World Environment Day: Lessons Unlearned as Destruction Continues

Year after year, World Environment Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the planet we call home. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action to tackle the growing environmental challenges we face. Yet, as another World Environment Day, June 05, 2023, has come and gone, it is disheartening to realize that we have not really learned our lessons, and the relentless destruction of the environment goes on unabated.

The signs of environmental degradation are all around us, from melting ice caps and rising sea levels to deforestation, pollution, extreme weather conditions and the alarming decline of biodiversity. Despite growing scientific consensus on the urgent need to address these issues, our actions seem to fall short of the mark. We continue to exploit natural resources at an unsustainable rate, prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, and turn a blind eye to the consequences of our actions. Consider recent instances, for example, the cyclone Biparjoy in Arabian Sea (see image below), which has drawn away moisture from the main land and caused a delay in onset of the Indian monsoon; or the pollution engulfing New York city due the Canadian forest fires.

One can be forgiven for thinking that the ever-increasing instances of extreme climatic conditions, alarming reports for water shortages, the distressing images for drought, and the strident pleas from environmental activists and scientists would be enough to shake us from our complacency and take concrete mitigation measures. Yet, year after year, the ground realities are ignored and we end up facing the same challenges, sometimes exacerbated by our own inaction. 

Root Causes

The root causes of this predicament are due to our excessively materialistic society, economy, and way of life leading to development which is not sustainable for the environment.

Our insatiable hunger for economic growth and consumerism has fueled an unsustainable model of development. Industries continue to prioritize profit margins over environmental protection, resulting in the pollution of air, water, and soil. We witness the rampant extraction of natural resources, the destruction of ecosystems, and the displacement of local communities. The consequences of these actions are far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also our own well-being and future generations.

Lack of Political Will and Unscientific Policies

What is particularly troubling is the lack of political will and global cooperation to address these challenges effectively. While international agreements and frameworks exist, their implementation often falls short. The discord and shortsightedness displayed in global climate change negotiations are a glaring reminder of the uphill battle we face. Differences based on political ideologies and economic interests hinder progress and hamper the collective effort required to safeguard our planet.
Furthermore, a complete lack of understanding by policy makers can be seen in many instances. Consider the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), of the European Union under which the EU has classified biomass as a renewable energy source equivalent to wind and solar power. This has incentivized energy providers in EU to burn wood instead of coal and has lead to a demand for wood causing deforestation in America. According to available information, Europe imported more than 4 million tons of wood pellets from US forests as renewable energy.

Despite evidence to the contrary and clear and present danger, in the September 2022 the European Parliament voted not to declassify woody biomass as renewable energy.

Similarly, there has been large-scale conversion of lush tropical forests into palm plantations for palm oil production, impacting large numbers of endangered plants and animals. The destroyed forests are home to unique species like the orangutan and critically endangered Sumatran tiger.

India's Green Goals

However, all is not lost and there is still hope. Organizations like WWF and Greenpeace are tirelessly working for the cause of environment. Grassroots movements, led by passionate individuals and communities, are driving change from the bottom up. They are raising awareness, demanding accountability, and pushing for sustainable practices in their local contexts.

Furthermore, technological advancements offer promising solutions that could mitigate our impact on the environment. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming more accessible and cost-effective. Innovations in agriculture, waste management, and transportation aim to reduce our ecological footprint. These developments provide a ray of hope, illustrating that a transition to a more sustainable future is indeed possible.

At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015, the Paris Agreement was signed by 196 countries. This is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. The goal is to reduce greenhouse emissions and limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

To meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments made during the Paris agreement, India has set a target of 500 GW of installed renewable energy by 2030 - 280 GW of solar power and 140 GW of wind power. As on 31.03.2023, India has an installed capacity of 416.0 GW. (Source: powermin.gov.in)

Towards a Better Future

As we reflect on another World Environment Day gone by, let it serve as a wake-up call. It is a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent or remain passive observers of our own self-destruction. We must take responsibility for our actions, both as individuals and as a society. It is time to make sustainable choices, to advocate for change, and to hold those in power accountable for their environmental stewardship.

We not only need government to enact and enforce robust environmental policies, but businesses need to adopt sustainable practices, and individuals practice eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. Education and awareness must be prioritized, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of environmental protection and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive growth of new technologies.

The World Environment Day should be a catalyst for renewed determination and action. Let us learn from the mistakes of the past, unite in our efforts, and work towards a future where the preservation of our planet takes precedence over short-term gains. The time for change is now, and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to act determinedly and ensure a sustainable and thriving world for humans and all living creatures that inhabit our wonderful planet Earth.

The Earth Does not Belong to Us; We Belong to the Earth