Zafar Masud
President & CEO Bank of Punjab &
Chairman Oil & Gas Development Company Limited.
Former-DG National Savings, Ex-Board Member NBP, SBP & MPC, Sindh BOI, PQA and Gadoon Textiles.
PK8303 PIA Plane Crash Survivor
Book Review
The author’s decision to adopt a conversational narrative style for the book makes it a far easier read than its subject matter would suggest; the dialogue-based structure of information dissemination seen in this book ensures sustained engagement, while pre-empting the readers’ questions. The book reads like a journey of discovery, wherein the weight of the information, and the distressing climate prognoses being provided, are contrasted against their possible solutions at every juncture. The book also depicts quick, deep and long metamorphoses of realties on the ground vis a vis environmental challenges that coming our way with every passing minute. It reflects that it’s not even a generational change that we’re talking about here; it’s within the same generation that this transformation is appearing.
“Climate Manager” provides historiographical analyses of climatic decay and the associated movements to quell the rate of environmental damage being done. It also drives home the author’s assertion regarding the need for “more action”, by outlining the weaknesses (or outright failings) of the various climate protocols and accords. Further, a comprehensive study of many of the laws, regulations, and taxes associated with climate change mitigation/control has also been conducted herein.
The book implores all stakeholders – governments, corporations, and individuals – to act in good conscience, and in accordance with their rights and responsibilities, to do all that is within the ambit of their control. The author highlights the domains over which each stakeholder exercises authority, and outlines all that can be done by each.
The book reiterates many important climate axioms including the importance of “reduce, offset, & sequester”; and is brimming with science-based frameworks to effectively set net zero targets, devise strategic action plans, and enact effective reporting/measurement protocols.
In my opinion, this is a highly important publication, reflecting the dire need of the hour. Further, I have found it to be well- researched, comprehensive, and thoughtful.
By way of suggestion, I would recommend the author to consider translating this book into Urdu, and regional languages, to amplify its outreach to as wide an audience as possible. The simple treatment of the subject matter should make for easy translation and consumption by individuals of any educational background, or indeed, any age.
The book may also be deserving of consideration as a prescribed textbook, to impart young people with a sense of environmental responsibility, as well as the required know-how of what to do about it.
Zafar Masud
Lahore, Pakistan
22 nd May 2023
