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Pollution in Karachi, Pakistan

 Pollution in Karachi, Pakistan







1. Wicked Problem Identification: Pollution in Karachi, Pakistan

Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, faces severe air pollution challenges. The city’s air quality often falls into the ‘unhealthy’ category due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Major sources of this pollution include transport and industrial emissions, waste burning, and dust (Khan S., 2021).

2. User Persona

  • Name: Aamir Sohail
  • Age: 35
  • Gender: Male
  • Occupation: School teacher
  • Education: Master’s in Education
  • Marital Status: Married with two children
  • Hobbies: Urban gardening, reading
  • Health Concerns: Asthma, exacerbated by air pollution


3. Storyboard: A Day in the Life of Aamir with Pollution Effects

6:30 AM - Morning Haze: Aamir wakes up to a less-than-clear sunrise. The usual morning jog is replaced by indoor stretches to avoid the smog. He feels a slight headache, a reminder of the city’s air quality.

8:00 AM - Commute Concerns: The drive to school is slow due to poor visibility. Aamir’s car filter works hard to keep the cabin air clean. He passes by a billboard advocating for cleaner public transport solutions.

10:00 AM - Classroom Coughs: Aamir notices several students coughing and keeps the windows closed to minimize dust intrusion. The topic of environmental health becomes an impromptu lesson.

1:00 PM - Lunchtime Lament: Over lunch, Aamir and his colleagues discuss the visible layer of grime on the outdoor tables, deciding to eat inside instead. Conversations turn to the city’s waste management issues.

3:30 PM - Afternoon Adjustments: Aamir feels his eyes watering from the air conditioner’s strain against the outdoor pollutants. He plans an indoor sports activity for the kids, wishing they could play outside.

5:45 PM - Park Promenade: Aamir’s walk through the park is bittersweet. The greenery is lush, but the trash bins are overflowing, and the water features have a film of pollution. He picks up some litter along his path.

7:30 PM - Dinner Dialogue: During dinner, Aamir’s family discusses the increase in asthma cases in their neighborhood. They decide to invest in better air purifiers and to plant more on their balcony.

9:00 PM - Evening Education: Aamir researches air quality initiatives and finds a local group dedicated to urban tree planting. He feels empowered to join and contribute to the solution.

10:30 PM - Restful Resolutions: As he falls asleep, Aamir resolves to advocate for change. The day’s pollution challenges have strengthened his commitment to making a difference in Karachi.


To effectively combat pollution in Karachi, a holistic plan is needed that includes enforcing stricter emission laws, enhancing waste management, expanding green spaces, and improving public transport. Education and community engagement are key to fostering environmental responsibility. Technological advancements and economic incentives can support eco-friendly practices, while reforestation efforts will strengthen the city’s natural resilience. Collaboration across all sectors of society is essential for meaningful progress.



References:

Khan, S. (2021, November 1). Why pollution is so high in Pakistan’s cities – DW – 11/01/2021. dw.com. https://www.dw.com/en/why-pakistan-has-some-of-the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world/a-59686579

Karachi Air Quality index (AQI) and Pakistan Air Pollution. IQAir. (n.d.). https://www.iqair.com/pakistan/sindh/karachi

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