Footprints left here could make great strides towards preserving the planet

The deaths of 1,000 people in floods 4,000 miles away has prompted one of the country’s leading British-Pakistani campaigners to call on communities here to do more to save the environment.

What has been described as a “monster monsoon” has affected around 30 million people across Pakistan, prompting Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE to ask everyone to think about the waste they make, but most of all badger governments to get a grip of the current climate crisis.

Dr Chauhan, an Oldham GP and local councillor who also organised the World’s first COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the homeless, said: “When are we going to really wake-up to climate change?

"We have already seen record temperatures here this summer – and the news of flooding elsewhere should surely motivate us to do more.

"These events can seem beyond our sphere of influence, but we must do all we can to stem the loss of life.

"If a young person such as Greta Thunberg can make a difference with her voice – so can we.”

Amongst the advice given to individuals to reduce their so-called carbon footprint, are:

· Reduce the number of flights you take

· Try to eat locally grown in-season food

· Leave the car at home for short journeys and,

· Try to lessen the amount of energy you use in the home

The last point is a particularly ironic one at present, says Dr Chauhan, who has campaigned for an energy cap to be introduced.

“The subjects of fuel poverty and environmental damage have a common denominator,” he added.

"They both adversely affect the poor.

"My advice as a doctor and campaigner is for the frail in particular to be kept warm enough.

"The rest of us can all however do a little more to reduce waste by heating the room at a reasonable temperature, keeping lights off in empty rooms and not leaving electrical equipment on standby.”

Some environmentalists have argued that small individual changes are a drop in the ocean compared to what governments can do.

Said Dr Chauhan: “I actually think if we live greener lives this sets an example.

"However, of all the changes I believe people should make, the one they must do is to become more politically active.

"The environment has become lost in the noise around Covid and Brexit and the cost-of-living.

"It is equally important and all administrations – Pakistan’s included – need to be reminded of this.”

With domestic concerns prominent, Dr Chauhan believes governments could become unaware of what is happening in other parts of the world, which he described as “a dangerously insular and immoral way of thinking”.

He said: “We should react to crisis’ everywhere with a sense of compassion and not just believe they are someone else’s problem.

"We are not Little Britain living in isolation, and as the floods in Pakistan prove, what happens in other nations can directly affects us.

"Plus, we also have a moral imperative to care for others, whatever our or their nationality is.

"By showing kindness we find it returned ten-fold, a thought worth remembering should our country ever face catastrophe.”

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