~ SDG 11 ~

1. Steps/Measures That Can Be Taken By the Government/External

Institutions:
Pakistan's rapid urbanization makes achieving SDG 11 crucial, but the country's progress
has been slow. Despite the government's efforts to improve the environmental landscape,
such as the Billion Tree Tsunami Project, challenges persist in urban housing,
affordability, and municipal services. The shortage of housing in metropolitan cities
forces many to live in squatter settlements, and slum rehabilitation programs have had
limited success. Municipal services are inadequate, and the growth of informal
settlements exacerbates the problem. Pakistan's cities also lack effective urban planning,
leading to congested roads, inadequate drainage systems, and insufficient green spaces.
Furthermore, public and green spaces are being occupied by housing societies or
repurposed for industrial use, limiting access to clean air and a healthy ecosystem for all
citizens. While Pakistan has taken positive steps towards sustainability, such as
promoting electric vehicles and planting trees, more needs to be done to create inclusive
cities that promote growth for all segments of society and dominantly contribution via
society would make a huge difference.
For the purpose of developing sustainable cities and communities government bodies can
play a vital role. Government can ensure the accessible and sustainable transport system
with special attention given to people with disabilities, senior citizens, women and
children. For this purpose buses having proper ramp systems should be designed, more
space made available for women and elderly people. Moreover, government can also put
in efforts for saving non-renewable resources in order to save fuel with provision of
electric buses.
Without water life cannot be imagined. So government can work on desalination plants to
make use of sea water and ensure easy accessibility of clean water. Government can also
work on waste management for which they have to mobilize their municipal cooperation.
Furthermore, develop green spaces to control global warming and improve air quality
index.
Additionally, improved transportation can be done via individuals organizing a similar
vehicle transport scheduling with its individual schedule to transfer all passengers in
limited vehicle hence reduced air quality deterioration. This would also emphasize that
public transportation systems are inexpensive, accessible & sustainable to everyone. For
example, Karachi, a city of almost 20 million people, lacks a public transit system. Then
there’s the matter of balancing physical growth with the need to protect natural and
heritage assets. While public transportation is being upgraded in Lahore by the local
NGOs, there is a genuine concern that it may come at the expense of the city’s historical
legacy.
Moving forward, the exacerbating population has escalated several domestic issues at the
local level affecting societal approach towards everyday livelihood. Marie Stopes
Society, Rahnuma (Family Planning Association of Pakistan), Green Star Social
Marketing, Punjab Rural Support, National Rural Support Programme etc. have been
initiated entirely by NGO supervision and hence have resulted in outstanding results as
awareness significantly boosted. Child adoption may be another option in regard to
slightly curb the need for increasing population as conventional approaches are thwarted,
improvements in family planning mindset will be observed. Additionally, at an individual
level, monthly/yearly local donations may aid in re-establishing slums and Kacchi
Abaddis in Pakistan or elsewhere. Developing the poor quality furnishings and ambience
may entail significant progress for the underprivileged natives.

2. Steps/Measures That Can Be Taken By the Society as a Whole:

In today's world, the environmental impact of excessive consumption and waste is
becoming increasingly evident. One of the most critical practices that society needs to
embrace is the importance of the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. These principles not
only help minimize the harmful effects of waste but also contribute to sustainable living
and the conservation of natural resources.

Reducing the use of plastic is a significant step in this direction. Plastics, especially
plastic bags, are some of the most harmful pollutants due to their long decomposition
times and the damage they cause to wildlife and ecosystems. Society can play a pivotal
role by reducing the consumption of single-use plastics. For example, we can encourage
the use of paper bags or cloth bags as alternatives to plastic bags. Cloth bags, in
particular, are durable, reusable, and biodegradable, making them a far more sustainable
choice. In addition to reducing plastic use, reusing plastics wherever possible is crucial.
Rather than discarding plastic containers, bottles, or packaging, society should focus on
finding ways to reuse these items for different purposes, whether it be for home storage,
gardening, or craft projects. This practice not only conserves resources but also reduces
the demand for new plastic production, which is energy-intensive and contributes to
pollution. Furthermore, recycling is a vital aspect of managing waste effectively.
Encouraging individuals, communities, and industries to recycle plastics can significantly
reduce the environmental footprint. Clothing brands and other businesses can contribute
by providing recyclable shopping bags or products made from recycled materials,
ensuring that these items are not just discarded after a single use but can be reintegrated
into the production cycle. Brands should also focus on promoting the idea of buying
thoughtfully, encouraging consumers to make conscious choices that minimize waste. By
implementing these steps, society can collectively reduce plastic pollution, conserve
natural resources, and move toward a more sustainable future.

