Earth is like our home and we must make efforts to keep it clean and green. On the occasion of World Environment Day, let us promise to make it a better place to live!
The term environment is widely used and has a broad range of definitions, meanings and interpretations. It is derived from French word “environ” which means “surrounding”. In popular usage environment simply means nature in other words the natural landscape together with all of its non-human features characteristics and processes. Environment is a complex of many variables which surrounds man as well as the living organisms. According to Kalavathy 2004, environment includes air, water, and human beings and other living creatures such as plants, animals, and micro-organisms. It is essential for existence of life as in the solar system there are other big planets but have no life due to lack of environment. The major religions of the world acknowledge the need for environmental stewardship and their holy texts urge adherents to be caretakers of the Earth and its biodiversity. The following is a reflection on how religions have addressed religious commitments towards the environment. (a) Christianity: To protect environment, there are approximately hundred verses in the bible that talk about protection of the environment. Christians therefore have environmental responsibility and encourage behavioral change for the good of the future (Open Bible.info., n.d). It is said, “Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.” (Verse 35:33) “When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” (John 6:12) “We must treat nature with the same awe and wonder that we reserve for human beings. And we do not need this insight in order to believe in God or to prove his existence. We need it to breathe; we need it for us simply to be.” (Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, 2010) “The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.” (Pope Francis, 2015) (b) Islam: The second largest religion in the world Islam approaches environment from a stewardship perspective. The earth is God’s creation, and as humans, we have been entrusted to preserve it as we found. The responsibility of humanity is to protect and ensure the unity (Tawheed) of the God’s creation. Moreover, Islam prohibits the excessive consumption of resources the planet provides to the humanity (Qur’an 7:31, 6:141, 17:26-27, 40:34). In fact, Qur’an mentions wasteful consumption (Isrāf) as the thirty-second greatest sin. Planting a tree is a sadaqah jariyah (continued charity) in Islam, for the poor and the rich alike. Whenever a human being or even an animal shelters under the shade of a tree or relishes a fruit that it produces, the planter will earn rewards, even after his or her death. (c) Hinduism: Hinduism is a religion deeply rooted in nature. The sacred text (Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Epics) has many references of divinity related to nature, such as rivers, mountains, trees, animals, and the earth. To protect them, Hinduism encourages environmental protection and there are organizations who promote sustainable development and support the protection of the environment through awareness campaigns and actions (Green Faith, 2010). It says, “I shall now explain the knowable, knowing which you will taste the eternal. Brahman, the spirit, beginning less and subordinate to Me, lies beyond the cause and effect of this material world.” (Bhagavad Gita 13.13) “According to the different modes of material nature — the mode of goodness, the mode of passion and the mode of darkness — there are different living creatures, who are known as demigods, human beings and hellish living entities. O King, even a particular mode of nature, being mixed with the other two, is divided into three, and thus each kind of living creature is influenced by the other modes and acquires its habits also.” (Bhagavata Purana 2.10.41) “There is an inseparable bond between man and nature. For man, there cannot be an existence removed from nature.” (Amma, 2011) (d) Buddhism: The notion of karma alone, being an important part of Buddha’s lessons, conveys the values of conservation and responsibility for the future. It is said that the morality of our actions in the present will shape our character for the future, an idea close of sustainable development. Buddhist Connections and Reflection on Environment: “As a bee – without harming the blossom, its color, its fragrance – takes its nectar and flies away: so should the sage go through a village.” (Dhammapada IV, Pupphavagga: Blossoms, 49) “Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.” (Dhammapada IX, Papavagga: Evil, 122) “Our ancestors viewed the earth as rich and bountiful, which it is. Many people in the past also saw nature as inexhaustibly sustainable, which we now know is the case only if we care for it.” (Dalai Lama, 1990a) (e) Confucianism: For more than 2500 years, Confucianism influenced culture, society, economy and