Article | 1 Step +1 Step = 2 Steps Towards Healthy Environment | Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh | Central Chronicle

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1 Step +1 Step = 2 Steps Towards Healthy Environment

         -    Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh

Writer, Author & Social Activist

Blogger - "Climate Diary Of Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh"

 

 *"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Astronaut Neil Alden Armstrong rightly said that our small efforts can be beneficial for the entire human civilization. These efforts can be of very small units like 1+1=2, because it is not important how small the efforts were, what is important is how big the results we get from those efforts. It is a not a new report that our climate is facing worrying changes. Due to this we can see changes in weather. A new report is more horrible that Glaciers will be completely melted till 2030 or till 2050. It means more changes and more disasters. But we can do something hopeful by our small efforts.* 

What will happen when Glaciers melt completely? If the glaciers melt completely, then the temperature of the earth will increase rapidly, which will affect the entire animal world. Then whether it is trees and plants, insects, moths, aquatics or humans – all will be badly affected. It is possible that many species may become extinct forever. Or this earth may not be fit for human habitation. No doubt, it sounds like a story out of a sci-fi movie, unfortunately, it is  not a fictional story but a reality from the future. We can recognize this thing from big and small changes in our present life.

Look, the summer season of this year is almost over. If we look at the traditional weather pattern, then by June 15, the monsoon knocks in North India. Accordingly, the summer season passed without a strong heat wave. Intermittent rains in April, May and till June 15 prevented the temperature from reaching 48°C. But in between, when the weather became bitter hot, even 40 degree Celsius 'felt like' was 45-46 degree. What happened to the weather? Why did he keep taking turns every week? Have you ever thought about this? Didn't think! So now think!

Listen the call of weather who tell us that reduce the use of air conditioners. Because they use a large amount of energy, electricity production is increased, which emits more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At excessive levels, this greenhouse gas can trap heat near the planet's surface and contribute to global warming. Another factor is refrigerant.

Weather says us that protect the greenery, which will give us pure oxygen, soil conservation, no raise the temperature of earth and slow the speed of changes in climate and weather. Greenery can contribute to reducing the amount of pollution. Greenery in our living environment benefits more than just our health and well-being. It also facilitates water management and promotes biodiversity in built-up areas, and can help reduce the effects of any type of pollution. Recent studies also found that even looking at nature and greenery through a window or from a terrace can lower your blood pressure and anxiety levels. In fact, the longer you're exposed to green spaces, the more likely you are to have better mental health. Indoor plants purify the air: they reduce concentrations of CO2 and volatile organic compounds, keeping air fresh and healthy. Outdoor vegetation reduces heat in and around homes in the summer, lowering heat stress and reducing the need for air-conditioning. In other words, access to nature has also can be to improve sleep and reduce stress, increase happiness and reduce negative emotions, promote positive social interactions and even help generate a sense of meaning to life.

Well you can feel a dilemma that what relation between Greenery, Glaciers and our environmental goals? Glaciers act as reservoirs of water that persist through summer. Continual melt from glaciers contributes water to the ecosystem throughout dry months, creating perennial stream habitat and a water source for plants and animals. The cold runoff from glaciers also affects downstream water temperatures. Many aquatic species in mountainous environments require cold water temperatures to survive. Some aquatic insects--fundamental components of the food web--are especially sensitive to stream temperature and cannot survive without the cooling effects of glacial melt water. Such changes in stream habitat may also adversely impact native trout and other keystone salmon species. In the same, greenery gives a healthy atmosphere to glacier's life.

So, it should be our small effort to growing a plant, as indoor or outdoor. Another small step we can take is to reduce the use of plastic bags and bottles. Plastic bags are difficult and costly to recycle and most end up on landfill sites where they take around 300 years to photo-degrade. They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them. Plastic bags kill about 100,000 animals annually. Many animals, including whales, dolphins, turtles, penguins, and dolphins, ingest plastic bags as they mistake them food. Production of plastic takes 60-100 million barrels of oil from the world’s petroleum reserves. Actually, plastic one of the main causes to the depletion of this valuable resource. So, it can be said that sometimes our little convenience can put us in great danger in the long run. Unfortunately, that danger is now closer to us.

Another one solution is to save the environment which can be easily adopted. The solution is that we should use organic manure for our gardening as well. This will keep the environment inside and outside the house pure and whatever we grow in our kitchen garden will be free from the poison of chemical fertilizers. It will also be good for our health. Because of the damage caused by chemical fertilizers to the soil, the use of chemical fertilizers in the fields is minimized now. Farmers have also started using organic fertilizers. That's why we should also use only organic products in the form of fertilizers or pesticides for our kitchen garden. 

We have to increase the use of solar, wind or thermal energy by reducing our dependence on fossil fuel. Like, we can increase the use of solar light, solar heater, solar fan and solar cookers for your home. In this way, we can get big results from our small efforts by becoming environmental friends. Just like two smaller units of 1+1 combine to form a double unit i.e. 2. In this sequence, we can get the results of increasing order like 2+2=4, 4+4=8 and the deteriorating environment can improve. All that is needed is to understand the seriousness of the situation and take small steps in our daily life towards improving the environment.

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 (11.06.2023)

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