“If a decision needs to be made, make it. It gives you more time to change your mind.” – James Watson

Lungs of the planet on fire

The mighty Amazon forest, called "lungs of the planet" are burning. As thousands of fiery infernos rage across the Amazon rainforest, tropical vegetation, trees, and the fauna they house are being razed. Since August, more than 9,500 new forest fires have started across Brazil, primarily in the Amazon basin. As the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon plays a crucial role in keeping our planet's carbon-dioxide levels in check. Plants and trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the air in their process of photosynthesis. This is why the Amazon, which covers 2.1 million square miles, is often referred to as the "lungs of the planet": The forest produces 20 percent of the oxygen in our planet's atmosphere. It is urged that the governments of the Amazon countries, the United Nations and the international community take serious measures to save the world's lungs.

Mehak Batool,
Karachi

A social curse

It is estimated that there are 650 million women and girls in the world today who were married before the age 18. During the past decade, the global rate of child marriage has declined – from one in four young women (aged 20-24) being married as children, to almost one in five. Still, in West and Central Africa – where this harmful practice is most common – over four out of 10 young women were married before their 18th Child marriage often results in early pregnancy and social isolation, interrupts schooling, limits the girl’s opportunities and increases her risk of experiencing domestic violence. We as a society should call out such a draconian concept and unanimously ban it from our circles, and identify this as a social menace for once and for all.

Maliha Khan,
Karachi

No honour in honour killing

In a victorious case to bring justice to Qandeel Baloch’s brutal murder by her brother, the court makes another great move. Baloch’s parents had asked for a plea from court, seeking pardon for their sons. They parents had earlier submitted an affidavit in the court stating that they had forgiven her alleged murderers and requested the court to acquit their sons. In response to this, Multan’s model court dismissed the petition of the parents. The affidavit submitted by the parents stated that the Anti-Honour Killing Laws (Criminal Amendment Bill) 2015 was passed months after Qandeel’s murder; therefore, the bill cannot be applied to the case. There is certainly no honour in honour killing!

Jami Kamal,
Multan

An end to animal cruelty

Animals like human beings need to be loved and looked after. Unfortunately, in our city, it is not uncommon to find people chasing away or beating stray cats and dogs. Animals such as donkeys are also beaten up by their owners and treated badly. While a few animal shelters have been set up around the country, we need to spread more awareness to end animal cruelty. Residents should also be advised not to beat up stray animals that live on the streets.

Meena Khan,
Lahore