ISLAMABAD: Nanjing University of Information Sciences and Technology (NUIST) in China has announced fully funded scholarships in the field of Climate Change and Environmental Governance for Pakistani students.
This initiative aims to enhance the research capacity of students and equip them with the necessary tools to combat climate-related challenges.
Professor Dr Tong Jiang, Executive Director for the Research Institute of Climatic and Environmental Governance at NUIST, revealed this development on Monday. Under the collaboration between NUIST and Pakistan’s National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), an MoU has been signed to facilitate scientific research collaboration and student and faculty exchanges. Additionally, NUIST intends to expand its research cooperation with other renowned Pakistani universities, including Quaid-e-Azam University, COMSATS University Islamabad, and the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Professor Jiang emphasized that young scientists specializing in climate change and climate risk studies from Pakistani universities will be admitted to NUIST for research work. The university will also offer Environmental Change Postdoctoral positions.
The scholarships offered by NUIST will prioritize addressing climate change issues. Professor Jiang highlighted that the project’s focus in Pakistan will center around water shortage and tipping points related to climate change. Pakistan experienced significant losses due to extreme floods last year and is currently grappling with high temperatures and drought. The United Nations has reported an increasing water shortage in Pakistan, potentially caused by population growth and insufficient water management mechanisms. Professor Jiang underscored that water is an essential component of Pakistan’s agricultural-based economy. Therefore, the research efforts will concentrate on mitigating the impact of climate change and reducing water shortage.
Regarding air pollution and smog problems, Professor Jiang identified industrial emissions, domestic emissions, vehicular emissions, construction-related dust emissions, smoke from brick kilns, and soot from burning agricultural waste as major contributors to poor air quality. To address these issues, he suggested relocating industries from cities to designated industrial areas, transitioning to renewable energy systems, planting trees, promoting the use of affordable public transport systems, and improving the management of livestock and waste in urban areas. APP
