The Punjab government in Pakistan is scaling up its liquid tree project, which uses microalgae to capture carbon dioxide and improve air quality in urban areas. The initiative, led by the Environmental Protection Agency, has collected over 100 microalgae varieties from across Pakistan. The first phase will install liquid trees in shopping malls and public spaces in Lahore, targeting locations where traditional tree planting is not feasible. Beyond the liquid trees, the EPA is also cracking down on pollution sources. Officials report demolishing 36 fat-melting units, sealing six, and registering cases against owners. The agency is pushing for plastic-free zones in major markets and a ban on plastic bags under 75 microns. A regulatory framework for green buffer zones around industrial areas and stricter controls on tree cutting is also in development. This approach combines direct carbon capture technology with enforcement against polluting activities. The project's success will depend on the actual CO2 absorption rates of the microalgae strains used and the scalability of the installation plan across Punjab's major cities.
