When I look ahead and imagine saying to my future generations “This is our legacy for you, I see a world we have mutilated for our selfish gains, devoid of all wonderful gifts and creations of God”, I feel ashamed, horrified, helpless and defeated. Our progress instantly comes to a naught and becomes meaningless, forcing me to ask questions…Is this what we had planned? Were we gifted by God with superior intellect just to plan our suicide, destroy all His creations without mercy for anyone? Can we be so ruthless, unmindful and irresponsible? How long should nature forgive us for our misdoings?
I am an optimist, but looking at mankind’s destructive activities against nature, I feel that our doomsday is not far. Sustainable development refers to transformations which optimize the economic and societal benefits available in the present, without jeopardizing the likely potential for similar benefits in the future. We all are aware of the fact that we have depleted and degraded our natural resources at a rate which is much faster than what nature can heal. India needs to take the lead and be a frontrunner in taking steps to tackle climate change. In a country with growing energy needs like India and where natural resources are our biggest asset, our efforts have to be very intense. So, we have to channelize our efforts systematically, so as not only to rectify our misdoings, but also lay strong foundations for future development.
The world in which we are living is very different from what it was just a few years back. It is high time we rectify our mistakes and make Earth a safer place for our future generations. Fortunately, nature is at our rescue by provides us with avenues by giving us an opportunity to rectify our mistakes by providing us with solar, wind, sea water, geothermal energy and other natural processes to meet our needs without causing harm. Conscious efforts are required to undo the damages we have caused and replan the process in sustained manner. Instead of letting our waste rot out in the open why not decompose it so as to generate biogas as well as manure. Offices should be designed so as to utilize the maximum amount of daylight. Electrifying villages through solar energy will provide with a permanent solution which is not only feasible but also profitable. “Green” concern should be the yardstick of our decisions. Green marketing, green buildings, green products should be our focus. This involves creating integrating environmental issues with development strategies, creating awareness, goal setting, measuring our results and directing all our efforts in a very scientific with a planned approach. Government, corporate and individuals have to work in partnership, create awareness and public opinion, share ideas and mobilize every citizen to be committed to address the global challenges. Government should provide more choices through standardization, measures to encourage leaner and cleaner production processes, putting eco-labels so that green alternatives are encouraged and better decisions can be taken. They should provide incentives for encouragement, eco friendly taxations and penalize for non-conformance. Saving power, recycling waste, reducing toxic waste reducing water consumption, using less packaging and bags, buying energy efficient devices, buying only green products, become vegetarian are few steps in this direction which individual consumers need to be conscious of. Companies should invest in processes and technology which address problems of shortage of resources, water scarcity, climate change and loss of biodiversity. The parameters to judge our success should be based on sustainable impacts on society. The existing business models of companies have to be revamped to redefine the processes and activities which minimize our carbon footprints; whereas entrepreneurs should create value by keeping these considerations centre stage of their planning right from start. This needs finding innovative ways and technological advancements. All the involved actors have to work in harmony with each other as well as nature to bring out the desired change.
Again, being an optimist, I realize that still there is hope, providing a strong impulse to act and make a difference. The biggest motivation to act is that this is a panacea to most of the ills affecting our society such as poverty, declining health, terrorism and so on. Every activity is crucial, since our sustainability is at stake. A small diversion from our targets can cause irreversible damage. I would reiterate that sustainable development is not only a natural way but also the most ethical and profitable way without threatening our existence on the planet, providing competitive advantage to nations and bright future if we follow and a dark future if we who ignore this blatant fact.
No comments:
Post a Comment