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!
Environment is derived from French word “environ” which means “surrounding”. It is widely used and has a broad range of definitions, meanings and interpretations. In popular usage environment simply means nature in other words the natural landscape together with all of its non-human feature’s 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.
(d) 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) (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.
“World Environment Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about environmental issues like global warming, climate change, land degradation and more. It also plays a crucial role in driving positive change for the environment and future generations. Let us all come together on this occasion to protect our environment. World Environment Day serves as a platform to inspire global action and foster partnerships aimed at creating a more sustainable future”
(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 is a global event aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action for the protection of our environment. Celebrated on 5th June every year, the event aims to spread awareness around environmental issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. Hence, as we move forward, the significance of World Environment Day grows more profound. Let’s dive into the theme, history and activities related to Environment Day. 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.
History Of World Environment Day: The history of World Environment Day can be traced back to the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. During this conference, the idea of establishing a day dedicated to environmental awareness and action was proposed. The first World Environment Day was celebrated on June 5th, 1974, marking the beginning of an annual tradition that has grown into one of the largest global platforms for environmental advocacy.
This World Environment Day, you can plant a tree or try some vegetable farming to get your hands dirty and feel more in touch with nature. Spending time outdoors is also an excellent way to connect with the natural world. You can find different vegetable seeds and DIY gardening kits and tools at Amala Earth to take a step towards a greener future. Adopt Sustainable Shopping Habits: Whether it is switching to sustainable fashion or using products like copper bottles, shampoo bars & bamboo toothbrushes, there are various ways to be more sustainable in your daily lives. Adopting some sustainable habits to your life will not only help you live a more conscious but simpler life
Switch To Organic Foods: If you are looking for ways to contribute more positively to the environment on the occasion of World Environment Day 2024, you can consider switching to more mindful eating habits including opting for organic foods. These foods are grown using more sustainable practices and are a healthier option for you and the planet
World Environment Day 2025 Host Country: World Environment Day 2025 will be hosted by the republic of Korea, with the central theme of “Ending Plastic Pollution”. The global celebrations are set to take place in jeju province, renowed foe its environmental initiatives, including a vision to become plastic free by 2040.This marks the second me south Korea has hosted World Environment Day. The 2025 campaign, under slogan “Shared Challenges, Collective Action” aims to mobilise individuals, communities,industries,and governments to adopt sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste What is the importance of World Environment Day: World Environment Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about environmental issues like global warming, climate change, land degradation and more. It also plays a crucial role in driving positive change for the environment and future generations. Let us all come together on this occasion to protect our environment. World Environment Day serves as a platform to inspire global action and foster partnerships aimed at creating a more sustainable future
(The author write regularly and exclusively 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”)
Arshi Rafiq
Dr. Bilal A Bhat
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