#GenerationRestoration Movement
Embracing Environmental Responsibilities
Neha Tripathi
As we mark World Environment Day on June 5th, it's clear that there is a universal concern on the state of environment. However despite the uncertainties, the efforts made over the years have given us hope for the future.
In addressing the imperative of "Our Earth, Our Future," a heightened sense of responsibility is warran-ted. Our generation is actively engaged in ongoing endeavours to preserve and protect the environment, with the goal of leaving a clean environment for future generations. However, in light of prevailing circumstances, it is imperative that future generations also remain actively involved. They must receive continuous education on environmental conservation, cultivate sustainable habits, and perpetuate these practices over the long term. To launch the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, UNEP has released synthesis report as a call to action for all to join the #GenerationRestoration movement to prevent, halt and reverse the degredation of ecosystems worldwide. This collective endeavour signifies the inception of a "Generation Restoration," wherein successive generations unite to rectify environmental degradation. In undertaking this restoration, a thorough understanding of the current environmental landscape, its associated challenges and possibilities is paramount.
Soaring Temperatures
Scientific reports confirm that global temperature have increased significantly over the past few decades. In 2023 and 24, temperatures in many places have broken previous records. For instance, temperatures in parts of India exceeded 50 degrees Celsius, while several European countries also experienced unusually high temperatures. This temperature rise is not coincidental but rather the consequence of escalating levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
According to scientists, the global average temperature is projected to rise by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius between 2023 and 2024, leading to a surge in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, impacting millions of people. Deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change are driving our planet towards destruction. Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and escalating natural disasters serve as clear indicators that immediate action is imperative. In this regard, Generation Restoration can play a pivotal role.
Every Step is a Challenge
Air Pollution
Air quality in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru has reached dangerous levels. The levels of pollutants in Delhi's air often exceed World Health Organization standards by several times. Its main causes are vehicular smoke, industrial emissions, and cons-truction activities. Health problems like asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease are on the rise due to air pollution.
Water Crisis
Water crisis is a serious issue in many parts of India. Water shortage is continuously increasing in metropolitan cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The main causes of water crisis are excessive water exploitation, uncontrolled use of water resources, and lack of water conservation. Many rivers, such as the Ganga and Yamuna, are vulnerable to pollution, leading to shortage of potable water. Drought conditions in states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra have worsened the condition of farmers.
Forest Conservation and Biodiversity
We understand that deforestation and illegal logging can threaten wildlife habitat. Examples like the destruction of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans and deforestation in the Western Ghats make it clear that more efforts are needed towards forest conservation. Wildlife species, such as tigers, elephants, and rhinos, are endangered.
Forest Area:
- India's forest cover was 23.7% in 2023 which is projected to increase by 24% in 2024.
- India increased forest cover by more than 2.2 lakh hectares in 2022, the highest rate in the world.
- In 2014, India's forest area was only 21.7%.
- "Mission Green India" initiative aims to plant 100 crore trees by 2030.
Biodiversity:
- India is home to 11% of the world's known species, including 8% of mammals, 13% of birds, 7% of reptiles, 6% of amphibians and 10% of fishes.
- India has set a target to conserve 12% of known species by 2024, up from 1% in 2018.
- India launched the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2030 in 2018, which aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.
- India has established many protected areas and national parks to preserve the diversity of flora and fauna.
Climate Change
India is also not untouched by the effects of climate change. Incidents like abnormal weather changes, flash floods, and heatwaves are on the rise. In 2023, floods wreaked havoc in the Kedarnath region of Uttarakhand, killing thousands of people and destroying property worth crores. Apart from this, cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea have also caused huge devastation in the coastal areas.
Renewable Energy
India is facing many problems in the field of renewable energy. One of the biggest problems they face is high costs, which may discourage investors. There is also the challenge of storage shortage and grid integration. Land use needs and policy uncertainty are also important problems. Also, lack of infrastructure, lack of awareness and lack of talent are some major problems associated with renewable energy.
- India aims to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- India had set a target of installing 30 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2023.
- India installed 175 GW renewable energy capacity in 2022, ranking fourth in the world.
- India installed 10.5 GW of solar power capacity in 2021, the second highest in the world.
- India has also started investing in Green Hydrogen production, which is considered the future of clean energy.
Waste Management
Every year, millions of tonnes of waste is generated, much of which is not properly managed. Plastic waste in particular has caused huge harm to the environment. India has taken several important steps to tackle plastic pollution. Many states have banned single-use plastics and promoted alternatives. Under this, special attention has been given to recycling and reusing plastic waste.
- The average level of PM2.5 in India is projected to reduce to 55 µg/m3 in 2024.
