Dr. Bilal A. Bhat. Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool
The term environmentderived from French word “environ” which means “surrounding”, refers to the total surroundings in which living organisms exist and interact. It includes all natural and human-made components that influence life. The environment comprises air, water, soil, forests, mountains, rivers, oceans, wildlife, climate, and human settlements. It encompasses both biotic factors (living organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms) and abiotic factors (non-living elements such as sunlight, water, air, and minerals).The environment is the foundation of life on Earth. It provides essential resources including food, water, oxygen, shelter, medicine, and raw materials necessary for human survival and development. A healthy environment supports ecological balance, economic growth, and human well-being. The significance of the environment cannot be overstated. Human civilization has flourished because of the resources and services provided by nature. Some of the major functions and benefits of the environment include:
- Sustaining Life: The environment supplies oxygen for respiration, water for drinking, and food for survival. Without these basic necessities, life would be impossible.
- Regulating Climate: Forests, oceans, and ecosystems regulate temperature, rainfall patterns, and atmospheric gases. They help maintain a stable climate necessary for agriculture and human habitation.
- Conserving Biodiversity: The environment provides habitats for millions of plant and animal species. Biodiversity ensures ecological stability and supports ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil fertility.
- Supporting Economic Development: Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism, and industries depend heavily on environmental resources. Sustainable management of these resources is essential for long-term economic prosperity.
- Enhancing Human Health: Clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food, and green spaces contribute significantly to physical and mental health.
- Cultural, Spiritual Value: Natural landscapes, forests, rivers, and mountains have cultural, aesthetic, and spiritual significance in societies around the world.
Despite its immense value, the environment is under unprecedented pressure from human activities including excessive consumption, industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
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)
(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. Islam prohibits the excessive consumption of resources the planet provides to the humanity (Qur’an 7:31, 6:141, 17:26-27, 40:34). Planting a tree is a sadaqah jariyah (continued charity) in Islam, for the poor and the rich alike.
(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).
(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.
(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.
(j) 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)
(K) 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.
“World Environment Day 2026 highlights “Climate Action” at a time when environmental degradation threatens global life and development. Safeguarding the planet is a social, economic, and moral duty. To secure humanity’s future, global citizens must adopt sustainable habits, support conservation, and work together to build a cleaner, more resilient world.”
Every year on 5 June, people across theglobe observe World Environment Day, the largest international platform dedicated to environmental awareness and action. The day serves as a reminder that the Earth is our common home and that its protection is the collective responsibility of humanity. As environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and resource depletion continue to threaten the future of life on Earth, World Environment Day inspires individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to take meaningful action for a sustainable future.
The origins of World Environment Day can be traced back to the early 1970s when environmental concerns began receiving international attention. The landmark United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972, marked the beginning of global environmental governance. This historic conference highlighted the need for coordinated international efforts to address environmental degradation.
Following the Stockholm Conference, the United Nations General Assembly designated 5 June as World Environment Day and established the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to lead global environmental initiatives. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1973.Over the decades, World Environment Day has evolved into a global movement involving more than 150 countries. Governments, educational institutions, environmental organizations, industries, and millions of citizens participate annually through awareness campaigns, tree plantation drives, clean-up activities, seminars, exhibitions, and policy initiatives.
Each year, a different country hosts the global celebrations and a specific environmental theme is chosen to focus international attention on a pressing environmental issue.The official host of World Environment Day 2026 is the country of Azerbaijan, with celebrations centered in the city of Baku. The theme for World Environment Day 2026 is “Climate Action.”The theme emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change, one of the most serious challenges facing humanity. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, melting glaciers, sea-level rise, droughts, floods, and biodiversity loss are clear signals that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality.
The 2026 campaign calls upon governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to accelerate efforts toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, conserving ecosystems, and adopting sustainable lifestyles. According to UNEP, the focus is on responding to the urgent signals the Earth is sending and taking decisive action to shape a resilient future. Climate change affects every aspect of human life and environmental health. Its impacts include: (a) Increased frequency and intensity of heat waves. (b)More severe floods and droughts. (c) Declining agricultural productivity. (d) Water scarcity. (e) Loss of biodiversity. (f) Forest fires and ecosystem degradation. (g) Rising sea levels threatening coastal communities. (h) Increased risks to public health.
Developing countries and vulnerable populations often suffer the most severe consequences despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate action involves reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy sources, protecting forests, restoring degraded ecosystems, and strengthening adaptation measures to cope with unavoidable climate impacts. The world at present is facing many Environmental Challenges. World Environment Day 2026 also draws attention to several interconnected environmental issues:
(a) Climate Change: The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is warming the planet and disrupting natural systems.
(b) Pollution: Air, water, and soil pollution continue to affect millions of people worldwide. Plastic waste, industrial effluents, and toxic chemicals pose serious threats to ecosystems and public health.
(c) Deforestation: Large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture, infrastructure, and urban development reduces biodiversity and contributes significantly to climate change.
(d) Biodiversity Loss: Species extinction rates are increasing due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change.
(e) Land Degradation: Unsustainable agricultural practices, mining, and overgrazing degrade soil quality and reduce productivity.
(f) Water Scarcity: Growing populations and changing climate patterns are increasing pressure on freshwater resources.
Addressing these challenges requires global cooperation, scientific innovation, effective policies, and active citizen participation. World Environment Day holds immense importance for several reasons:
(i) Raising Awareness: The day educates people about environmental issues and encourages informed decision-making.
(ii) Promoting Environmental Action: It motivates individuals and communities to adopt eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, and tree planting.
(iii) Encouraging Policy Change: Governments often use the occasion to announce environmental policies, regulations, and conservation initiatives.
(iv) Strengthening Global Cooperation: Environmental problems transcend national boundaries. World Environment Day promotes international collaboration for sustainable development.
(v) Supporting Sustainable Development Goals: Environmental protection is closely linked to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, food security, health, clean energy, and climate action. The Environmental conservation is not solely the responsibility of governments and organizations. Every individual can contribute by: (i) Planting and protecting trees. (ii) Conserving water and electricity. (iii) Reducing the use of plastics. (iv) Practicing waste segregation and recycling. (v) Using public transportation and eco-friendly travel options. (vi) Supporting renewable energy. (vii) Protecting local biodiversity. (viii) Participating in environmental awareness campaigns. (ix) Promoting sustainable consumption habits. Small actions performed consistently by millions of people can produce significant positive impacts.
It is concluded that World Environment Day 2026 arrives at a crucial moment in human history. Environmental degradation and climate change threaten the foundations of life and development across the globe. The theme “Climate Action” reminds us that the future of our planet depends on the choices we make today. Protecting the environment is not merely an environmental concern; it is a social, economic, and moral imperative.As citizens of an interconnected world, we must embrace sustainable lifestyles, support environmental conservation, and work collectively toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient planet. Let World Environment Day 2026 inspire us to transform awareness into action and commitment into lasting change. “The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. Protecting nature today is investing in the future of humanity.”
(The authors write regularly for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
