New correspondent: Waleed Farooq from Lahore, Pakistan

Today our team was strengthened by a student from University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, Pakistan. His name is Waleed Farooq and as an environmental  engineer he’s interested in issues related to water, waste management and climate change. His sole ambition is to design policies and solutions to solve the problems that locals of his country are facing. Waleed is very motivated to help us find suitable subjects to be featured in his country. We first asked him to answer some questions.

Waleed, can you introduce yourself?

My name is Waleed Farooq. I am an undergraduate student of Environmental Engineering in University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, Pakistan. I am also a teacher of science subjects in local tuition centers. I am passionate about learning and doing new adventures. Science, technology and environment are the topics that I love to study about. I have keen interest in socializing and athletics as well.

What motivated you to choose for this study?

Design, numeric, logic and technicalities are appealing to me. I always remained enthusiastic about engineering. And the current issues in my country as well as around the globe related to water, waste management and climate change aroused my interest and motivated me for a degree in environmental engineering. I have done a project related to ecological footprint of students as well during my degree.

What are your ambitions? How would you like to develop your future career?

I will be glad to become an environmental designer or planner in one of the national or global organizations. My sole ambition is to design policies and solutions to solve the problems that locals of my country are facing. The tools that I know and knowledge I have and shall acquire, would be utilized for creation of a better, sustainable and sound community and environment.

Do you see any consequences from climate change in your region? If yes, can you give an example?

There we have numerous consequences of climate change. The glaciers in northern region of my country are melting at an alarming rate and causing serious flood problems. Small and medium sized floods occur frequently in local villages and cause serious life and property loss. The sea level is rising and is vivid in coastal areas. According to one of the reliable sources Karachi, an important economic zone, will be submerged into Arabian sea in 35-40 years. Due to lack of water management systems, people are facing water supply shortages and desertification is increasing.

What do you consider is a strong quality of the Cool Down The Planet formula? 

Cool Down the Planet provides a platform for people from various regions of the world to generate well focused ideas. The interaction between people and sharing of the problems and thoughts, and giving solutions to solve complex environmental problems is a strong quality of the cause.