Development versus destruction: When will humans learn nature's lessons?

Dr. Satyawan Saurabh *

While the COVID-19 lockdown shook the world economy five years ago, it also brought relief to the environment. The decline in air pollution, greenhouse gases and industrial emissions proved that it is possible to improve nature. Rivers became clean, skies appeared blue, and the air became pure. This article points to nature's warning through the pandemic and the path to sustainable development for the future. This is also the time to be alert.

This period of stagnation in global economic activities is certainly worrisome, but its unexpected positive impact on the environment is both a warning and a lesson for the world. When man stopped his activities, even if unknowingly, nature started breathing freely.

In the last few months, transparency returned in the flow of rivers, an unprecedented decrease in air pollution was seen and the sky became blue again. Seeing all this, it seems as if nature is calling out - "O human! Now be careful, read my pain!"

Earth breathing in lockdown

The lockdown imposed due to Covid-19 five years ago halted human activities. Industrial emissions, vehicle smoke and unnecessary travel all came to a halt. As a result, the levels of gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere decreased, leading to improved air quality in major cities around the world.

Research shows that global carbon emissions recorded a record reduction of 5% in the year 2020. This shows that the roots of air pollution are hidden in our lifestyle.

The water in rivers like Ganga and Yamuna appeared cleaner than ever before. It became possible to see the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas from the plains of North India. All this happened because man learned to 'pause' for once. It was a pause in which the earth got rest and the environment got relief.

Can this be permanent?

The lockdown five years ago was an emergency, not a solution. But it did make us realise that pollution and ecological degradation are man-made and can be reduced—if there is political will and civic resolve. But alas, as the lockdown was lifted, everything went back to normal. Pollution returned, rivers turned black again, factory smoke covered the sky again.

Hawking's warning and today's reality

The great physicist Stephen Hawking had warned that if man did not change his lifestyle and behavior towards the environment, he would have to leave Earth and take refuge in some other planet. According to him, the remaining life of the Earth is only 200 to 500 years.

He used to predict that either the collision of a comet, or the radiation of the sun, or an epidemic would wipe out life from the Earth. An epidemic like Covid-19 turns his statement into an even more horrifying reality.

There is still time—the path to change

We have to accept that now there is a need to change the definition of development. 'Economic growth' is incomplete unless it touches ecological sustainability. We have to move beyond 'smart growth' and think in the direction of 'green growth'.

Adopting a low carbon lifestyle is no longer an option, it has become a necessity. That is, a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature - for example, cycling, using public transport, giving preference to local products, saving energy and moderation in consumption.

Changes are needed in transport and industry

It is time for India and the world to make their industry and transport systems environment-friendly. We have to move towards solar, wind and other green energy sources while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Increasing the use of electric technology in vehicles, making railways and public transport accessible and clean should be our priority.

This change will not only reduce pollution but also reduce the pressure on health services. Air pollution causes around 7 million deaths worldwide every year. This figure shows the severity of the climate crisis.

Immediate and long-term steps needed

We need to take immediate policy decisions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, tropospheric ozone. These gases have an immediate impact on the climate and are comparatively easy to control.

India should launch a national public awareness campaign that takes issues like climate change, pollution, water and energy conservation from school-colleges to the panchayat level. Because if we do not understand the environment, crises like Covid-19 will become common.

Five years ago, Covid-19 was a signal, an opportunity

The Corona crisis taught us a lot—how to live life with less resources, how to work from home, how to limit needs. It was a 'natural discipline' that forced us to think about our over-consumerism.

Now we need to incorporate the lessons from this crisis into our future policies and lifestyle. This is an opportunity—a 'reset button'. Nature has warned us, now we have to respond.

The Earth's call and our responsibility

Our Earth is not just a planet, it is our home. We have called it mother, but have behaved like consumers. Now is the time that instead of just chanting 'Dharti Mata Ki Jai', we should stand up in defence of Mother Earth. We have to save the forests, rivers, mountains, animals and birds and the entire biodiversity system.

"The earth seems empty, the sky has lost its patience!
Now wake up, human, read the pain of nature!"

The way forward: partnering with nature

Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is also a social, economic and political challenge. If we ignore the environment, sectors such as agriculture, health, employment, and food security will also be in danger.

The greatest need today is that we make policies by combining science, technology and traditional knowledge that make sustainable development possible. There should be climate education in schools, green employment opportunities in villages, clean transport and clean energy arrangements in cities.

In the end – not man vs nature, man + nature

This conflict should not be "man vs nature". This partnership should be "man + nature". Nature is not to be conquered, but to be understood and cherished. Covid-19 has brought this truth before us. Now it is up to us whether we accept this truth or continue moving blindly towards destruction.