World Environment Day
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed”- Mahatma Gandhi
Immense rise in temperature, deforestations, pollution, the cold war and what not! Well, that’s how we humans are giving it back to our nature that fulfils our all needs.
The Beginning of Environmental Degradation
For the last two centuries, the environment has been deteriorating. Human disturbance is the primary cause for this. The 19th century witnessed Industrial revolution where heavy machinery and equipment were used for manufacturing of goods. The whole process required fuels as source of energy. In addition to this, urbanization, population and economic growth, increase in energy consumption and agricultural intensification led to environmental degradation.
Due to increase in the consumption of goods, more factories were established and still there’s no end of it. The dark smoke emanating from these factories along with vehicular pollution and construction dust have contributed to air pollution. Industries are dumping chemicals into fields and rivers that has caused water pollution. The never-ending desire of development also resulted in cutting down of trees. Today, India faces major environmental issues like poor management of waste, growing water scarcity, falling groundwater tables, preservation and quality of forests, biodiversity loss and land degradation are some of the major environmental issues.
That is why, the United Nations chose 5th June to observe the "World Environment Day" with the objective of raising global awareness on environmental issues like marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development and wildlife crime.
Connect With Nature
While countries are working together towards environmental conservation, we, as responsible citizens, can learn to live harmoniously with nature through the following activities:
- Joining local communities - People can reach out to their local communities. With the help of volunteers, they can participate in tree plantation drives.
- Creating green spaces - They can grow community gardens and help in maintaining parks that are animal and environmentally friendly.
- Wildlife Protection Projects - Individuals can engage themselves in projects related to wildlife protection.
- Volunteering in Clean-Up Projects - People can participate in projects that are aimed at removing litter around their neighbourhood or natural surroundings.
Spread Social Awareness Message
To change the mindset of people is the first and foremost step of bringing the change into the society. As an environment enthusiast, you can start from the most basic level by talking to children at your house or at neighbourhood or by insisting your friends and relatives to participate in activities like gardening, banner making to spread the call for protecting the planet.
Change the Way You Travel
Start doing carpooling or take public transport. Take a walk, if you’re visiting any nearer place or using cycle will be a perfect option. It is fun and a great way to exercise.
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Renew and Recycle!
If you’re not into this habit, it’s a good day of the year to start. These 5R’s are magic mantras when it comes to environmental conservation and sustainable consumption. On the World Environment Day, take time to learn about this concept to help the environment. A single effort has the potential to bring monumental change.