Another crucial aspect of environmental conservation is the fight against climate change,
which is one of the most pressing issues of our time. One of the most effective ways to
combat climate change is through extensive reforestation and plantation drives. These
efforts not only help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also contribute to
preserving natural beauty, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring the health of ecosystems.
Plantation drives are vital because trees play a critical role in the carbon cycle by
absorbing CO₂ during photosynthesis, making them one of the most effective tools in
reducing greenhouse gases. In urban areas, planting trees and creating urban forests can
help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the urban heat island effect,
improving air quality, and providing green spaces for communities to enjoy.

Communities, schools, and local organizations can participate in or organize these drives,
where they plant trees in urban areas, parks, roadsides, and vacant lands. Moreover,
governments and environmental NGOs can also collaborate with citizens to carry out
large-scale reforestation efforts in deforested or degraded regions. These efforts can help
restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and create more sustainable environments for
future generations. Beyond the environmental benefits, planting trees can have a
profound positive impact on local economies. It can create jobs in the agriculture and
forestry sectors, boost tourism, and promote sustainable land management practices.
Furthermore, communities that engage in these efforts often develop a deeper connection
to the natural world and a sense of shared responsibility for its well-being.

In addition to traditional plantation drives, society should also focus on creating and
maintaining sustainable forests that provide natural habitats for wildlife. Protecting and
restoring these forests helps preserve biodiversity, ensuring that species—many of which
may be endangered or vulnerable—can continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
Ultimately, reforestation and plantation initiatives are essential in the global effort to
combat climate change, and by working together, we can create a greener, more
sustainable future for all.

In summary, by reducing plastic waste, reusing materials, recycling, and actively

engaging in plantation drives, society can significantly contribute to environmental
conservation and climate change mitigation. These actions not only improve the quality
of life but also pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with
nature.
3. Steps/Measures That Can Be Taken As the Student Body:
The student body can be involved to develop inclusive and sustainable urbanization for
the purpose of attaining integrated and life-long human settlements. Planning can be done
in the following ways:
1). Students can carry out awareness sessions and help youth to understand the concept of
sustainable cities and communities. This awareness can be spread through developing
apps, by arranging seminars and by having training workshops for youth. This planning
can be achieved by involving different stakeholders for instance experts of the field and
NGOs.
2). Students can also play a vital role in contacting the health practitioners including
doctors as they will guide regarding taking care of health that can reduce the number of
deaths. Doctors and students will work together. Students will arrange the awareness
talks, publicize them and doctors will guide them regarding health care and well-being.
Moreover, SDG 11.6 states, "By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental
impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality, municipal and other
waste management." In alignment with this we, students intend to build a DIY room air
purifier to improve the air quality in our homes, especially in a city like Karachi, where
air pollution is a major concern. By creating a simple, affordable air purifier, we can
reduce exposure to harmful pollutants like dust, pollen, and allergens. This can
significantly benefit people with respiratory issues and allergies. By filtering the air, the
DIY air purifier can significantly improve indoor air quality, contributing to cleaner air
and creating a healthier breathing environment. Plus, by using recycled materials, we're
promoting sustainable living and reducing our environmental impact.
Our simple DIY room project would be a cost-effective alternative to commercial air
purifiers and relatively inexpensive to design. To make our project even more efficient,
we intend to create a chat-bot to use as our virtual assistant. It would play a vital role in
the project by answering our questions guiding us in building our project and providing
helpful tips. Moreover, the air purifier would be a cost-effective alternative to
commercial air purifiers and relatively inexpensive to design. Its simplicity and
affordability makes it an accessible solution for a wider audience.
In the light of all mentioned above, it can be said without a doubt that our project would
enable us to achieve our goal of reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities on
air quality.