University of Lahore launches major climate initiative with 8 partner universities to tackle air pollution
The University of Lahore (UOL) has launched a landmark climate action initiative, the Lahore Academic Alliance for Climate Action (LAACA), in collaboration with eight prominent universities. This significant project, led by Prof. Dr. Rabia Akhtar, Director of the Center for Security, Strategy, and Policy Research (CSSPR) at the University of Lahore, and Dr. Aazir Khan, Director of the Integrated Engineering Centre of Excellence (IECE) at UOL, aims to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability through data-driven interventions and community engagement.
The participating universities include:
- University of the Punjab (PU)
- Government College University (GCU)
- University of Management and Technology (UMT)
- Forman Christian College University (FCCU)
- Beaconhouse National University (BNU)
- University of Central Punjab (UCP)
- University of South Asia
- Kinnaird College for Women University
Air Quality Monitors to be installed at universities
A key component of this initiative is the development of air quality monitors, named the UOL Weather and Air Quality Integrated Apparatus (WAQIA), by IECE. UOL is providing these monitors free of cost to the eight partner universities, with each institution receiving two outdoor units. These monitors will help collect and analyze pollution data, enabling the universities to develop effective strategies to improve air quality on their campuses. The project also emphasizes sustainability practices through community engagement and the appointment of student ambassadors.
he launch event featured a presentation by Dr. Aazir Khan, followed by a Q&A session and discussions on the project’s objectives and implementation strategies.
Representatives from the partner universities who attended the launch of the climate initiative on June 12, 2024, included Dr. Ahmad Ali Gul, Assistant Professor and Director, Center for Disaster Management, University of Management and Technology (UMT); Dr. Sajid Ahmed Rashid, Dean, Faculty of GeoSciences, and Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi, President, Punjab University Academic Staff Association PU-ASA, both from Punjab University; Dr. Shazia Ilyas, Assistant Professor, Department Of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College University (FCCU); Muhammad Umar Hayat, Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University (GCU); Dr. Khalid Manzoor Butt, Dean, Social Sciences at UCP; Mian Imran Masood, Vice Chancellor of University of South Asia; Imrana Tiwana, Head of the Initiative for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, ORIP, Beaconhouse National University (BNU); and Zainab Dar, Lecturer, Political Science Department at Kinnaird College for Women University.
For more details click the link: https://www.islamabadscene.com/university-of-lahore-launches-major-climate-initiative-with-8-partner-universities-to-tackle-air-pollution/
