By: Qamar Bashir

Macomb, Detroit, Michigan

The American nation consistently demonstrates remarkable resilience and unity in combating natural and man-made disasters. Currently, while Donald Trump advocates reversing global climate change efforts under the Paris Accord and reintroducing coal, gas, and oil as primary energy sources—key contributors to global warming—the state of California is grappling with devastating wildfires. Amidst this crisis, first responders, including firefighters, police, National Guard members, and volunteers, have showcased unparalleled dedication, resilience, and commitment to saving lives, containing fires, and providing relief to victims.

As of January 12, 2025, the wildfires in California, particularly in the Los Angeles area, have devastated over 35,840 acres (56 square miles) since they began on January 7, 2025. The fires have claimed at least 16 lives, left 16 individuals missing, and destroyed more than 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses. Nearly 180,000 residents have been evacuated, and the economic losses are estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion, potentially making these fires the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The situation remains critical as strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions continue to fuel the blazes, complicating firefighting efforts and causing significant human, environmental, and economic losses.

The devastating  wildfires in Southern California are the result of a complex interplay of factors, with climate change playing a significant role. Rising global temperatures have led to prolonged droughts and increased the frequency of extreme weather events, creating conditions conducive to wildfires. Specifically, the region has experienced “climate whiplash,” characterized by rapid transitions between wet and dry periods. This pattern promotes the growth of vegetation during wet periods, which subsequently dries out during droughts, providing ample fuel for fires. While natural factors like the Santa Ana winds have historically influenced wildfire behavior in California, the intensification and increased frequency of these fires are closely linked to anthropogenic climate change and environmental degradation.

While use of fossil fuel is considered the main culprit for climate change and the prime reason for devastating wild fired, the President Elect Donald Trump has  declared the policy of prioritizing fossil fuels as the primary energy source—marked by his rollback of environmental regulations and opposition to renewable energy solutions like wind and solar—poses significant risks for accelerating climate change.

By increasing reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas, such policies would lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, intensifying global warming and exacerbating extreme weather conditions. This approach undermines efforts to transition to cleaner energy alternatives that could mitigate environmental degradation. The resulting climate impacts, including prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and erratic weather patterns, would create the perfect conditions for more frequent and severe wildfires, similar to those devastating California. These fires not only destroy ecosystems and homes but also release massive amounts of carbon dioxide, creating a feedback loop that further accelerates climate change.

In his latest Press Conference, Mr. Trump mocked wind energy in the most hideous manner. Additionally, he criticized the lifecycle of wind turbines, stating that after 10 years, the structures become obsolete, creating non-biodegradable waste that poses a long-term environmental hazard.

His administration withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, arguing that it unfairly burdened the American economy. Key initiatives included repealing the Clean Power Plan, opening federal lands and offshore areas for fossil fuel extraction, and rolling back methane emission rules. Trump also streamlined permitting processes for energy projects, championed pipelines like Keystone XL and Dakota Access, and reduced funding and incentives for renewable energy programs, prioritizing traditional energy sources over clean alternatives.

Trump’s fossil fuel agenda was driven by a focus on economic growth, job creation, and energy independence. He aimed to support blue-collar workers in energy-rich states and rural communities whose livelihoods depended on coal and oil. His policies appealed to key constituencies while emphasizing reduced regulatory oversight to lower costs and accelerate energy projects. Additionally, Trump’s skepticism toward climate change and the potential economic impacts of environmental policies reinforced his push for fossil fuel dominance. He framed energy exports as a geopolitical tool, promoting U.S. energy independence as a pillar of national security and global influence.

The United States, long recognized as a global leader in shaping critical decisions on international platforms, appears to be retreating from its leadership role, particularly in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. Donald Trump’s environmental policies reflect a self-centered and short-sighted approach, prioritizing immediate economic gains while ignoring the long-term, devastating consequences for the American people, the United States, and the global community.

These policies not only undermine global climate efforts but also risk encouraging other nations, particularly resource-constrained ones, to follow suit. Such actions could lead to a collective backslide into reliance on fossil fuels, accelerating environmental degradation and exacerbating the severity and frequency of disasters like the ongoing California wildfires.

The implications of these policies are alarming. Increased reliance on fossil fuels contributes to rising global temperatures, which intensify the likelihood of wildfires, tsunamis, earthquakes, droughts, floods, Glacier melting and other extreme weather events. These disasters wreak havoc on human lives, habitats, and biodiversity, further destabilizing vulnerable ecosystems and exacerbating socio-economic challenges. For instance, the California wildfires are a stark reminder of the destructive potential of climate inaction, costing billions in damages, displacing communities, and devastating natural habitats.

