How do you like to celebrate your birthday? After the partying and feasting, many of us sit back to think about the year that has gone by and the year ahead. It is a day we reflect on ourselves and our life. But what about this precious planet that sustains us all? Though we do not know Earth’s exact birthday, we do set aside a day in the year to slow down and appreciate this beautiful planet.
The five most pressing environmental problems of today are climate change and global warming, deforestation, extinction of species, soil degradation and pollution.
Earth Day on April 22 is our annual reminder to reflect on our planet.. Established in 1970 in the U.S, this day was founded as an environmental educational forum but soon became a global movement. For Earth Day 2017, there are Marches for Science and teach-ins (a series of lectures and discussions) being planned globally.
The theme for Earth Day 2017 is Environmental and Climate Literacy. The world is using the Earth’s resources irresponsibly and causing irreparable damage. We need to be aware about the dangers and threats our environment faces today so that we are geared to protecting it.
It is important to think of everyday as Earth Day and not just celebrate one day in the year.
Pollution
Air pollution occurs when harmful gases and tiny particles enter the atmosphere and make the air around us dirty and unhealthy. Water pollution is the draining of chemicals and toxic substances into our water bodies and underground water sources. Throwing garbage into lakes or even ‘lucky’ coins into rivers leads to water pollution. Land pollution occurs when you litter the ground. When the sounds around us get too loud it has a damaging effect on our health as well as that of the animals and birds around us.
How you can help
Do not litter. Always put it in a rubbish bin. Recycle as much as you can. The more litter you throw, the more pollution there is.
Use environment friendly idols, natural Holi colours and so on.
Volunteer with a local clean up drive.
Extinction of species
What is similar between a dodo and a dinosaur? They are both extinct! Extinction occurs when a particular species of animals or plants does not exist any more. Extinction of a species affects the entire food chain. For example, when the dodos became extinct in Mauritius, the Calvaria tree started dying out. This is because the dodos helped to spread the seeds encouraging the growth of new trees. We are all interlinked and extinction affects all of us.
CELEBRATION: A time to preserve and take care of our earth.
How you can help
Start a wildlife club in school to raise awareness.
Do not buy products or mementoes made from endangered animals.
Volunteer with a wildlife or marine conservation project .
Deforestation
Cutting down large areas of forests is known as deforestation. This causes soil erosion, destruction of the water cycle, drying up of water bodies, loss of flora and fauna and less absorption of carbon dioxide.
How you can help
Reduce the use and wastage of paper at home. Use newspaper to wrap gifts and presents instead of buying fancy paper which will be torn and thrown away anyway!
Plant more trees, be it at home or school. If you do not have a garden, try container gardening, where you can grow small plants in containers on balconies or terraces.
Do not use products with palm oil as its production causes massive deforestation and harm to local animal populations. Orangutans have been most affected by the deforestation due to palm oil production.
Climate change and global warming
Global warming means a change in the average surface temperature of the earth. A warmer earth will lead to melting of glaciers, rising of seas, damaged corals and so on.
Industrial activity, transportation, use of fossil fuels and such have raised the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere.
How you can help
Walk, cycle or take public transport to school. If you must take a car, try to carpool.
Keep electronic gadgets switched off and unplugged when not in use.
Switch off fans and lights when not in the room. Use environment- friendly LED lights.
Soil degradation
Because of human practices such as deforestation, agriculture, and so on, the fertile top soil gets polluted. In some extreme cases, agricultural land becomes too dry and turns into a desert. This is called desertification. The United Nations (UN) has declared 2010-2020 to be the UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification.
How you can help
Plant grass and shrubs to reduce erosion as exposed soil is easily swept away. Use non toxic pesticides and fertilizer.
Over watering your garden causes soil erosion as the excess water will sweep the soil away.
Practise composting at home or school to get natural fertilizer for your garden.
