Environment Tweet

Our cultural ethos has many examples referring to the divinity of nature. There are specific verses in the scriptures of various religions practiced in the country that if followed in spirit would have people caring for and protecting the environment. From worshipping nature to conquering and abusing it is a long distance that India has travelled in a short span.

This has been the result of a blind pursuit of development and a mad rush to ape the western model. From our mountains to rivers to seas, not much has been spared by polluting industries neither bound nor bothered to follow clean procedures. Pesticides spoil the soil in our fields and in traces reach our plates and bodies. The latest form of environmental pollution through genetic engineering can do irreversible damage by contaminating the surroundings and spreading into forest areas, as seeds can easily and quickly disperse far and wide through wind, flood, etc. By damaging our environment in so many ways for short-term gain, we are in the long run threatening the very survival of our species on the planet.

That development can take place in a sustainable and holistic manner whilst not harming the environment, is being realized albeit too slowly and by too few yet. For example, clean energy sources like wind power and focus on energy efficiency and reducing wastage can far exceed the amount of energy generated (and saved) than what dangerous nuclear reactors claim.

The current green movements in the country need to take on the pace and proportions of a mass revolution through participation of great numbers of citizens in order to lead to a complete overhaul in the state of our environment. Mantras like ‘sustainable development’ and the 3 Rs, ‘reuse, refuse, re-cycle’ seem to sound too simple, but if chanted by many in practice, can in fact solve today’s environmental problems.

Related Stories:

Expert Panel recommends blanket ban on GM crops as it could contaminate natural species. Hindustan Times reports 

Scientific research on Environmental Hazards of GM:
Read more

Environmental News Network:
Read more

Environment Literacy Council – Helping students & teachers with unbiased environmental info:
Read more

Saving the Silent Valley: A Case Study

Taking environmental action is not always easy. It requires a great deal of preparation, educating & persuading the stakeholders to take steps to save the environment without hurting any constituent partner. This case study by Dilnavaz Variava from the book “The Environment and Science and Technology Education” (Pergamon Press) makes this point. Read and download the case study.