Earth has enough for every man's need, but not enough for his greed'-these words of wisdom came from none other than the father of the nation Shri M. K. Gandhi. Now, the time has come to exhibit our concern and empathy for the loving planet we live in. A large section of the world population still seems to be indifferent to this veritable truth that earth has a unique place in the universe. The monumental human apathy and ignorance are evident 36 from the fact that under the euphoria of globalization, we have been liquidating our finite natural capital, which poses a serious threat to the very foundation of earth's life-support system. Therefore, awareness is the only panacea, else we have to face an apocalyptic end. Amidst this backdrop, observance of 'Earth Day and 'World Environment Day has assumed special significance. First observed on April'22, 1970 in the US, Earth Day symbolizes our concordant communion with Mother Earth. The Earth Day message is that all of us must recognize the amazing biodiversity we have been gifted with. It is also a day to take a pledge that people conserve nature by all means and stop reckless plunder of its resources forthwith.
Almost akin to 'Earth Day' in terms of objectives, ‘World Environment Day’ is hosted every year on 5th June and commemorated with an international exposition. Since its inception, various events are being held worldwide to demonstrate and mobilize support for environmental fill protection. The day offers mankind a chance to reaffirm collective responsibility to promote harmony at a time when our planet is under grave threat. What we witness today is an unprecedented extinction of flora and fauna, steady depletion of greenery, melting ice belts, rising oceans, and so on. The condition has been further aggravated by the booming population, rampant industrialization, ever-increasing pollution, and unwavering global warming. It is indeed shocking that we seldom enjoy the frantic ascending notes of the cuckoos, watch the dance of the butterflies, the beauty of the falling snow, cascading glow of illuminated stars thanks to the high range of Carbon Footprint. CF is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment. The impact is determined by the number of greenhouse gases and is measured in units of Carbon-di-oxide. To reduce Carbon Footprint, environmentalists have suggested certain procedures like employing an eco-friendly mode of travel, eating environment-friendly diets, minimizing the use of plastic products, and saving electricity and water. It would be a folly of Himalayan proportion if we fail to adopt such procedures with absolute sternness. Many of us are quite aware of the fact that the right to clean air has become an important component of human rights. We must put into operation this right so that we can turn our planet into a green sanctuary nullifying all skepticism.
The theme for this year's 'World Environment Day’ is Think, Eat, Save, hosted by the Govt. of Mong Day' is oil. It is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), every Year 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted. At the same time, 1 in every 7 people in the world goes to bed hungry. Mother Earth is suffocating. Poisonous gases like Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and Carbon Monoxide are creating holes in the ozone layer letting in health hazardous ultra-violet rays. We do not have effective water management as well as rain harvesting. We tree indiscriminately in the name of urbanization. consciously ignore the fact that forests play a crucial role in providing habitat for more than 25 million to 80 million forms of life on earth. They buffer the global climate against greenhouse accumulation. Over and above, forests prevent floods and droughts, keep pests in check, filter the air and finally secure the soil.
Now comes the menace of sound pollution. We, especially. the urban people are living amidst horrendous cacophony Din and bustle seem to rule the roost. Sound beyond prescribed decibels has started eating into our exclusive domain of solitudes. We have forgotten the need to live in chatter-free surroundings. But only a pristine silence bereft of blaring sound could elevate our mood and rejuvenate our soul. The need of the hour is to rigorously implement the resolutions adopted in different international forums to curb pollution.
Time is running out. We cannot compromise with ecological imbalances and strip the planet of its natural resources. Let us act in unison with a defined purpose and intention to save our only verdant signature suspended in the vast expanses of the Cosmos.
