Dr. Narinder Bhatial
Overview
The well being of the humanity, the environment and the functioning of the economy, ultimately depend upon the responsible management of the planets natural resources. Evidence is building that people are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide.
Many of the earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development. By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our ways of living and consumption.
The theme this year of World Environment Day is ‘Seven Billion Dreams, One Planet. Consume With Care’. Living within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future. Human prosperity need not cost the earth. Live sustainably is about doing more and better with less.
Climate change is reshaping human civilisation. How we respond will determine the future of our species. The fate of the one and only planet we’ve ever called home is uncertain. It is in everyone’s interest to come together to address the challenges we face.
Three pillars of human well being ‘Economic, Socio-political and ecological/ environment conditions’ require sustainable development. Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The basic concept endorses putting in place strong measures to spur economic and social development, particularly for people in developing countries, while ensuring that environmental integrity is sustained for future generations.
Here are five things that you can do as a global citizen
Spread Awareness: The major purpose of this year’s theme is to start making changes from the household level. As an environment enthusiast, you can spread awareness on a small level by talking to children in your family, or at your office or in your locality. Inform everyone about this year’s theme or spread awareness about the environment in general.
Build a Small Farm or Garden: We know it’s difficult to find space in a metropolitan city, but if you’re blessed with one, make and maintain a small farm or garden. Grow fruits, vegetables. Learn about various seeds, plants and manure. Create a part of your garden where you grow edible plants and another where you can grow flowers.
This will help you interact with nature and will also give you an opportunity to do something new. For those who are not blessed with huge spaces, start with a sapling or potato in a bag or a small sprout garden in your windowsill.
Travel by Public Transport: Take public transportation vow to take it more often than you do. If you’re already a public transport user, take a walk. Introduce the concept of public transport to your family or car-lover friends. Cycle. It’s fun and a great way to exercise.
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Renew, Recycle: If you’re not already 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 usage. The concept is already taught to students at school. The problem is that elders have forgotten about it. Take time to learn about this concept. There are many things that you can do on a personal level, if you just keep these 5R’s in your mind.
Publicise: Did something nice to protect the environment? Talk about it! Show off. Share pictures and posts on Facebook, Twitter. Let people know what you plan to do and do it. You can use Facebook invites to invite your friends to participate. Use Twitter hashtags like #StayGreen to spread your message faster.
You can also involve yourself with various conservation, restoration, or local eco-community projects in your area.
( The author is Executive Director CCDU, Dept. of PHE, I and FC)