politics of China mainly, but also Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Some sociologists called Confucianism as a civil religion or diffused religion (Center for Global Education, 2018). It says, “… sustainable harmonious relationship between the human species and nature is not merely an abstract ideal, but a concrete guide for practical living.” (International Confucian Ecological Alliance, 2015) (f) Baha’i Faith: The Baha’i faith is based upon the world citizenship and it proclaims the unity of humankind. In this order of idea, it defends the environment so that the whole humanity (including future generation) can live happily in harmony with nature (ARC, n.d.). It says, “Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world.” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 142) (g) Jainism: Originated from India, the main teaching from Jainism is Ahimsa, the non-violence, in all parts of life. Verbally, physically and mentally, Jainism doctrines focus on a peaceful and disciplined life. Kindness to animals, vegetarianism and self-restraint with the avoidance of waste are parts of Jains life. (h) Judaism: In tradition, the land and environment are properties of God, and it is the duty of humankind to take care of it. The book of genesis, as an example, proposes that the garden in Eden was initially the chosen territory chosen by God for human to live. It says, “And God said: ‘Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed–to you it shall be for food.” (Gen 1:29) “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24) (i) Shinto: Shinto is a religion based on Kamis, spirits corresponding to natural entities: wind, rocks, water, etc. It makes the faithful very close to nature to preserve the relation of each person with the spirits. These relations encourage preservation of the environment (Japan Experience, 2017). Related to the kami, it is expected that Shinto followers are in harmonic existence and in peaceful coexistence with both nature and other human beings (PATHEOS, n.d. [a]). (k) Sikhism: Sikhism is a native Indian religion appeared in the late 15th century founded by the first guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The sacred text is written by the foundational scripture Guru Granth Sahib where there are several teachings on environment. It says, “You, Yourself created the Universe, and You are pleased…You, Yourself the bumblebee, flower, fruit and the tree.” (Guru Granth Sahib, Maru Sohele, page 1020) “You, Yourself the water, desert, ocean and the pond. You, Yourself are the big fish, tortoise and the Cause of causes.” (Guru Granth Sahib, Maru Sohele, page 1020) (j) Taoism: Taoism, or Daoism, is an old Chinese religion based on the divine harmony between nature and humanity. Briefly, the Dao principle consists in “a path” where you find the appropriate way to behave and to lead others. It says, This original nature is the eternal law. We are putting the planet under enormous pressure by depleting scarce natural resources and polluting the air and water. Faith-based organizations can play a significant role at the global, regional and local level in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Statistics says, about half of the schools on our planet are owned by faith-based institutions, therefore they can play a crucial role in arming the society with knowledge about the damage we are doing to our environment and how we can turn things around.
World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated worldwide every year on the 5th of June to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable actions. In 1972, the UN General Assembly designated 5 June as World Environment Day (WED), it came into being at the Stockholm conference on human environment. The first celebration, under the slogan “Only One Earth” took place in 1974 in city of Spokane in US. In the following years, WED has developed as a platform to raise awareness on the problems facing our environment such as air pollution, plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable consumption, sea-level increase, and food security, among others. Furthermore, WED helps drive change in consumption patterns and in national and international environmental policy. Each year, WED has a new theme that major corporations, NGOs, communities, governments and all celebrities worldwide adopt to advocate environmental causes.
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World Environment Day 2023 with the theme “Beat the Plastic Pollution” and a special focus on mass tourism in Kashmir provides a unique opportunity to create a sustainable tourism industry in the region. By adopting sustainable practices, reducing plastic waste, and promoting responsible tourism, we can protect the region’s natural beauty and preserve its fragile ecosystems for future generations. Let us all come together on this occasion to beat the plastic pollution and make a positive impact on the planet.
