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The Earth Day 2024 represents the intersection of triumph and tribulation. Though we have made wonderful progress and reached for the stars, yet our very progress threatens the delicate web of life that cradles us. The hunger for progress has scarred the Mother Earth. Let us be stewards, not spoilers, and save our Earth, our home.
The resplendent orb known as Earth, an exquisite celestial body adorned in hues of blue and green, serves as the collective abode for a myriad of heterogeneous life forms. Recent investigations estimate that there are 73,000 species of trees, 298,000 plants, about 7.8 million animal species, more than 11,000 bird species, and approximately 6 million insect species, with thousands of new species are explored each year. 242,000 marine species have been identified, and many are unknown. Considering all the microbial entities, undiscovered lifeforms, and uncharted domains, the projection of total species of life ranges from millions to trillions.
When it comes to the realm of progress, resource utilization, breakthroughs, and revelations, one species reigns supreme: the Human Being.
Embodying the quintessence of five elemental forces – 'Air', 'Water', 'Fire', 'Earth', and 'Space' – humanity stands as an awe-inspiring entity. From generating electricity via nuclear reactors to digital innovations, revolutionizing modes of transportation, space exploration, propelling medical breakthroughs, erecting architectural wonders, and propelling industrial advancements, the list of innovative feats knows no bounds.
But embracing heedless progress without considering its effects on nature has inflicted significant costs and imposed a substantial toll upon us.
The global human population has ballooned from 1.6 billion in 1900 to over 8 billion today. This surge, coupled with rapid industrialization and urbanization, has resulted in a staggering 50% decline in global wildlife populations since 1970 according to the World Wildlife Fund. Deforestation rates remain alarming, with an estimated 10% of global tree cover lost since the 20th century.
Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in 1760, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have skyrocketed by over 40%, giving rise to global warming. The average global temperature has already climbed by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) since the late 1800s.
Climate change, global warming, ever increasing sea levels, fast melting glaciers, escalating air, water and soil pollution, erosion of immunities, and proliferation of diseases- the repercussions are grave, impacting flora and fauna, many of which have gone extinct, as well imperilling humanity and the very fabric of our planet, Earth.
Planet vs. Plastic: Unveiling the True Toll on Wildlife and Ecosystems
Among the most insidious culprits is plastic. Once hailed as a modern marvel supporting our innovations, equipments and lifestyles, plastic now suffocates our oceans, chokes wildlife, and infiltrates our food chain. Single-use plastics, from bags to straws, persist for centuries, poisoning our environment.
In 1950, plastic production was around 2 million tons, skyrocketing to 400.3 million tons in 2022.
Estimates suggest that a whopping 91 percent of plastic waste never gets recycled at all, with most of it ending up in landfills, open waste mounds and in water bodies of Earth. It is estimated that due to ‘Disposable’ lifestyle, approximately 50% of the plastic is discarded after single use.
Plastic has become one of the greatest environmental threats ever faced by the world! The major underlying reason is the amount of time it takes to decompose. A single use plastic water bottle takes almost 450 years to fully break down.
As it degrades, it gets converted to microplastics which find its way in the food chain, eventually entering the bodies of animals, aquatic species, and even human beings.
Listed below are some of the harmful impacts of plastic usage and wastes:
The production, use, and disposal of plastics release toxic chemicals into the air. When incinerated, they release harmful gases such as dioxins and furans, which are potent pollutants.
Plastic waste in oceans harms marine life, disrupts ecosystems and kills countless creatures.
Plastics contain additives (such as flame retardants) that can leach into soil, ultimately reaching the ground water, making it unfit for human consumption.
Plastics leach harmful chemicals (like bisphenol A or BPA) which can disrupt endocrine systems and affect human health. Some plastics contain carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancer.
The time to act is now; our Earth needs our attention and action before it is too late. Considering the impacts and losses, our steps need to be momentous, coordinated, and innovative to restore our ecosystem.
