The Choices We Make Today Will Decide the World We Leave Tomorrow
By Mohammad Ayaz Raina
ayazraina@gmail.com
“The Earth is not an inheritance from our ancestors; it is a trust borrowed from our children.”
Just imagine for a moment…
A morning without the cheerful songs of birds.
A river without clean water.
A mountain without snow.
A tree without leaves.
And a sky filled with smoke instead of fresh air.
What kind of world would that be?
More importantly, what kind of world are we leaving behind for our children?
These questions may sound unsettling, but they are becoming increasingly real. Across the world, pollution, climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and plastic waste are threatening the delicate balance of nature. The warning signs are all around us, yet we often fail to notice them until disaster strikes.
Every year on June 5, the world observes World Environment Day. This year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” reminds us that nature is not merely something beautiful to admire; it is our greatest ally in combating climate change and securing a sustainable future.
The Earth is our only home.
It provides us with everything we need – air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, and land to live on. Green forests, flowing rivers, fertile fields, snow-capped mountains, colorful flowers, and countless species of birds and animals make our planet a living paradise.
Despite remarkable advances in science and technology, humanity has not yet discovered another planet capable of supporting life as Earth does. Scientists continue to explore the universe, but no alternative home for humankind has been found. Simply put, there is no Planet B.
This reality makes our responsibility even greater. Protecting the Earth is not merely an environmental duty; it is essential for our survival and for the future of generations yet to come.
Yet, despite receiving so much from nature, we are giving back pollution, waste, and destruction.
The greatest threat to our environment today is not a virus or a natural disaster. It is the cumulative impact of human actions. Smoke from vehicles and industries, excessive dependence on fossil fuels, reckless use of plastic, overconsumption of natural resources, and large-scale deforestation are placing unprecedented pressure on the planet.
Scientific reports paint a worrying picture. The world currently emits more than 37 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, contributing to global warming and climate change. The Earth’s average temperature has already risen by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, resulting in rising sea levels, melting glaciers, prolonged droughts, devastating floods, heat waves, and increasingly frequent forest fires.
Even the Himalayan region and the beautiful valleys of Jammu and Kashmir have not remained untouched. Changing weather patterns, shrinking water resources, irregular snowfall, and increasing environmental stress are becoming more visible with each passing year. The environmental changes we once read about in reports are now unfolding before our eyes.
One of the most serious causes of environmental degradation is deforestation.
As populations grow and cities expand, forests are being cleared to make way for roads, industries, settlements, and other developmental activities. While development is essential, it should never come at the cost of ecological destruction.
Trees are to the Earth what the heart is to the human body.
They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate rainfall, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter to countless species. Without trees, there would be no healthy ecosystems, no stable climate, and ultimately no sustainable future.
Without trees, where will oxygen come from?
Without trees, how will rainfall be sustained?
Without trees, how will future generations survive?
The renowned environmentalist Sundarlal Bahuguna understood this truth when he launched the historic Chipko Movement in 1973. Villagers, especially women, embraced trees to protect them from being cut down. Their message remains as relevant today as it was then:
“What do forests give us? Soil, water, and pure air.”
Indeed, these three gifts are the very foundation of life.
Environmental protection is not only a scientific necessity; it is also a moral and spiritual responsibility.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)) beautifully reminded humanity:
“The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as its caretaker.”
Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi wisely observed: “The Earth provides enough to satisfy every person’s needs, but not every person’s greed.”
These timeless teachings remind us that we are not owners of nature; we are merely its custodians.
Another major threat confronting our planet today is plastic pollution.
Every minute, nearly one million plastic bottles are purchased worldwide. Every year, approximately 300 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated globally. Yet only about 9 percent of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. The rest accumulates in landfills, rivers, forests, and oceans.
Scientists estimate that nearly eight million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. If current trends continue, the weight of plastic in the oceans could exceed the weight of fish by 2050.
Plastic is particularly dangerous because it is non-biodegradable. A single plastic bottle can remain in the environment for nearly 450 years.
Just think about it.
A bottle used for a few minutes can continue polluting the Earth for centuries.
Microplastics are now being found in water, soil, food chains, and even the human body, posing serious risks to both environmental and human health.
Yet despite these challenges, there is hope.
The COVID-19 lockdowns offered a powerful lesson. As traffic declined and industrial activity slowed, pollution levels dropped significantly. Rivers became cleaner, skies clearer, and wildlife more visible.
Nature seemed to send humanity a simple message:
“Give me a chance, and I can heal.”
The lesson was clear. Environmental recovery is possible when human beings make responsible choices.
Climate action begins not only in international conferences and government policies but also in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
We can conserve water.
We can save electricity.
We can reduce plastic consumption.
We can use public transport whenever possible.
We can segregate and recycle waste.
We can adopt sustainable lifestyles.
And most importantly, we can plant and protect trees.
Let us start a meaningful tradition.
Plant a tree on every birthday.
Plant a tree for every achievement.
Plant a tree for every child born into the family.
Because a tree is not merely a plant.
It is clean air. It is shade. It is life. It is hope. And it is a gift to future generations.
Educational institutions have a special role to play in this mission. Through Eco-Clubs, plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, biodiversity projects, and environmental awareness programmes, schools and colleges can nurture environmentally conscious citizens and inspire positive change.
As we observe World Environment Day 2026, let us remember that protecting the environment is not solely the responsibility of governments and organizations. Every citizen, every family, every school, every village, and every community has a role to play.
The future our children inherit depends on the choices we make today.
Will they inherit a green, healthy, and sustainable Earth? Or a polluted, overheated, and resource-depleted planet?
The answer lies in our actions.
Let us pledge to reduce waste, conserve water, protect forests, minimize plastic use, and live in harmony with nature.
Because from every corner of the Earth, one message echoes louder than ever:
“Protect me, for your survival depends on mine.”
If we fail to listen to nature’s call today, the time may come when nature itself begins to settle the account.
The planet is speaking.
The question is
Are we listening?
The author is lecturer and recipient of National Award & State Award
Email: ayazraina@gmail.com
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