establish a collaborative platform for activists across regions to share insights, identify common challenges, and explore collective approaches to strengthen environmental and social justice initiatives.

    Download the full report here.

  • ADS’ Textile Study Launch in NTU Faisalabad

    The Alternate Development Services (ADS), in collaboration with the National Textile University (NTU) Faisalabad, successfully co-hosted the launch of its study titled “Emission Analysis and Pathways to Progress with Carbon Reduction,” focusing on the textile sector, one of Pakistan’s most vital industries. The event, held on September 26, 2024, provided an in-depth analysis of emission profiles, energy consumption patterns, and the decarbonization potential of Pakistan’s textile industry, a cornerstone of the country’s economy.

    Pakistan’s textile sector plays a crucial role in the nation’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030, as outlined in the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. However, the sector is largely powered by fossil fuel-based grid electricity, contributing significantly to emissions. The ADS study, conducted under the Alternate and Renewable Energy Campaign – Pakistan (AREC-P), examined this energy mix, the sector’s reliance on grid electricity, and the opportunities for transitioning to renewable energy. The research aimed to realign industrial decarbonization efforts with national and international climate targets.

    In his address, ADS CEO Mr. Amjad Nazeer emphasized the critical role of the textile industry in addressing climate change and global warming. “The textile sector, being highly energy-intensive and reliant on fossil fuels, is at a pivotal point for decarbonization,” said Mr. Nazeer. He further noted that with the right investments in renewable energy, the industry holds tremendous potential for both decarbonization and sustainable growth. “A shift towards renewable energy not only addresses climate challenges but also opens pathways for economic growth and global competitiveness,” he added.

    The seminar featured a range of speakers, including Chaudhary Bashir Ahmad, former CEO of FESCO and HESCO, who spoke about the devolution of the power sector from public to private hands. He pointed out that the issues of circular debt and high tariffs arose post-WAPDA’s disintegration. Advocating for renewable energy solutions, he stressed, “Pakistan needs to shift towards wind and solar ultimately.”

    Mr. Ahsan Umar, Commercial Director of Bata Pakistan, presented a sustainability framework, focusing on the shared responsibility between industries and consumers in driving decarbonization. “If consumers stop buying environmentally unfriendly products, companies will be compelled to change,” he stated, emphasizing the impact of consumer choices on industrial practices.

    Dr. Shahood Uz Zaman from NTU Faisalabad provided key insights into the study’s findings, while Mr. Sher Ali, General Manager of Sadaqat Limited, discussed the textile industry’s progress towards adopting green energy solutions. The event culminated in a robust Q&A session and a networking opportunity during a Hi-Tea reception.

  • Seminar and Study Launch of the Sports Sector Decarbonization

    ADS hosted a seminar and study launch of the Sports Sector Decarbonization which was held at the Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PSGMEA) Hall in Sialkot. The event brought together sports industry association heads, sports and apparel industrialists, Sialkot chamber of commerce and industry members, solar companies’ representatives, and industry professionals from diverse educational backgrounds to discuss the critical steps needed to reduce the carbon footprint and renewable energy transition of the sports industry.

    The attached proceeding report provides a comprehensive overview of the event.

    Proceeding ReportDownload

  • Sports Industry Needs Decarbonization, ADS Report Urges

    Sialkot: Alternate Development Services (ADS), an institute striving to arrest climate change and promote renewable energy, hosted a seminar at Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association Hall. The event focused on exploring the decarbonization potential of the sports industry and launched ADS’s new report, “Decarbonizing Sports Industry: Assessing Decarbonization and Growth Potential.”

    The report offers a sobering assessment of the sector’s environmental footprints, highlighting a heavy reliance on conventional energy sources like grid electricity (72%) and natural gas (10%). Though sports are known as a low-carbon emitting sector but still the problem is worth addressing. While some progress has been made with renewables like solar (9%) and biogas (1%), most of the industry still relies heavily on the grid, raising concerns about overall atmospheric pollution and environmental impact.

    Amjad Nazeer, CEO of ADS, emphasized the urgency of climate action and adopting renewable energy and climate-friendly technology, during his opening remarks. “The sports industry, while making a significant contribution to Pakistan’s GDP and employment generation also contributes to our climatic challenges including global warming. We are seeing its impacts right now in the shape of excessive rains, heavy floods, heatwaves, and droughts across the country,” Mr. Nazeer stated. “This report highlights the need for a drastic shift towards clean energy sources, decarbonization efforts, and efficient technologies.” He called for state facilitation, stakeholder collaboration, and concerted efforts to enforce decarbonization and assume renewable energy options.

    PSGMEA President Arshad Lateef Butt highlighted Sialkot’s historic role in sports goods and its skilled artisans who made it a global hub. He also emphasized the industry’s key role in Pakistan’s economy through exports and job creation. “The sector should adopt alternative, renewable, and efficient and nature positive technologies before they’re compelled by rapidly growing pro-environment market demand to do so,” Butt Sahab asserted.

    While representing ADS, Abdul Haseeb Tariq explained, “Our study revealed a dominant reliance on grid electricity, followed by natural gas. While some industries are making strides with renewables, most still depend heavily on the grid.”

    A concerning knowledge gap was also identified in the report. “A staggering 81% of those surveyed were unaware of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a likely export conditionality shortly that will impact Pakistan’s sports Euro-American market,” Mr. Tariq highlighted. “This lack of awareness underscores the need for industry sensitization and preparation for national and international environmental compliances and regulations.”

    A local sports industry representative, Samson Iqbal, also spoke at the event. He highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable manufacturing processes, stating that these practices can significantly contribute to the decarbonization efforts of the industry.

  • 3-Day Training Programme on Global Warming and Significance of De-carbonization (June 6th to June 8th 2024)

    Despite possessing appropriate academic qualifications, many fresh graduates and young energy professionals lack practical insights into the current energy landscape, policies, national and international commitments in greenhouse gas emission-reduction and industrial decarbonization to maintain global warming below 1.5 degree. Consequently, there exists a gap between theoretical knowledge and professional capabilities, obstructing effective collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. This training was organized by Alternate Development Services (ADS), Islamabad in collaboration with Department of Agricultural Engineering and Department of Environmental Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan. The training aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional capabilities by offering participants an opportunity to learn from experts and industry professionals about current issues, challenges, and opportunities in the field of global warming, climate change, and policy reforms with a central focus on industrial decarbonization and energy transition.

    For more details the event report is attached which details the program content, participant demographics, and key takeaways.

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