One can only hope that the scale of such disasters will prompt Donald Trump to reconsider his environmental stance and adopt policies that prioritize sustainable development and global cooperation. A renewed commitment to combating climate change could not only restore hope for reversing environmental degradation but also reaffirm the United States’ role as a global leader in addressing this existential threat.

By: Qamar Bashir

Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)

Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France

Former MD, SRBC

Dr. Muhammad Anwar Farooq

Civic education is the process of educating citizens about their rights, duties, and responsibilities within a democratic society. It encompasses understanding the structure and functions of government, the political process, and the importance of active participation in civic life. Civic education aims to develop informed, responsible, and engaged citizens who are capable of critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration. It also emphasizes the significance of values such as respect for diversity, justice, and equality. By fostering a sense of civic duty and community involvement, civic education contributes to the strength and stability of democratic institutions and promotes social cohesion and justice.

The history of civic education dates back to ancient civilizations, where the importance of preparing citizens to participate in self-governance was recognized. In ancient Athens and the Roman Republic, thinkers like Pericles, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero emphasized the need for citizens to understand their political culture and institutions. Civic education aimed to instill a sense of responsibility and service, enabling individuals to govern themselves and make wise judgments. Over time, the concept of civic education evolved, with formal schooling becoming a primary avenue for fostering civic knowledge, skills and attitudes. In the United States, the Founding Fathers recognized the civic mission of schools, leading to the establishment of universal public education to prepare citizens for democratic participation. Throughout history, civic education has adapted to societal changes, continually aiming to create knowledgeable, competent, and responsible participants in political society.

Similarly, civic education is crucial for Pakistan’s progress and development. In Pakistan, empowering individuals with knowledge and skills will enable them to advocate for their rights, address social issues, and contribute to community development. It will also help to combat with corruption by raising awareness about transparency and integrity in public administration. It also encourages critical thinking and informed decision-making, leading to more thoughtful and constructive participation in public life.

The government of Pakistan has made several efforts to promote civic education. One of the key initiatives is the establishment of the National Civic Education Commission (NCCE) under the National Civic Education Commission Act of 2018. The NCCE is responsible for creating awareness about civic responsibilities and fundamental rights among citizens. It also focuses on promoting civic education in rural areas and organizing capacity-building programs for educators. The National Civic Education Commission Act of 2018 outlines specific responsibilities for schools in Pakistan to ensure the effective delivery of civic education. School in-charges are tasked with imparting civic education to students through lectures, tutorials, and practical work. The teaching methods include formal instructions on the roles of the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Law and Democracy as well as guided discussions on current local, national and international issues.

Active learning experiences, such as community service, co-curricular activities fostering engagement with other schools and communities, student participation in school governance, and simulations of democratic processes are also encouraged. These comprehensive guidelines aim to create a well-rounded civic education program that not only educates students about their civic duties and rights but also actively involves them in activities that promote democratic values and community involvement. In terms of the curriculum, civic education is included in the national curriculum for grades for secondary level and higher classes. The curriculum aims to develop civic knowledge, skills and dispositions, encouraging students to use these for civic action to create a just, peaceful and democratic society.

Civic education in Pakistan faces numerous challenges. One major issue is the lack of adequate funding, which affects the development and implementation of effective civic education programs. Schools often lack the necessary resources like educational materials to support comprehensive civic education. Moreover, there is a shortage of trained educators who can teach civic education effectively. The curriculum itself often struggles to represent the complexities of Pakistan’s diverse society and the tension between theocratic and liberal democratic visions creates additional challenges in aligning educational practices with democratic principles. Additionally, the education system’s focus on rote learning and textbook content limits the development of critical thinking and active citizenship. These factors collectively hinder the ability of civic education to foster an informed and engaged citizenry in Pakistan.

The future of civic education in Pakistan holds significant potential. By integrating civic education into the formal education system, from primary to higher education, Pakistan can instill civic values and responsibilities from an early age. This comprehensive approach promotes civic literacy and prepares students to become active participants in society. Moreover, investing in the civic education of the youth is crucial for nurturing a generation of responsible and engaged citizens who can play their role to cope with complex societal challenges. To ensure the widespread dissemination of civic education, it is essential to promote civic engagement and participation beyond the classroom through experiential learning opportunities. By harnessing the potential of youth as agents of positive change, civic education can pave the way for a brighter future for Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Anwar Farooq

Director

Institute of Humanities and Arts

Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology

Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan