Rakesh Kumar Sharma
Earth is the only planet where human survival is possible, as no other planet has been found suitable for the existence of life in any form. Around 8 billion people live comfortably on this beautiful planet, along with trillions of other creatures and organisms. It supports a vast variety of flora and fauna, forming a complex and interdependent ecosystem where all living beings rely on one another, creating a harmonious and balanced relationship of coexistence.
Greed and Global Competition
Unfortunately, the human race-despite being the most sensible and intelligent form of life-often behaves in the most insensitive and irresponsible manner when it comes to preserving this planet. Other creatures and organisms fulfill their roles perfectly within the chain of interdependence. This irresponsible behavior toward Mother Earth stems from a relentless race for dominance and unchecked human greed. As the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, rightly said, “There is enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.” Humans have divided the planet into nations, and these nations compete fiercely to achieve rapid progress. In the process, they exploit natural resources without restraint. Not content with that, they continue to develop new technologies aimed at overpowering rival nations, leading humanity down a dangerous path toward large-scale destruction-of both themselves and the Earth.
The Role of Earth Day
To preserve the Earth from the rapid destruction of its resources, raising awareness is essential. Every year on April 22, Earth Day is celebrated to highlight critical issues such as global warming, high pollution levels, deforestation, and the need for the optimal use of natural resources. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, with the sole objective of protecting the planet through awareness. It was initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and a young environmental activist, Denis Hayes, who worked together to organize a national demonstration focused on environmental concerns. Rallies were held across the country, and by the end of that year, the U.S. government had established the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, around 140 countries were observing Earth Day, and today, nearly 200 countries participate in its celebration annually.
Theme of 2025
Every year, a new theme is assigned to Earth Day, highlighting the importance of collective action at the global level to address the challenges faced by our planet. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizes the collective strength of individuals, organizations, and nations in transitioning to renewable energy sources and protecting the environment. The target is to triple global clean energy generation by 2030. The broader aim is to inspire the global community to adopt clean energy. By doing so, we will not only enjoy a cleaner environment but also contribute our small efforts toward saving the planet. This will benefit future generations by enabling them to live peacefully on Earth.
Challenges Faced by Earth
Earth is currently facing multiple challenges that threaten its survival, and these issues are deeply interconnected, making it impossible to address them in isolation. One of the most pressing concerns is climate change, which is driven by several factors such as greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and unregulated industrial activities. These actions contribute to rising global temperatures and the rapid melting of glaciers in recent years.
Deforestation is another major issue. It is primarily carried out to make space for agriculture, infrastructure development, urban expansion, and often for illegal purposes. The consequences of deforestation are severe and include loss of biodiversity, increased carbon dioxide levels, soil erosion, droughts, and disruption of natural habitats.
Biodiversity loss is closely linked with deforestation, pollution, and the overexploitation of resources. If not addressed, it may lead to the extinction of many species and serious disruptions in ecosystems.
Pollution is another critical challenge. The major types include air, water, and soil pollution, all largely caused by industrial and human activities. In recent years, plastic pollution has also become a significant concern. All forms of pollution contribute to adverse health effects, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation.
Overpopulation further compounds these issues. While developed countries have been successful in managing population growth through effective planning and awareness, many developing countries continue to struggle. Unchecked population growth increases the strain on Earth’s natural resources, contributes to pollution, and exacerbates land scarcity and other environmental problems.
Efforts at Global Level to Save Earth
Saving planet Earth is essential not only for the well-being of current generations but also for securing the future of those yet to come. In response to escalating environmental challenges, various global organizations and national governments have taken significant steps to protect the planet. International cooperation has led to the formation of key agreements and protocols aimed at environmental conservation. Notable among these are the Montreal Protocol, which successfully addressed ozone layer depletion; the Kyoto Protocol, which set binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord bringing nations together to combat climate change; and the efforts led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to coordinate global environmental activities. These agreements reflect a global commitment to sustainable development, which involves balancing economic growth with the protection of natural resources. Effective policies that limit pollution, promote renewable energy, encourage the use of green technologies, and support large-scale conservation programs are critical components of these efforts. In addition, international collaboration, mutual accountability, and knowledge sharing are vital to tackling transboundary issues such as climate change, deforestation, ocean pollution, and biodiversity loss. For lasting impact, it is imperative that governments, organizations, and individuals work together, adopting environmentally responsible practices and fostering global solidarity in the mission to save our only home-Earth.
Conclusion: Our Collective Responsibility
Global organizations and governments are playing their part by regularly monitoring environmental conditions, enacting relevant laws, and conducting awareness programs. However, saving the Earth is not merely a choice-it is a necessity. Our planet’s resources are finite, and immediate action is required at both individual and community levels to safeguard them. Merely celebrating Earth Day once a year or relying solely on global institutions will not resolve the crisis. It is the moral responsibility of each of the eight billion people on this planet to take part in adopting sustainable practices, reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting renewable energy. Through collective effort and conscious living, we can help preserve the Earth’s beauty and resources for future generations.
(The author is a Veteran of the Indian Air Force and a Retired Tehsildar)
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