How can people learn more about your work, or where can they go to follow your journey?

Thanks for the conversation, great to be sharing our work. If people want, they can jump online to watch the below videos and learn more!

What is one of your favourite successes and brings a smile to your face?

We re-designed a park which was ruined, and created a wetland channel, small lake which fed the park with water and an organic vegetable garden. The community were very happy and loved the park alot, bringing their dogs for a walk, or collecting fruit from the trees. Even over 100 events have take place here in the past  years.

For this, initially I faced serveral hurdles with the local Park administration - but finally when the park was completed. It was handed over ot the Mayor, which was really appreciated.

But this example shows how taking action can have impact, increasing biodiversity, reducing temperatures and creating community. We now have 38,000 plants in the park which is amazing, and with more data to show where future planting is needed - we're looking to plant more!

Tell us about why Urban Heat Islands are a problem in Karachi. How does this play out day-to-day, month-to-month?

Due to the lack of comprehensive green cover, and therefore the urban heat problem. We see not only high temperatures, but also in storm events - flash flooding. There isn't enough green space to provide cooling on hot days, but also absorb rain events. Further we have an air quality issue (depending on the direction) which impacts the population's health. Pakistan has some of the worst air quality in the world. So you can see the issues of urban heat are interlinked and why we need more trees.  

Shahzad, It is well documented that you have founded an urban forest in the heart of Karachi. How did you come across the idea?

I stumbled into this field when Karachi was going through a heatwave and found myself thinking, why is this happening?  At the same time learning about the technique of creating a forest using the Miyawaki method, created by Dr Akira Miyawaki - who was a taxonomist and botanist par excellence from Japan. With a lifelong learning to create a natural forest from the native species of the land. I have no qualifications in creating an urban forest, yet I tried this method and it worked really well!

Using data from Office of Planetary Observations Tree Canopy Pack, can help Shahzad's team identify areas to focus on, pushing local authorities to take action and accelerating positive change. The community's enthusiastic response and improved city-government collaboration showcase the potential of technology-driven green initiatives. 

Shahzad's approach is not just about aesthetics; it's about fostering biodiversity and addressing pressing environmental concerns. The innovative Miyawaki method's rapid tree growth adds to the beauty and effectiveness of these urban forests, serving as a promising model for sustainable city development.