REIMAGINE -RECREATE-RESTORE OUR ECOSYSTEMS
Over the past year, the world has seen its fair share of disasters. From the onset of a global pandemic to various environmental calamities, the unfortunate sequence of events wasn’t kind to anyone. When it comes to the environment, natural disasters were just as harsh as the human interferences that occurred. With so much destruction all around, it has only become more apparent that the environment needs help. And as we cross World Environment Day, maybe it’s time we finally start listening.
This World Environment Day holds the theme of Reimagine, Recreate and Restore. While undoing the damage that has already occurred is impossible, preventing similar or worse instances to a certain degree does lie in our control. Some might say that the world is too vast of a place for one person to make a significant change. But if every person makes an effort to bring a positive change, starting at their own homes, every small change will add up to a significant one that won’t go unnoticed.
Goa might be one of the smallest states in the country and a minuscule location while looking at a world map. But it is our home. The past year hasn’t been the kindest to the environment here, and it’s worrying to think about what could come next. From the threats of losing a lush forest cover, a devastating cyclone to having some of the beautiful beaches dug up for concrete walls. While these are some of the recent issues the state has witnessed, there have been many more instances of deforestation, wildlife poaching, etc., from previous years.
People fail to understand the long term consequences of gradually losing parts of the environment. Goa, although a small state, is rich with environmental treasures. And each of these treasures plays a vital role in maintaining a balance in climate and healthy sustenance of life. If the threats that Mollem faced in the guise of development were to go through, there would be a significant loss of rich forest cover. Such a loss would further lead to a disruption in climate, erosion of land, and loss of wildlife.
Similarly, if constructions along the coastal stretches continue, rather than solving erosion, it will only pave the way for the onset of various other issues. Rising sea levels would lead to depletion of coastal land and also inconvenience life depending on the beach lands to grow.
The Goan ecosystem also provides us with resources to build our livelihoods. Land, water, air, and food, are all products of the environment around us. But human needs for higher convenience have often come at the cost of the environment, much of it without any second thought to long term environmental consequences. And all of this does raise one question. How far is human interference going to go before all is lost?
None of these possible scenarios have a positive tone to them, but we still have the time in our hands before they become a reality. So how do we make sure to avoid it? Incorporating eco-friendly practices into our daily lives can go a long way. Whether it’s through the lifestyles we adopt, various products we use, or the food we eat. Being mindful of these things can benefit the environment more than we realise.
For all the damage caused to the environment because of human activity, it’s time we also give back. Some steps that individuals can take up include is planting more trees, using eco-friendly packaging, reusing and recycling more, and even eliminating fast fashion. Every little improvement that we can contribute towards the environment is a step closer to its replenishment. And every step we take at home will contribute to the growth around us.
Keeping in line with the Environment Day theme this year, take a moment to think about how you’d like the environment around you to feel. Become mindful of the steps you can take for doing your part to help restore it and work towards incorporating them into your life. We haven’t reached the point where our environment has no hope. But in order to make a difference, we shouldn’t have to arrive at a point from which there’s no turning back.
