“Environment is no one’s property to destroy, it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect”
The word ‘environment’ in the English language has its origins in the French word, ‘environ’ which means ‘surrounded’ or ‘encircled’. 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. Environment 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. In view of the importance of environment for life, 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).
(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).
(e) Confucianism: For more than 2500 years, Confucianism influenced culture, society, economy and politics of China mainly, but also Japan, Korea and Vietnam. 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.).
(g) Jainism: Originated from India, the main teaching from Jainism is Ahimsa, the non-violence, in all parts of 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 Environmental Health Day is observed on the 26th of September of every year. We have led to deforestation, depletion of natural resources, climate change, global warming and loss of biodiversity. It is high time that we come together to save our home – this earth. Every year, World Environment Day is observed with the intention of urging people to pledge together to save the planet.World Environmental Health Day is observed in order to spread awareness about environmental health, a branch of public health world wide. Our environment is helping us to keep our health healthy in every moment of every day. So, we have to keep our environment clean and healthy. We must maintain a healthy environment in the place we live, the things we eat, and the world we interact with. Environmental health is the science and practice that helps to prevent human injury and illness and promotes well by identifying and evaluating environmental sources and hazardous agents and limiting exposures to hazardous physical, chemical, and biological agents in air, water, soil, food, and other environmental media or settings may adversely affect human health. The first world environmental health day was first observed in 2011 by International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).IFEH founded in 1986 to address global environmental health challenges. The World Environmental Health Day was chosen to raise awareness about environmental impact on health. It focuses on promoting sustainable practices and mitigating environmental hazards.Gains momentum each year with increased participation and global recognition. It is celebrated through various events, campaigns, and initiatives worldwide. This day continues to inspire individuals and communities to take proactive action for a healthier planet. World Environmental Health Day, initiated in 2011 by IFEH, fosters global awareness and action towards a sustainable, healthier world by addressing environmental impacts on public health. The World Environment Health Day is not just about advocating for the protection of environmental health. It is also about realizing the impact and relation of environmental health on human health. On this day, IFEH, along with its member nations, conducts various events and programs that spread awareness regarding environmental health.World Environment Health day is about promoting human well-being through environmental well-being.
This year World Environmental Health Day will be be celebrated on Thursday, 26th September 2024. The basic purpose of the World Environmental Health Day is to: Raise awareness about the crucial link between environment and public health. The International Federation of Environmental Health (IHEF) creates a distinct theme for World Environmental Health Day every year.
“We can solve environmental issues to great extent by Avoid single-use plastic, Promoting clean and affordable energy, Go for sustainable agriculture, Reduce food waste, Plant more trees and go paperless, Promote green innovations, Conserve water and electricity, Use reusable products instead of disposable ones etc. Marlee Matlin, says, “The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.” This powerful quote remind us of our responsibility to protect the earth and its well-being”.
World Environmental Health Day 2024 theme is “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.” We know Climate Change and disaster risks are fundamental threats to sustainable development, the living and health conditions for all humans on the globe and the reduction of poverty. Building resilient and sustainable communities means addressing both climate change and disaster risks, and integrating these risks, as well as potential opportunities, into development planning and budgeting. Efforts to reduce disaster risks and climate change risks have co-existed for a long time, and in the last two decades, they have increasingly been linked. Besides combatting Climate Change by reduction in the use of fossil fuels and CO2 emission – driving the climate change- we must strengthen our initiatives in terms of mitigation and adaption – as climate change is already here –and natural hazards driven by climate change increasingly go into full disasters. The needed response to avoid disasters is Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives and planning which include climate change mitigation and adaptation and for future policy action to promote successful coordination to create resilient communities. There is a growing recognition that vulnerability and exposure to disaster risk and climate change impacts are driven to a great deal by social, cultural, economic, and political factors, including multidimensional inequalities, discrimination, and marginalization (IPCC, 2014b). Therefore, a rethink is thus urgently needed to better integrate disasters, climate change and developmental issues in theory and practice and enable transformational change in how we foster sustainable development. The initiatives regarding Disaster Risk Reduction are very much driven by the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The Sendai Framework works hand in hand with the other 2030 Agenda agreements, including The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the New Urban Agenda, and ultimately the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sendai Framework for DRR is endorsed by the UN General Assembly. The UNDRR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) is tasked to support the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework. The IFEH is a partner with the UNDRR under the system Science and Technology Partnership. The redirected focus on climate action and DRR is advanced through UNDRR’s flagship initiative, Comprehensive Disaster and Climate Risk Management (CRM). The World Environmental Health Day holds importance in several ways: (a) Raises awareness about environmental hazards and their impact on well-being (b) Promotes sustainable practices for a healthier and cleaner environment ( c) Encourages global collaboration to address pressing environmental challenges (d) Empowers individuals to take responsibility for the planet’s well-being (e) Inspires action to protect future generations from environmental risks (f) Creates a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices worldwide (g) Supports advocacy for policies that prioritize environmental protection (h) Contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable world. The World Environmental Health Day empowers global action for a sustainable, healthy planet and highlights the link between environment and health. There are some best activity about World Environmental Health Day: (I) Environmental workshops, seminars, and conferences.(ii) Clean-up drives, tree-planting events, and nature walks. (iii) Awareness campaigns on environmental issues and solutions. (iv) Educational programs for schools and communities. (v) Advocacy efforts for sustainable policies and practices. (vi) Online discussions and webinars on environmental health. (vii) Exhibitions showcasing eco-friendly technologies and innovations. (viii) Collaboration with organizations and governments for impactful initiatives. Climate Change as per researchers will increase CYCLONES, DROUGHT, FLOODS, INFECTIOUS DISEASES, SEA LEVEL RISE and WILDFIRE. The scope of work carried out by Environmental Health Professionals covers a range of interventions needed to address climate change and disaster risks impacts. Our environment faces several problems, and many of these seem to be worsening with time, bringing us into a time of a true environmental crisis. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to raise awareness of the existence of these issues, as well as what can be done to reduce their negative impact. To mention a few aspects i.e. Infectious Disease outbreaks, Air Pollution, Water-borne diseases, Food Safety and security, Water Pollution, Drinking water supply, Wastewater management, Disposal of the dead, Vector borne disease control, Emergency shelters, Ports and border control, Hazardous waste, Taking part in design of Emergency and DRR Planning. Disaster Risk Reduction is part of the sustainable development goals (SDG) which will help ensure that these goals will be maintained and achieved in the face of changing climatic conditions and disaster events and prove to be truly sustainable. We hope that all IFEH member organisations – associated members – associated academics members – as well as not members of the IFEH – but being Environmental Health related institutions or organisations etc. will use this opportunity to create awareness about environment conservation. It is concluded that we can solve environmental issues to great extent by Avoid single-use plastic, Promoting clean and affordable energy, Go for sustainable agriculture, Reduce food waste, Plant more trees and go paperless, Promote green innovations, Conserve water and electricity, Use reusable products instead of disposable ones etc. Marlee Matlin, says, “The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.” This powerful quote remind us of our responsibility to protect the earth and its well-being
(The authors write regularly for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Uzma Nazir & Dr. Bilal A. Bhat
