Climate Change poses a great challenge in the current times encompassing drastic variations in various ecological phenomena. Sea-level rise, global temperature rise, erratic precipitation, water-bodies acidification and other extreme events indicate climate change as a global threat. To persuade and sensitize our current generation towards environmental conservation, mass environmental awareness campaigns are key. The campaigns should focus on frequent tree-talk sessions, environmental skits, including interaction talks on various climate change and environmental issues. Environmental awareness campaigns are as much important because environmental health is directly or indirectly related to health of every living being. Epidemiology also dictates a triad of Environment, Agent and Host. These three components of the triad are dependent upon each other in progression of a disease. So while the basic component ‘Environment’ is safe, there is zero chance of any development of a pathological agent. No Host then.
It is high time we realize how important trees are for our environment as well as our social and economic well being. Each one of us must take it as a responsibility to plant trees and save environment in whatever way to make our planet a better place to live.
Government, civil society, non-profit organizations including others have a role to play in saving our environment. Multi-sectoral coordination and togetherness to guide towards environmental sanitation, conservation of biodiversity and water bodies, planting of indigenous plant species of human value and morale – shall serve the purpose. Planting trees would never be enough if they are cut ruthlessly at a rapid pace. People must be sensitized about the importance of planting more trees by emphasizing on their benefits. The propagation of the environmental awareness messages including plantation drives can be done by way of radio, television, newspapers, social media, hoardings and leaflets. It is also a good idea to teach the students about the importance of planting trees from the very beginning. Educational institutes can take the initiative to plant trees by engaging their students in the task from time to time. It is high time we realize how important trees are for our environment as well as our social and economic well being. Each one of us must take it as a responsibility to plant trees and save environment in whatever way to make our planet a better place to live.
The author is Physician,Educator and Founder/CEO JKIFTS. Views are his own)
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