“What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and one another.” — Chris Maser
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote global action for protecting and preserving our planet. This day serves as a platform for individuals, communities, organisations, and governments worldwide to unite and take concrete steps toward a sustainable future.
This blog will delve into the significance of World Environment Day, its history, and how we can contribute to a greener and healthier planet.
History: The United Nations declared World Environment Day in 1972 during the United Nations Conference held in Stockholm, Sweden. Since then, it has been celebrated yearly to promote environmental awareness and encourage positive change.
Each World Environment Day is centered around a specific theme, highlighting a pressing environmental issue that requires global attention and action.
The theme for 2023 is "Restoring Our Earth." It emphasises the need to heal and regenerate our planet by implementing sustainable practices, protecting biodiversity, and addressing the challenges of climate change. The theme invites individuals and communities to restore ecosystems, reduce waste, conserve resources, and adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Importance: World Environment Day plays a crucial role in mobilising individuals and organisations to take responsibility for the environment. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between human well-being and a healthy planet. By celebrating this day, we acknowledge the urgency of environmental issues and commit ourselves to finding solutions. It is an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the importance of sustainable living, promote environmental activism, and advocate for policy changes prioritising ecological well-being.
What has India Achieved in Conserving the Environment?
- Increase in Forest Cover:
- India's forest cover and the population of lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, and rhinos are increasing.
- The total forest cover is 21.71% of the total geographical area in 2023 (as per data available in Dec 2022), compared with 21.67% in 2019 and 21.54% in 2017.
- Installed Electric Capacity:
- India's commitment to reach 40% of installed electric capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources is achieved Nine years ahead of schedule. Impressive. Isn't it?
- Ethanol Blending Target:
- The target of 10% ethanol blending in petrol is already achieved before the target, and now the country is targeting 20% Ethanol blending by 2030. Let us hope that this also gets achieved before the decided date.
- Renewable Energy Target:
- Renewable energy has a very high focus on the government.
- India presently has 168.96 GW of total renewable energy capacity (as of February 28, 2023), with approximately 82 GW under various stages of implementation and approximately 41 GW in the tendering stage. There are 64.38 GW of solar power, 51.79 GW of hydropower, 42.02 GW of wind power, and 10.77 GW of bio power.
- India has the fourth-largest wind power capacity in the world.
What are the Other Related Initiatives?
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP):
- It focuses on the rehabilitation of degraded forests and afforestation around forests.
- National Mission for a Green India (GIM):
- It is under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and aims to improve and increase tree cover as a climate adaptation and mitigation strategy.
- National Biodiversity Action Plan:
- It has been launched to implement strategies to reduce degradation rates, fragmentation, and loss of natural habitats.
- Rural Livelihood Schemes:
- Recognition of natural resources intrinsically linked to rural livelihoods is also reflected in flagship schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
World Environment Day reminds us of our responsibility to protect and nurture our planet. It is a day to reflect on the challenges we face and celebrate our progress toward a sustainable future. By taking action in our everyday lives, supporting environmental initiatives, and advocating for change, we can contribute to the collective effort of restoring and preserving our Earth. Let us unite on this World Environment Day and work towards a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.