‘Myopia’ is a condition associated with short-sightedness. Humans are often blamed for that when it comes to environment. Too many diabolical sci-fi novels have been written, but soon enough, they might become reality the way we are moving forward.
Climate change and Pollution, Deforestation and Erosion – are the fallout of unbridled industrial expansion. The forest cover around the world is depleting, the aridity of the soil is increasing, water tables are plunging down – in the name of economic growth, we are squandering our natural resources without giving due thought to the future generation.
While the world leaders argue – whose responsibility is it to clean up – the ice caps in the polar region are melting. China, India and other developing countries feel that the developed countries are pressurizing them for equal, if not more, cuts on their emissions inspite of developed countries like U.S.A. being far guiltier than they are.
While this line of argument may be true, yet it has lead to an impasse where nothing is being done to protect Mother Earth. Recently, excessive smog in China resulted in drastic reduction in visibility causing cancellation of flights and respiratory problems in human beings. Mother Earth is retaliating.
Hence sustainable development is the need of the hour. There is a huge potential in clean energy projects: – solar energy, hydel power, biogas plants. Available resources should be utilized more efficiently, trying to reduce the losses.
Though today, carbon trading and green buildings are the in-terms used by the sensitized people around the world, ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN THE WORDS.
Even as we speak, there is a debate brewing in the 5 states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala & Tamil Nadu over what needs to be done in Western Ghats. It is the same story of Economic Growth v/s Environment Protection. The sole power in this case is in the hands of Verappa Moily, who ironically enough is the Minister of Petroleum as well as Environment!
Growing fast now and cleaning later certainly won’t work. Yet we focus on just that, which may have some far-reaching implications in near future. (350 words, 30 minutes)
Alienman 