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

Pemgiri Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree in Pemgiri

Do you know that located in Ahmednagar district is of one of the largest banyan trees in Maharashtra? I am sure most of you don’t. Read on for a brief account on this natural wonder, the banyan tree and its spiritual significance to the local populace in Pemgiri and rural Ahmednagar district.

On a recent visit to Neemgaon, we were able to squeeze in a short trip to take a look at this banyan tree.

The banyan tree in Pemgiri is believed to be around 400 years old, its canopy is spread over an area of around 2.5 acres (approximately 10,000 sq m.) and a perennial stream passes through middle providing water to birds and small animals.

The tree is located in a small village called Pemgiri, which is at a distance of around 90 km from Nashik city in Maharashtra. It is one of the largest banyan trees in India and is a tourist attraction among the locals. 

When to visit Pemgiri

Anytime of the year.

The place is sparsely visited on weekdays, but there are quite a few visitors on weekends. If you plan to visit, I suggest an early morning start from Nashik at around 07.00, reaching at about 09.30, so as to avoid the late morning sun. There are no restaurants in the near vicinity, but one can have tea / coffee at a small stall next to the banyan tree. You may also buy guavas and groundnuts from vendors, on weekends.  

The tree in Pemgiri is considered sacred by the villagers. A small temple dedicated to a local saint is built beneath the vast tree canopy. Villagers worship the saint, who is said to have vanquished a man-eating tiger which terrorized people in the 17th century.
Locals stress on the folklore that says no one who enters the area and breaks tree branches or damages the tree ever escapes from the tree’s curse.

The tree is not just a spiritual site and a place to offer prayers but provides shelter to a variety of bird species. A perennial stream passes through middle. The tree is surrounded on three sides by fields owned by local farmers and is accessible by a motorable road off the Pune-Nashik highway.
Apart from the banyan tree in Pemgiri, one can also visit an old Maratha fort (Pemgiri fort / Sahagad fort) atop the Shahagad hill, though trekking the hill would be quite strenous. Another site worth visiting during and immediately after the monsoons is the Pemgiri waterfall, about a kilometer behind the banyan tree. The road leading the waterfall is not paved but is accessible on a two-wheeler.

All in all, a visit to Pemgiri is day well spent serving as a reminder of the importance of appreciating our natural resources. 

So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked. Mark Twain, "Following the Equator"

Butterfly Garden Nashik

Butterfly Garden Nashik

If you are one amongst the growing number of individuals who prefer to take a walk in the natural environs rather than spend your day window shopping in a mall, you must very well know about the butterfly garden in Nashik, located at the foothills of Pandav Leni caves. 

Also know as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Van Udyan, it was opened in the year 2016 by actor Mr. Nana Patekar and owes its existence to MNS President Mr. Raj Thackeray, who took a keen interest in its development.

It is maintained by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCML) and Nashik Municipal Corporation and was earlier a herb garden. 

A snapshot

Area: 93 hectares (0.93 sq km)
Location: Service Road, Nashik-Mumbai Highway, after Pandav Leni Caves.
Timing: All days 10.00 to 17.30 hours. Closed on Wednesday.
Entry fee: Rs. 30.00 (Adults); Rs. 10.00
Camera charges: Rs.100.00
Best means to reach: Personal transport. City bus services may be available.

Best time to visit: November to February.

Butterflies and birds 

The garden is well maintained and has dense tree cover with a wide variety of flowering plants and grasses ideal for butterflies. Part of the garden has paved pathways; the interior can be explored on mud paths. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot peacocks and other birds. There is also a small lake surrounded by thick undergrowth and large trees with aquatic birds. 

Blue Tiger

Common Tiger

Blue Spotted Crow

Blue Moon

 As always, respect nature and avoid use of plastic and do not litter inside the park.