Dr. Vivak M. Arya, Tamanna Sharma
What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.
A quote by Mahatama Gandhi reflects the deep connection between humanity and the Earth, emphasizing the importance of preserving and protecting our planet for present and future generations. In various ancient Indian scriptures and Shastras, the Earth, known as “Bhumi” or “Prithvi,” holds significant importance and is regarded with reverence. The Shastra acknowledges the concept of “Pancha Mahabhuta,” which includes the five elements – Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether (Akasha). Earth is considered one of the fundamental building blocks of creation, symbolizing stability, fertility, and sustenance. The Earth is also described as “Dharti Mata” or “Bhu Devi,” often personified as a goddess (Mother Earth), representing the nurturing and caring aspect of the environment. It is revered as the mother of all beings and a source of nourishment and sustenance. We are born of the earth. Sadhguru, as a prominent spiritual leader and environmental activist, often emphasizes the importance of Earth and the need for conscious stewardship. He said that “Essentially, we consume a portion of the planet to maintain the body”. Therefore, how we treat the planet also affects how we treat our own bodies. His teachings frequently advocate for sustainable living, environmental conservation, and the recognition of the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. Earth is the only known planet to support life, making it crucial for the existence of diverse ecosystems and human civilization. Earth, our home planet, is a world unlike any other. Approximately 300,000 plant species, over 600,000 fungal species, and 10 million animal species call it home. The planet Earth has always been kind and generous. Everything that humans have needed to survive and thrive has always come from the natural world around us, including food, water, medicine, building materials, and even natural cycles like nutrition and climatic cycles. Most of what we use and eat on a daily basis still comes from our many interactions with nature and environment and many of which are threatened. Beyond physical gifts like these, the natural world provides less tangible but equally valuable gifts like spirituality, beauty, and the arts. Every year on April 22nd, people around the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainability. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, with millions of individuals, communities, and organizations taking part in activities aimed at protecting and preserving our planet. John McConnell, a peace campaigner, suggested that March 21, 1970-the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere-be marked as a day to commemorate the Earth during the 1969 United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Conference Earth Day spread internationally, and today, it is celebrated in over 193 countries, with various activities and initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness. April 22nd was designated as “International Mother Earth Day” by the UN in 2009. It has grown to be a worldwide celebration honouring the value and preservation of the environment as a whole. In subsequent years, the significance of Earth Day spread internationally, and today, it is celebrated in over 193 countries, with various activities and initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness. World Earth Day serves as a vital reminder of the environmental challenges facing our planet, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. It inspires people, groups, and communities to unite in order to take initiative and improve the environment. The ability of Earth Day to unite people from all backgrounds and cultures around a shared cause is one of the key reasons for its success on a global scale. There are many different ways to celebrate Earth Day: from political activity and open rallies to educational programmes and neighbourhood clean-ups. As stated in the Rio Declaration of 1992, this Day also recognises our shared responsibility to promote harmony with nature and the Earth in order to fairly balance the economic, social, and environmental needs of the present and future generations of humans.
The theme for Earth Day 2025, “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in ensuring a sustainable future. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, marks the 55th Earth Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the planet and preserving its diverse ecosystems across land and sea.
The goals this year on Earth Day include:
a) Shifting to Renewable Energy: One of the key priorities of Earth Day 2025 is the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. As the world seeks to move away from fossil fuels, alternative energy solutions such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass are becoming increasingly important. These renewable sources not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to energy security and economic growth.
b) Innovative Approaches and Sustainable Materials: Another crucial aspect of this year’s theme is innovation in sustainable materials. As industries and consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of traditional materials, there is a growing need for alternatives that are biodegradable, recyclable, or derived from renewable resources.
c) Enhancing Air Quality: Air pollution is a major concern, particularly in urban areas where industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other pollutants contribute to poor air quality. Exposure to polluted air has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other serious health conditions. One of the most critical examples is Delhi’s severe air pollution, primarily driven by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning, resulting in dangerously poor air quality.
d) Educational Campaigns: Raising awareness about environmental issues is essential in the fight against climate change. Earth Day 2025 places a strong emphasis on education, encouraging schools, organizations, and communities to take an active role in spreading knowledge about renewable energy and sustainable practices. Workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities such as tree planting and clean-up events will engage people of all ages, inspiring them to become responsible environmental stewards.
The Power of Individuals
Every person has the ability to contribute to environmental preservation through conscious choices and sustainable practices. Simple actions such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly products can make a significant impact when adopted on a large scale.
Reducing Carbon Footprint: Choosing to walk, cycle, or use public transportation instead of private vehicles helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduces air pollution. These eco-friendly transportation choices contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Adopting Renewable Energy: Switching to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power decreases dependence on fossil fuels. This shift not only helps combat climate change but also promotes a more sustainable and energy-secure future.
Sustainable Consumption: Opting for reusable products, minimizing single-use plastics, and supporting environmentally responsible brands reduce waste and promote sustainable consumer habits.
Conserving Water: Simple actions like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing unnecessary water use can significantly contribute to water conservation. These efforts help preserve freshwater resources and ensure their availability for future generations.
Supporting Ethical Brands: Purchasing from companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices encourages sustainable production and responsible business operations. Consumer demand for ethical products can drive industries toward greener alternatives and reduce environmental harm.
Conclusion: As we commemorate World Earth Day 2025, let us renew our commitment to protecting our planet. The challenges ahead may seem daunting, but through collective action, technological advancements, and policy changes, we can combat climate change, reduce plastic pollution, and preserve biodiversity. Every small effort counts, and together, we can make a lasting impact on the environment. This Earth Day, let’s stand united for a sustainable future and ensure that our planet thrives for generations to come.
(The authors are Professor and PhD scholar working in the field of climate change and NRM at SKUAST-Jammu)
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