World Environment Day 5th June 2022, Protect Our Only One Earth

World Environment Day is an important global event that is observed on 5^th June across the world. First observed in 1973, it has since been the primary day of United Nations that aims at spreading awareness and raises a call for action to protect the environment, conserve wildlife, prevent environmental crisis and save the wildlife. The event is carried out with the participation of 143 countries annually, reaching out to public across the globe.

World Environment Day originated from the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment , organised by the UN in 1972.  This year’s World Environment Day also celebrates 50 years of the origin of this day. 

Every year this day is hosted in a city with a special theme. The host city and theme of World Environment Day 2022 are:

The current theme focuses on the need to live a sustainable life in harmony with nature. It calls for policies and individual actions to sustain greener lifestyle.  

Billions Of Galaxies, Billions Of Planets, Only One Earth

Do you know that earth is the only known planet to the scientists that is capable of sustaining life?

2022 Theme: Only One Earth

For ages, human have lived in harmony with earth, thriving together and being the pillars of support for each other. Earth has finite resources that need to be used carefully and replenished as well.

But since last few decades, this delicate balance has fallen off the charts. We have exploited the finite resources of the earth for rampant creations, amass wealth, heavily industrializing the cities and carrying out reckless deforestation. 

But every action has a consequence. Depleting ozone layer, global warming and natural catastrophes have warned the humans of their actions and how devastating the future can be, if corrective actions are not taken.

#OnlyOneEarth calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet.

It calls for change in policies, come up with innovative and sustainable ways of green and clean living in harmony with nature. 

From policy makers to NGOs, from industrialists to home makers, from governments to individuals, every single entity needs to come together to restore and safeguard the precious planet Earth. 

Let your Footprints be Green and Clean; Action Forward

Greenhouse Gas (GHG): Ever growing greenhouse gas emission is a major challenge. But the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report specifies that with the right policy changes, infrastructure and lifestyle changes, it can be reduced by 40-70% by 2050.

Water pollution causes damage to marine life and impact on biodiversity. This needs to be controlled.

Soil pollution due to polythene, excessive fertilizer usage etc needs to be checked.

Clean source of energy should be used to avoid coal consumption for electricity production.

What can be done:-

• Use of public transports instead of individual vehicles.
• Pollution Control checks.
• Innovative green solutions.
• Meat and poultry creates a lot of GHG, one must increase plant intake and reduce/stop meat intake. Switching to vegetarian diet is preferable.
• Strict guidelines for industries to reduce smoke/air pollution and water pollution 
• Corporations/Individuals should reduce water and food wastage
• Clean energy/solar energy should be used
• Planting trees 

Massive Steps in Protecting Environment By Dera Sacha Sauda

With the view to protect the environment, conserve nature and save the planet earth, momentous actions have been taken in this direction by Dera Sacha Sauda, a non-profit organisation based in Sirsa, Haryana, India.

Massive Tree Plantation Drive

More than 43 million trees have been planted by Dera Sacha Sauda volunteers till date and this number continues to grow every year. This drive converted the desert lands to green patches and restored the ecosystem balance.  

Hi-tech Organic Farming to conserve soil

Every year “Kisan Mela” or the farmer’s fair is conducted at Dera Sacha Sauda in which free training is given to farmers for organic farming using hi-tech systems. How to get maximum yield from small pieces of land without resource wastage is the primary goal. 

Water Recycling and Conservation

With the guidance and coaching received at Dera Sacha Sauda, many villages and individuals have resorted to:

• Drip system irrigation
• Rain water harvesting
• Filtering and reusing used water for irrigation
• Using cups instead of running tap water for brushing/shaving.

Biogas Out of Biowaste

Dera Sacha Sauda has established and helped many villages establish biogas plant that uses organic waste to create electricity. The residual is used to fertilize the farms. Additionally, to prevent air pollution, farmers are also encouraged to not burn stubble, instead use it as fodder for animals.

All the above have been initiatives under the great vision of Dera Sacha sauda’s Spiritual Master, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan. 

Millions across the world have been following the above points, leading to massive impact and bring positive impact on our planet, consistent with the theme ‘Only One Earth’.

On this World Environment Day 2022, let us pledge to take relevant steps to minimize our carbon footprint, maximise harmonious living with nature and protect our Earth, Our Only One Earth.