Sir,
In this ever evolving world, the societies are rapidly changing bringing to the fore numerous challenges. These challenges are so crucial that immediate solutions have to be chalked out failing which they can pose grave danger to the very existence of life on this planet.
The environmental and climate change challenge is monumental as it is happening faster than expected. The heat waves, storms, frequent intense droughts, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and rising temperatures not only wreak havoc on people and communities, destroying their means of livelihood but directly harm animals too.
As this severe climate upheaval affects the water we drink, the air we breathe and the food we eat, this has a dreadful impact on our health.
This calls for solutions at all levels. However one thing is certainly significant that solutions have to be at the local level which ultimately will positively influence the global trends.
In this regard the unquestionable role play is of the education in creating awareness , developing knowledge as well as the requisite skills to contribute towards a sustainable future. Educators are the essential pillars who support the learning process upholding different perspectives but with an aim to prepare students to not only be versatile with skills but be actively engaged in various activities benefitting their societies and consequently their planet. The teacher can help learners in not only skill building but strengthening their relationship with teachers, peers and communities so as to create mutually supportive endeavours. These can include civic engagements to keep the environment clean as the Swach Bharat initiative wherein all strata of the society actively participated. Other initiatives where educators can help learners reach out to the local communities are the environmental projects. The educators and students can not only sensitize community on depleting forest cover but on significance of afforestation practices.
As the planet is confronting uncertainty as regards the deteriorating climate and environment issues, such exchange of ideas would create conducive environs for learners and prepare them for a life with purpose. When young generation is equipped with sense of responsibility and purpose, it would create global awareness on issues ailing this world. Harnessing the power of education for addressing the grave issue of climate change is the agenda which needs to be given the highest priority by the governments because teachers and pupils can help build the requisite public support in the best possible manner and spread the word for urgent action to tackle issues.
Moreover in locations where there is water shortage, solar powered water system in school premises can be installed to feed school kitchen gardens and other plantation.
In some areas aquaponics facilities can be set up in schools which would arouse the interest of the learners in environment and it’s safeguarding.
The ‘catch them young’ phrase would be really appropriate in this regard as learners would grow up understanding the utmost significance of preserving and nurturing life on their earth so as to keep it in good shape.
Keeping this in mind, I have always coaxed my students to work for the well being of all species existing on the earth. Together we are taking initiatives such as plantation drives in various schools and communities for a greener future. Alongside to save water, we insist on its judicious use in schools and at local level.
My students and I enter into dialogues and are in perfect sync with local community to contribute our bit towards a sustainable future of mother Earth.
Narinder Singh
On e-mail
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