World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th of June every year--
the biggest annual event in the world organised by the ‘United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP)’ to spread environmental awareness among the
people. Its main aim is to raise awareness to protect nature and to try and resolve
various environmental issues that are cropping up day by day.
This year’s theme is “Ecosystem Restoration”.
Every year World Environment Day is hosted by a different
country in which official celebrations take place. Pakistan is the host this
year.
The government of Pakistan plans to expand and restore the
country's forest through a campaign known as “10 Billion Tree Tsunami" that
is spread over 5 years. The campaign comprises restoration of mangroves,
forests and commencement of tree plantation drive in urban settings.
Fundamentally, the restoration of ecosystem can be achieved in
many ways like growing trees and plants in cities, changing diets and keeping a
strong check on harmful human activities and by cleaning up rivers
and coasts. This way we can make peace with Nature and bring about a new positive
change in the restoration process of the environment.
Active plantation of trees and curbing environmental pollution is
the key factor for Nature to recover without human intervention.
The causes of degradation are many and can have a serious impact
on the environment at different scales. As we know, some damages are seriously
irreversible and it is impossible for the ecosystem to retain its original
state intact forever. We need farmland and infrastructure to sustain the
ecosystem.
Furthermore, an ecosystem can be restored by preserving forests,
farmlands, cities, wetlands and oceans. Restoration initiatives can be launched
by almost anyone from governments and development agencies to business
communities and individuals.
So, let us begin by volunteering and joining hands together to
keep our unique planet safe for life to exist and flourish. Efforts like using
an electric vehicle, lessening the use of AC, keeping a habit of ‘Switching off
unnecessary appliances' can bring about a big change in this direction.
We ought to protect our Environment to 'Save Earth’ and the future of Mankind.
AMIT KUMAR
PGT- GEOGRAPHY
THE MANN SCHOOL