The Lens
Greening Cities with Youth Action
Restoring urban greenery.
By Krusha Khakhar, QS ImpACT
A survey by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that 74% of Pakistani youth recognise climate change as one of the country's most significant challenges, indicating a high level of awareness and concern among the younger population.
Mujeeb Rehman, winner of the QS ImpACT Urban Regeneration Award, was part of a youth-led effort to restore urban greenery through the Breathe Green Plantation Drive. Alongside fellow students from GC University Hyderabad (Pakistan), he contributed to planting trees across the city to promote sustainability and combat climate change.
Pakistan’s Deforestation Challenge
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Pakistan faces significant deforestation issues, with only 5.7% of its land, approximately 4.54 million hectares, under forest cover. The country’s deforestation rate is the second highest in Asia, after Afghanistan, and is well below the recommended cover of 25%. Between 1990 and 2010, Pakistan has lost an average of 42,000 hectares of forest a year (UN Food and Agriculture Organisation). In response to these challenges, the Government has initiated several nationwide tree plantation campaigns, encouraging young people to take an active role in reforestation efforts, protect existing green spaces, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Pakistan.
The Role of Youth in Environmental Conservation
As part of the Breathe Green Hyderabad Plantation Drive, 50 English Works students from GC University Hyderabad took part in a tree plantation initiative. During the initiative, students planted 100 trees and pledged to plant 900 more. This effort aligns with the broader goal of increasing tree cover in urban areas, which helps absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and create healthier environments for local communities. Taking advantage of the monsoon season, the volunteers ensured better survival rates for the newly planted trees.
A survey by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that 74% of Pakistani youth recognise climate change as one of the country's most significant challenges, indicating a high level of awareness and concern among the younger population.
Tree-planting initiatives led by Mujeeb and his peers highlight the role of young people in driving positive environmental change. By actively playing a role in this urgent challenge, they are contributing to urban regeneration and inspiring others to take responsibility for their surroundings. These young individuals are making tangible contributions to a greener and more sustainable future for Pakistan.
If this story inspires you and you’d like to support young changemakers like Mujeeb in expanding their impact, reach out to QS ImpACT at [email protected].
QS ImpACT is a UNEP-accredited global charity registered in the UK and Wales and the global SDG incubator for a better world. Our global community of youth grows and earns recognition for their positive impact on society. We equip young leaders with the skills to drive impactful actions through strategic collaborations with universities, organisations, and communities. In 2024, we impacted over 162,000 people across 101 countries, with over 7,000 community members and 50 Youth Ambassadors.
The culmination of the 2024 calendar year at QS ImpACT was marked by the prestigious QS ImpACT Awards, serving as our organisation's flagship event. The overarching theme and mission of the awards centered on celebrating youth-led impact through sustainable initiatives and innovations.
It featured influential speeches and engaging discussions, showcasing the participation of distinguished leaders from the United Nations, top university leaders, and sustainability experts. The final eight winners of the QS ImpACT Awards 2024 came from six different countries, driving change across diverse areas—from climate education and sustainable innovation to biodiversity protection, plastic pollution solutions, and waste management advocacy. Their collective impact highlights the power of young changemakers in tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.