- The average level of PM2.5 in India in 2023 was 59 µg/m3, down from 64 µg/m3 in 2014.
- India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NAP) 2.0 in 2022, which aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 40% in 100 cities by 2024.
- India launched the National Ganga River Mission in 2021 with a target to clean 80% of the river basin by 2025.
- India has initiated several policies to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, which will help in reducing air pollution.
- India has also increased investment in Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) to reduce water pollution.
Theme of World Environment Day 2024 is ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience
Land Restoration’ - According to the United Nations Convention, 40 percent of the Earth's land has been destroyed, affecting half the world's population. Nearly half of global GDP is at risk.
Desertification - The incidence and duration of drought has increased by 29 percent since 2000 - without immediate action, drought could affect more than three-quarters of the world's population by 2050.
Drought Resilience - Land restoration is a key pillar of the UN Ecosystem Restoration Decade (2021-2030), a rallying call to protect and restore ecosystems around the world, which is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Worldwide Crisis
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
The Amazon rainforest of Brazil is known as the 'Lungs of the Earth'. In 2023, deforestation in the Amazon broke the record of the previous ten years. The main reason for deforestation is to prepare land for agriculture and timber trade. This is not only destroying the habitat of local wildlife, but also causing huge emissions of carbon dioxide, which is further fueling climate change.
Australia Wildfires
The massive wildfires that broke out in Australia in 2020 attracted the world's attention. The fire incinerated millions of acres of land, destroyed thousands of homes and killed millions of wildlife. The intensity of the fire is due to climate change, with increased temperatures and drought conditions further exacerbating the crisis. It seriously affected Australia's ecosystems and raised serious questions about wildlife conservation.
California, United States
In 2023, the fire in California broke all previous records. The main cause of the fire is climate change, which promotes drought and heat waves. Additionally, water crisis is also a serious issue in California, where water scarcity is hampering agricultural and civil water supplies.
Melting of Glaciers
The melting of glaciers in the Arctic region is a clear sign of global climate change. According to scientists, Arctic ice is melting rapidly due to which the sea level is rising. Due to this, incidents of floods are increasing in coastal areas and people living there are being displaced from their homes. The Arctic's biodiversity is also at risk due to this melting, including polar bears and other creatures.
Desertification in Africa
Desertification has become a major problem in the Sahel region of Africa. The Sahel, which lies south of the Sahara Desert, is rapidly turning into desert due to climate change and uncontrolled agricultural activities. Water scarcity and declining land fertility in the region threaten the livelihoods of millions of people.
Air Pollution in China
China's big cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, have long struggled with severe air pollution. In recent years, the Chinese government has taken several steps to reduce air pollution, but there are still dangerous levels of pollutants in the country's air. Air pollution is causing increasing health problems, such as respiratory diseases and heart disease.
Agents of Change
Where there are problems, we need solutions. When the problem is global then its solution will also have to be of global scale. Therefore, many new challenges as well as opportunities are being created in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Green Jobs: Green jobs include jobs in areas such as environmental protection, renewable energy, water management and afforestation. These jobs include professions such as environmental engineer, solar energy technician, water conservation specialist and botanist. Green jobs not only contribute to environmental protection but also stimulate economic growth.
Research and Development: There are also many opportunities for research and development in the field of environment. Career options are available as scientists, researchers and environmental consultants. Apart from this, there are also employment opportunities in innovation and technological development to solve environmental problems.
NGOs and Social Work: Many Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) are working in the field of environmental protection. Fields like social work, environmental education and community development are available for professionals working in these. Contribution can also be made to environmental awareness campaigns, tree plantation programmes and cleanliness campaigns through NGOs.
Eco-Tourism: There are many employment oppor-tunities in the field of eco-tourism also. This includes eco-friendly tourist destinations, wildlife safari and ecological tourism. Eco-tourism promotes environmental conser-vation and aids in the economic development of local communities.
Ways to Invest in the Environment for Generation Restoration:
- Reduce Use of Plastic: Plastic is a major source of pollution.
- Save Water: Use less water and don't forget to turn off the tap.
- Save Energy: Use energy-saving bulbs and turn off lights when you leave the room.
- Plant trees: Trees purify the air and help fight pollution.
- Use Public Transportation: Help reduce vehicle pollution.
- Recycle and Compost: Reduce your waste and recycle or compost it.
- Raise Your Voice: Spread awareness about environmental issues and inspire others.
- Use Electric Vehicles: This will save fossil fuel and also prevent pollution.
- Energy Efficiency of Buildings: Everything from ventilation to air conditioning requires less energy.
(The author is a Science Journalist and Filmmaker. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com.)
Views expressed are personal.