World Environment Day 2021

Assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed and conserving the ecosystems that are still intact but under threat.

For a while, let's just retrospect on how many efforts we exercise for restoring the ecosystem as against our contribution towards its destruction.

Knowingly or unknowingly, the scale tips in favor of damage rather than repair. Sad but true.

Understanding this fast-widening gap between ecological upheaval and damage control, the United Nations was quick to rise to the occasion - way back in 1974. The UN announced June 5th to be a day dedicated to Environment awareness and conservation. A simple yet effective measure to bring our attention to the dangerous impact we have on nature. The idea is also to encourage everyone to contribute and focus our efforts on restoring the ecological balance. The theme for the inaugural year was - Only One Earth.

Fast-forward to today and it is sufficiently clear that there is only one planet habitable for humans to survive. And it needs to be cared for and RESTORED back to its glorious self.

Rightfully then - this year’s theme for the World Environment Day falling on 5th June 2021, stands to be: ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

And truly, every smallest gesture from everyone will make a sizable difference to this cause.

For instance - Between now and 2030, the restoration of 350 million hectares of degraded terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems could generate US$9 trillion in ecosystem services.

Restoration could also remove 13 to 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

The economic benefits of such interventions exceed nine times the cost of investment, whereas inaction is at least three times more costly than ecosystem restoration.

Restoration initiative is just not restricted to any government/world bodies. Anyone can start and be part of the change they want to see. There are many who can degrade it, but only a few who can make a change happen and inspire others.

Today transport contributes approximately one-quarter of all energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, which is set to reach one-third, growing faster than any other sector. The global passenger car fleet is projected to double by 2050. ( source: www.unep.org)

To achieve a cleaner transport sector, we will have to understand and be a part of the fast-growing Electric Vehicle initiatives.

To begin with, EVs can reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog - improving public health and reducing ecological damage. Charging your EV on renewable energy such as solar or wind minimizes these emissions furthermore.

Let us all pledge to start with smaller changes, but stay committed to the cause and do our bit in Mother Earth’s Restoration. #staychargedup

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