Carbon credits can reduce carbon emissions in industries and cities: Saqib Rafiq

Rawalpindi: Carbon credits can reduce carbon emissions in industries and cities and can also help prevent dangerous climate change through effective mechanisms and regulation. A comprehensive carbon credit policy is essential to tackle climate change and rid cities of waste and litter.

Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce President and Chairman Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) Saqib Rafiq said in a statement, that according to data, 50 million tons of solid waste is generated in Pakistan, and it increases by 2.4% every year. More than three hundred and fifty thousand (3,50,000) tons of waste is dumped annually from Rawalpindi city alone.

He suggested that there is a need to establish an institution or authority at the national and provincial levels for the formation of the carbon credit market and its trading in Pakistan.

Saqib Rafiq said that carbon credits are obtained by protecting forests and removing the causes of environmental pollution. High carbon emitting countries invest in other countries for plantations and environmental protection.

Saqib Rafiq further informed that credits are given according to the specific method of producing oxygen by controlling carbon emissions. Countries that emit carbon pay other countries to get credits. Carbon credits are sold and bought through the volunteer carbon market.

RCCI President Saqib Rafiq said that carbon credit refers to the permission that a business gets to emit the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. One credit allows a mass emission equal to one ton of carbon dioxide. Carbon credits aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to help the environment suffer from global warming caused by industrial activities.