Earth Day 2020, A Reminder …

April 22, was Earth day. This year the daywent without much exhibition as Covid-19 overshadowed all other endeavors. Witheach passing day is becoming increasingly clear that taking care of Environmentcan be helpful in containing the spread of virulent pests and pathogens. Year2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and, also a reminder that the environmentis integral to our health, and nature cannot be taken for granted.

Some of the environmental organizations,schools, colleges, environmental clubs, and Ministries of Government of Indiahave live streaming sessions on various themes to spread awareness on globalenvironmental issues. Schools and colleges organized poster and slogan writingcompetitions. University and College environmental societies put up messageboards explaining the importance of the day. However, the fact remains, that doesthis all work on ground. Does it do any good to the environment? Do we reallypractice a lifestyle that is environment friendly? Marking the 50th anniversaryof the Earth Day on 22 April 2020 have we really achieved much on environmentalfront? Covid-19 has prompted us all to use digital platforms to spread theawareness which otherwise would see conferences, seminars, gatherings, andevents attended by politicians and celebrities who otherwise do not care muchabout environmental issues. This year we have saved lakhs of rupees fromgovernment exchequer, unnecessary wastage of paper used for publicizing theevent, and a lot of manual labour. We saved on honorariums and transportallowances that government servants and public offices get reimbursed for when attendingmeetings and gatherings. We saved on the fuel, we improved environmentalconditions because there was no carbon emission from the transport. The bestthing that happened is that the entire world used the digital landscape withsoft and important conversations that lead the way forward to tackle theenvironmental problems without too much of preaching and sloganeering. Somepositive acts, dance, and art performances closed doors by eminent people,webinars and events supporting urgent action on tackling environmental issuesmarked the day.

   

The 2020 Earth day has brought into lightthat environmental protection is a fundamental foundation of building bettertimes after we get over the Pandemic. Considering the present crisis, we haveto remind ourselves daily, that for protecting ourselves against future globalthreats, the knowledge and practices of sound management of environmentalproblems is of utmost importance. Strong and global stewardship of nature andbiodiversity can play a pivotal role in changing the world for a better futureand help combat the adverse impacts of natural and anthropogenic calamities.The past one month of the lockdown also saw a sea-change in how many offices,government, public and private can operate without being a burden onenvironment and natural resources. April 22 was also a timely reminder for jobproviders to go green in their operations. Work from Home thatenvironmentalists had been advocating for years is going to be a new norm. Arough estimate of the environmental benefits of embracing this new cultureclearly indicates that they are huge and surpass many other measures thatcompanies have been taking until now. The carbon footprint of travel, themaintenance of office space, electricity, energy costs, waste generation andits disposal if calculated roughly will be highly reduced. This will have farmore implications on the quality of air that has improved globally, the skylooks blue and earth is looks greener than ever. The quality of water in therivers has improved, the carbon emission and dust pollution has reduced,biodiversity is taking a new breath and birds are seen in flocks. The pandemiclockdown during 2020 Earth Day anniversary is a stark reminder to all of usthat the consumeristic society, sooner or later has to pay a price for toyingtoo much with what nature has provided us with. Last 40 days have taught us,that we must go back to basics: roti, kapda and makaan is what one needs. Wehave understood that accumulating gizmos, luxuries, fancy cars and modernfacilities doesn’t have much relevance. Survival is the key and nature providesenough for meeting the day-to-day needs of living being. COVID crisis will besoon over, we all know that and we may even forget it after some time. Butdon’t get over with this feeling that Earth Day was conceived with a purposeand United Nations Environment Programme wants the entire world to understandthat Environment should be a top priority and the way we are united to fightthe Corona Virus, we need to get united to save the environment. Pledge to savethe environment and we shall get back to normal. Wishes that made Earth dayspecial in the words of Edna Frohock

Summer, fall, winter, spring

The seasons rotate as each brings

Its special beauty to this earth of ours

Winter’s snows and summer’s flowers

Frozen rivers will flow come spring

There is a renewal of everything

Dr Monika Koul is Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi

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