Amidst the darkness, can hope prevail? Is it all doom and gloom? Amidst despair, what avenues for action exist?
Looking at the dire situation and urgency to act, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan began transformational initiatives to help not just humans, but the whole environment and other species too.
Saints dedicate their lives to the welfare of every being, guiding the mankind, revitalizing what has been lost and illuminating the path toward a brighter future.
Under the guidance of Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, the 65 million volunteers of Dera Sacha Sauda have dedicated themselves to the task of restoring the delicate balance of ecosystem, nurturing the nature, and revitalizing the environment to make the planet Earth healthy and green.
The initiatives are impactful and visibly effective and can be implemented by every individual. All it requires the determination to contribute to the planet's well-being. Presented below are the initiatives exemplifying the shift from crisis to conservation, sowing the seeds of transformation.
Bye-Bye Ethene: The campaign encourages to discard the use of polyethene bags and switch to cloth bags or biodegradable alternates; 65 million people have pledged to do the same.
Nature Campaign: To celebrate every special occasion or memorable day by planting trees. Every year, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan’s birthday is celebrated on 15thAugust by conducting mega tree plantation drives globally, with more than 52 million trees planted till date.
The city of Sirsa, which once used to be a dryland has transformed into a lush green city with a variety of birds arriving during spring. It is a shining example of collective action, dedication, and commitment towards conserving the environment.
The volunteers not just plant the saplings but also take care of them until they grow and become self-sustainable.
Cleanse Campaign: To date, 35 Mega Cleanliness campaigns have been executed across diverse cities and states of India, including the monumental endeavor of purifying the sacred River Ganges. By removing millions of tons of waste, including plastics, from canals, roads, parks, and public spaces, the initiative strives to foster a clean and disease-free Earth. Additionally, volunteers regularly organize numerous smaller cleanliness drives in various locations in India and foreign countries.
Save Water: Water is life. Under the guidance of revered Guru ji Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, 65 million volunteers have pledged to save every drop of water. Principles of recycling, reuse, and rainwater harvesting form the cornerstone of this endeavor. Furthermore, farmers are urged to adopt practices such as multi-cropping and selecting water-efficient crops, thereby contributing to water conservation efforts.
Save Energy: People are encouraged to save energy and opt for energy efficient alternates. Use of solar energy, saving natural resources, and utilizing waste to create biogas are encouraged.
Other Initiatives:The farmers are encouraged to refrain from stubble burning, opting instead to repurpose it as fodder or for composting. Similarly, people are taught to get the pollution check of their vehicles to reduce air pollution. The establishment and upkeep of mobile toilets represent yet another endeavor to uphold cleanliness.
Furthermore, volunteers engage in compassionate acts such as providing food to birds and animals, offering medical assistance to injured wildlife, and properly disposing of animal carcasses found on roadsides. These endeavors significantly contribute to the well-being of the ecosystem.
The Earth Day 2024 is an outcry, a poignant reminder of the fact that we are standing at a crossroads, where the brilliance of Earth's biodiversity collides with the stark reality of our environmental impact.
While prioritizing the development of sustainable, eco-friendly solutions is crucial, it is imperative to undertake actions to rectify and mitigate the damages already inflicted. Amidst the despair, there is still hope. Across the globe, individuals, communities, and organizations should come together to champion sustainability, conservation, and stewardship of our precious Earth.
Crafting policies that enforce stringent regulations and restrictions on industrial pollution, plastic usage, and production, while imposing penalties on violators and offering incentives for compliance, can significantly contribute to achieving desired outcomes.
Planting trees, exercising prudent use of natural resources, maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings, and adopting mindful energy consumption practices are actionable steps that each individual can take to contribute to environmental conservation.
Let us not forget that Earth is our sole abode. Let us mobilise efforts for Earth's well-being and take decisive action to preserve, nurture, and foster its flourishing for generations to come.
His Holiness, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, is a revered spiritual leader and a guiding light for those in need!