In 2023, the world will celebrate WED with the theme “Beat the Plastic Pollution” and a special focus on mass tourism in Kashmir. Plastic pollution, a threat to the health of our planet is a global crisis. Annually, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, rivers, and landfills, causing damage to wildlife, ecosystems, and finally, human health. It is a challenge that requires urgent action from individuals, governments, and businesses alike. Every year Kashmir attracts millions of visitors and mass tourism in Kashmir is very important as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations having striking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and hospitable people. The increasing flow of tourists has also led to a surge in plastic waste resulting in pollution of water bodies in the region and damaging its fragile ecosystems. The tourism industry can play a major role by adopting sustainable practices, reducing plastic waste, and promoting responsible tourism. They can take measures such as introducing reusable bags, bottles, and cutlery in hotels and restaurants; Encouraging visitors to carry their own reusable bags and bottles; Providing information to tourists about responsible tourism practices, like not littering and respecting the local culture and environment; Instituting waste management systems that effectively collect, segregate, and recycle plastic waste; Conducting frequent cleanliness drives in tourist hotspots, especially around lakes and rivers of region. It has been also observed that Hospitals generate a significant amount of biomedical waste and general waste, including plastic waste, which contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Hospital waste can be broadly classified into two categories: biomedical waste and general waste. The improper disposal of hospital waste, especially plastic waste, can have a severe impact on the environment and public health. In hospitals plastic waste come in various forms, such as personal protective equipment, packaging, and medical equipment. Single-use plastic items like syringes, gloves, masks, and bottles contribute significantly to the plastic waste generated by hospitals. The plastic waste generally used in landfills can take hundreds of years to decompose, causing soil and water pollution and posing a threat to wildlife and the food chain. The scientific management of hospital waste is essential to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and public health. At present there is a significant growth in plastic pollution. Changing way of living resulted in increasing pollution whether it is due to inorganic agriculture and horticulture practices, which involve the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides or due to present marketing systems. To cater the demands of consumers and corporations, plastic packaging industry has also grown. In particular, Food and beverage companies, rely heavily on plastic packaging to preserve and transport their products. Plastic packaging mostly is single-use, meaning it is used once and then discarded, adding to the growing plastic waste trouble. The globalization of markets and the rise of e-commerce resulted in increase in plastic pollution in recent years as there is increased use of plastic in packaging and shipping. To address the issue of plastic pollution, there needs to be a collective effort by individuals, corporations, and governments. Individuals can reduce their plastic footprint by making conscious choices, such as carrying reusable bags and bottles, avoiding single-use plastic items, and properly disposing of plastic waste. The government can also play a crucial role in creating a plastic-free Kashmir by enacting and enforcing strict laws and regulations on plastic use, production, and disposal. This can be coupled with awareness campaigns and education programs to encourage citizens to adopt sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste. Infact, government has implemented several measures to curb plastic pollution in Kashmir main issue is the lack of strict enforcement and penalties for violating the rules related to plastic use and disposal. The failure to curb plastic pollution can be due to a lack of efficient waste management systems, ineffective enforcement of rules, and the tourism industry’s unsustainable practices. The NGO’S also failed to sensitize the people: despite there are more than 5000 NGO’s registered with registrar of societies (+Uncounted Trusts). Govt institutions, educational institutions, Public authorities like Municipal bodies/urban local bodies, Panchayat institutions, Government schemes, Soch e bharat urban and gramine, Forest Department are not contributing satisfactorily. There is an urgent need for a concerted effort by all stakeholders to address the issue of plastic pollution in Kashmir. There needs to be a focus on improving waste management infrastructure, enforcing bans on plastic use more strictly, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. In conclusion, World Environment Day 2023 with the theme “Beat the Plastic Pollution” and a special focus on mass tourism in Kashmir provides a unique opportunity to create a sustainable tourism industry in the region. By adopting sustainable practices, reducing plastic waste, and promoting responsible tourism, we can protect the region’s natural beauty and preserve its fragile ecosystems for future generations. Let us all come together on this occasion to beat the plastic pollution and make a positive impact on the planet.
(While Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool is Climate justice activist, Naturalist, and Founder of Tosamaidan bachav front –TBF, Dr. Bilal A Bhat Professor at the Department of Statistics at S K University Of Agriculture Sciences & Technology[SKUAST-K] Srinagar. The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)