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The argument is simple. Our generation is enjoying resources that our ancestors have left behind by way of not exploiting them arbitrarily during their lifetimes. As students, professionals, entrepreneurs, we are all aware that most of the essential resources are limited and their overexploitation can lead to a poor, violent tomorrow. Global warming, loss of natural habitat for non-humans and climate change are some of the most debated topics in international political and economic landscape and hence, millennials should give this a thought.
Understanding the repercussions of overexploitation of resources can sometimes be complex. We shall pick the easiest and most visible examples.
Uplifting humans, distressing other lives
Any country working to uplift its population from the clutches of poverty relies on development of infrastructure, with roads and highways being the prominent engines of growth since they enable faster movement of humans, goods and other things. In order to build more and more bridges to ‘connect’ people, countries exploit such minerals as iron ore and bauxite. And since most of these mineral reserves are located in forest land, forest cover is cleared to give way to large-scale mining. In the process, however, we brutally displace wildlife from their natural habitats.
The menace of plastic
Another is the case of widespread use of plastic that pollutes the environment and chokes our drainage systems. Although the generations X, Y and Z are increasingly becoming aware of the hazards of plastic, not many are willing to come forward and take the decisive step of curbing plastic use in everyday lives. Don’t forget, the piles of plastic that we may be generating today will soon stare us in the face and we may find no rescue options.
Rising temperatures pose great threat
We know the world is becoming hotter due to greenhouse gases and this is substantiated by the fact that heat records are being broken every year. More and more households, due to increase in the middle class, and office spaces are indiscriminately using air conditioners without realizing that much of the electricity that is consumed comes from non-renewable source that is coal. In our desire to beat the heat outside, we are only burning more and more coal inside thermal power plants.
Are there some solutions?
What can be done? Indeed, the concerns are many but the good thing is that we still stand a chance to leave a better world for our future generations. Firstly, switch to a lifestyle where less of resources are to be exploited. For example, why not pool cars when going to workplace? Why not use public transport services such as metro rails and electric buses for everyday commute? Secondly, the use of plastic has to be curbed without any delay. Not just plastic shopping bag but even corporates are to be compelled to use less of plastic in their packaging.
Lastly, new workplaces must commit to saving energy. Installation of solar power systems, wherever feasible to using led bulbs, there are many small things that can add up to serve as major contributor in decreasing our dependency on coal and other fossil fuels. The today belongs to us and hence, millennials are to take the lead role in sustainable development.
Taking the pledge- International Mother Earth Day
April 22 is that one day in a year when many of us recall the importance of mother earth in our lives. In fact, if it were not for the sacrifices of earth, all the developments we are enjoying today, from internet that is backed by silicon to automobiles that run on fossil fuels, would never have occurred. Think of the latest concerns facing the humanity. Fires and unprecedented high temperatures in Australia and the COVID-19 pandemic are only two of many such worries that must compel us to take our pledge towards mother earth beyond just one day in a year. Nonetheless, at least this one day puts pressure on politicians that serious steps have to be taken sooner than later.
There is much to work on. From halting our disruption to biodiversity, stopping the way we are changing how land is being used more for industrial production that an adobe for wildlife to debating how trade in wildlife landed us in the global coronavirus crises. SARS-CoV-2 may have been transmitted to patient zero by consumption of a carrier that was infected by coronavirus from bats but was it justifiable? Food habits of humans are encroaching upon other living beings and the pace is such that we are destroying our own lives.
Earth Day 2021
The Earth Day 2020 came amidst one of the greatest existential crises mankind faced in living memories. Where do we go from here? Should we let the status quo prevail? But in such a scenario, are we ready to have more of such calamities with greater intensity and deeper impact? No, we can’t afford it. Time is now to stop indiscriminate burning of fossil fuels and use of plastic carry bags even when they have been prohibited. In next one year, what each one of us can do is at least play our role. Let’s converse with our seniors and motivate them to switch to less polluting ways and waste fewer resources.
Take the pledge that we shall come back to this again next year same day and see if we could change at least something, could do at least some bit to really make our mother earth a little relaxed.
Also read: Education in the Times of COVID-19
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