High time for benign engagement with nature

corals
horizontal shot of tropical fishes swimming underwater near soft corals.

Every human endeavour is an outcome of interaction with the environment. Human beings have developed a symbiotic relationship with the environment which in turn has helped them to evolve as a species after successful adaptation.

Today, this engagement has entered the most critical juncture. From the bottom of the ocean to the vast expenses of space, human imprint is ubiquitous. Unfortunately, many of our scientific accomplishments have now emerged as a potent threat to the earth's existence. Man feels he has a monopolised right over natural wealth and he ignores the rightful place of other species. Environmental deprivation has even led to the socio-economic marginalisation of a large section of population everywhere, including India.

Interestingly, traditional societies dependent on nature and environmental resources have inculcated a very close yet harmonious relationship with natural surroundings. Several public movements which gained prominence in India clamoured for the protection of the environment – forests, rivers, lands, hills and even harbours.

Despite several environmental laws being enacted and projects being launched to save different habitats, environmental resources in India face severe strain. Rivers of India, which have always occupied spiritual status in the cultural realm, flow with hazardous wastes generated in industries. Deforestation, pollution, poaching and human-wildlife conflicts, improper waste disposal practices and poor water management contribute collectively to the deterioration of our environment.

The after-effects of the onslaught of nature include global warming, rise in sea level, climate change, ozone layer depletion and natural catastrophes. In less than a decade, climate change has forced thousands of people to migrate from some of the world's 52 small developing states, making them "climate refugees."

At such a juncture, the state intervention in deciding a just and equitable distribution of natural wealth is very crucial. The world must stop the 'two degree debate' on climate change, because natural calamities are not going to differentiate between rich and poor, or developed and developing countries. Countries like India must remodel their strategy of development.

The bottom-top approach should be inculcated to ensure the involvement of local communities and resources in development. Students should organise themselves with nature clubs or engage in cleaning drives or awareness campaigns to do their part in preserving nature.

The nature does not belong to anyone yet it belongs to everyone. This should be the guiding ideal when human societies deal with the environment. Man has to show sagacity and play the role as the most wise and prudent member of the vast ecosystem.

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