To commemorate World Environment Day, Aga Khan University (AKU) hosted a screening of the documentary “The Sky is Far, The Earth is Tough,” directed by Haya Fatima Iqbal, at Habitt City. This film is part of the Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW) series, highlighting the impact of climate change and natural disasters on mountain communities in Northern Pakistan.

The screening brought together filmmakers, climate advocates, and students to discuss the vulnerabilities of these communities facing accelerated glacial melt, catastrophic floods, and economic instability. Experts emphasized the urgent need to integrate mental health into climate response efforts, with Dr. Rozina Karmaliani stating, “The climate crisis is an active humanitarian challenge that demands immediate attention.”

Dr. Fozia Parveen highlighted the importance of environmental education in building community resilience, while Haya Fatima Iqbal stressed that advocacy must address the psychological toll of environmental collapse. Tariq Essa discussed the roles individuals and businesses can play in reducing carbon footprints.

The event was sponsored by Primero and is part of the award-winning VRW series, which aims to raise awareness about the ecological crises facing climate-vulnerable communities across Central and South Asia and is supported by various foundations and organizations.