The Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Informatics (FLSI), BUITEMS, successfully hosted a seminar on Heat Wave Preparedness and Climate Change Awareness at the Green Hall, BUITEMS. The event aimed to educate participants about the growing risks of climate change and extreme heat events, with a special focus on Balochistan’s increasing vulnerability to environmental hazards.
Key Highlights of the Seminar
The seminar opened with a thought-provoking talk by Associate Professor Dr. Gohram Malghni, who shed light on the escalating climate crisis in Pakistan. He emphasized the impacts of climate change on health, agriculture, water resources, and the economy, particularly highlighting the devastating effects of heat waves on human life and infrastructure.
Participants learned about:
• The science behind heat waves and their health risks.
• Preparedness and response strategies such as hydration, indoor cooling, and behavioral adjustments.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for heat wave management, including early warning systems, emergency response, and public awareness campaigns.
Student-led Climate Action
One of the most impactful outcomes was the active engagement of BUITEMS students, who took the seminar lessons beyond theory by initiating practical climate action:
1. Natural Rooftop Cooling System
Students designed a sustainable cooling system using plastic bottles and clay pots, implemented on the department rooftop, to observe its effect on reducing indoor heat.
2. Heat Wave SOP Awareness Campaign
Students developed pamphlets and educational materials to spread safety guidelines in local communities. Their outreach efforts, documented through photos and videos, demonstrated their commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and raising awareness.
Interactive Learning & Community Involvement
The seminar fostered lively discussions, where attendees shared personal experiences of climate impacts and asked questions about practical resilience strategies. The involvement of junior community members and students showcased BUITEMS’ ability to inspire youth-led solutions to pressing global challenges.
Leadership Messages
The session concluded with encouraging remarks from faculty and organizers, commending the students’ innovative contributions. The event underscored BUITEMS’ role as a hub of climate education and action, linking academic knowledge with community engagement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13: Climate Action).
Heat Wave Safety Guidelines Shared at the Event
Participants left with actionable safety tips, including:
• Drink water regularly.
• Avoid outdoor activities in peak hours (11 AM – 4 PM).
• Wear light-colored cotton clothes and cover the head.
• Keep homes cool with ventilation and damp curtains.
• Pay special attention to children, elderly, and pregnant women.
• Act quickly if symptoms of heatstroke appear.
• Eat light meals, share resources, and spread awareness in the community.
Conclusion
The seminar not only raised awareness but also translated knowledge into practical student-led initiatives. By combining academic learning with hands-on projects, BUITEMS continues to champion environmental sustainability and prepare future leaders capable of addressing the climate challenges of Balochistan and beyond.