Earth Day 2026 observed globally with theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’

ISLAMABAD: Citizens across the world are observing Earth Day on April 22 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” with events held globally to reaffirm commitment toward a greener and more sustainable future through individual and collective action.

Celebrated annually since 1970, Earth Day promotes environmental protection, sustainability, and efforts to address climate change.

This year’s theme stresses renewable energy and individual responsibility, with activities including community cleanups, tree plantations, and awareness campaigns as part of Earth Week.

In Pakistan, the day comes amid growing environmental concerns. The country ranks 151st out of 185 in the ND-GAIN Index and is among the most climate-vulnerable nations globally, ranked 41st in vulnerability and 154th in readiness to respond to climate impacts.

Recent extreme weather events, including a 2025 cloudburst in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Buner district that claimed over 400 lives, underscore these risks.

Pakistan also faces severe air pollution challenges, with an average AQI of 159, classified as unhealthy by the World Health Organization, while some reports rank it among the most polluted countries globally.

The country also records a high burden of pollution-related deaths and has forest cover of only around 5 per cent, contributing to environmental degradation.

Experts say Pakistan can reduce these risks through climate-resilient infrastructure, stronger early warning systems, improved water management, and glacier monitoring supported by international climate finance.

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Air pollution can be addressed through cleaner transport, stricter emissions control, and renewable energy transition, while deforestation requires large-scale afforestation, forest protection, and curbing illegal logging.

They emphasise that stronger law enforcement, public awareness, data-driven policies, and regional cooperation are essential for long-term environmental stability.