Environment – Challenges and Solutions

September 5, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

PadminiArhant.com Recognition of Environment issue for Vishwa Kalyaan (VK) Award 2015. 

There are far too many challenges with few steps against climate change.

The procrastination on climate treaty with effective policy from major contributors of pollution is a serious threat to humanity.

Any positive development requires collective actions for air and water are the two main elements enabling life on planet.

The blue sky and ocean are no longer clear with smoke clouds from carbon emission and repeat incidents of oil spills, subterranean nuclear testing, missile programs to strengthen nuclear capability inflicting massive damages to life and livelihoods in coastal areas and all around beyond recovery.

The global warming leading to ozone depletion in atmosphere affecting seasons and melting glaciers causing sea level to rise endangering marine lives with species becoming rare and extinct not to mention the ultimate impact on ecological balance.

Natural disasters cannot be assessed as natural and triggered by environment neglect and abuse ranging from off shore and shallow water drilling including hydro fracking for oil to mountain top removal in coal mining and other fossil fuel related excavations and explorations proved destructive.

The pursuits attributed to growing energy demand also tied to profitability like in coal mining industry with political members’ direct involvements as stakeholders raking huge financial gains ignore environment woes and options for renewal energy in particular.

Although there are many environment groups and organizations tirelessly engaged in containing industrial and political combined anti-environment undertakings, the greed motivated strategy continues unabated with little or no concern for apparent environment degradation.

The powerful energy sector – fossil fuel and nuclear industry despite catastrophic events viz. Fukushima prioritize political and economic opportunity at environment and population expense.

There is no doubt that energy is essential to fuel economy and maintain machine age.  However, the investments in natural sources like sun, wind and water that are in abundance somehow not appealing stifling alternative energy supply emergence.

In contrary procurement of fossil fuel especially oil desirable expending taxpayer funds in invasion and occupation of nations rich in oil and mineral resources leaving further economic, environment, political and social problems in the destinations.

The military interventions whether conventional or sponsoring terrorism to destabilize nations and regions with constant use of arsenals and explosives laden cluster munitions dropped in Yemen right now substituting land mines are devastating to victims – mostly children and other civilians in the war zone.

Wars around the world with overt and disguised use of nuclear components augment environment deterioration.

The trend funding political campaigns for vested interests form governments to suit donors’ agenda via legislations and disregard consequences exacerbating economy and environment.

Solutions to energy needs are divestments in alternative energyclean energy like solar, wind and hydropower projects suitable to vast majority of developed and developing nations in terms of affordability and minimum to zero maintenance in operation for end user.

The current dilemma to meet emerging economies energy demand could be addressed in promoting reduction in energy consumption with more awareness on the issue.

Small approach often eases the situation resulting in economic prudence.

The replacement of existing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient light emitting diodes (LED) lights is incremental pace towards conservation.  

The household appliances such as refrigerators, washer and dryer…and electronic devices conforming to low power absorption and high in performance would allow energy saving.  The consumer responsibility in adjusting usage and smart exercise equally important to decrease energy wastage.

Another critical measure is to broaden and modernize public transportation like buses, metros and subways for convenient access.

The campaign urging commuters to avail these facilities providing low fares as incentives would attract large numbers boosting revenue.

Traffic congestion and weak environment standards like absence of mandatory smog control in emerging economies is a health hazard with ripple effects on economy deterring tourism and business venture.

Recycling is an age old practice in developing nations serving as survival means for demography in impoverished and lower economic strata. The mechanism to operate recycling plant and waste management is yet to be fully developed and deployed for maximum benefit.

Water scarcity and distribution is ongoing global crisis. The harvesting and irrigation techniques in agriculture reaching farmers in near and remote areas is key to self-sufficiency and satisfying hunger.

In urban and rural areas –  water storage during monsoon and reutilization of water with investments in purification would minimize water shortage.

The wealthy states in the Middle East diversion from aiding terrorism to constructive projects like desalination would transform arid desert lands for cultivation.

Preserving rain forests and reefs in ocean beds from commercial activities is paramount for life linked with natural food pyramid.

Ordinarily planting trees and expanding greenery oxygenate surroundings in the nature designed conversion of carbon dioxide.

Summarizing on environment matter – setting targets on carbon emission and compliance on environment regulations in addition to departure from fossil fuel with commitment to natural energy – solar, wind and water sourced power is the gateway to free the world from oil dependency.

The nuclear energy evidently not always meant for civilian programs and deviation from the objective towards nuclear weapons status is the reason behind contemporary nuclear proliferation.

Again unless there is complete and comprehensive nuclear disarmament beginning with P5+1 and other nuclear states – the environment and biodiversitys face imminent risks with preference for confrontation over peaceful resolutions escalating global tensions and volatility.

Arriving at consensus on climate accord is incumbent on industrialized and emerging economies to release the burden on developing and island nations experiencing enormous losses due to extreme weather conditions and lack of technology as well as logistic support.

The environment awardees names for 2015 Vishwa Kalyaan (VK) Award i.e. Universal Benefit Award will be published subsequent to official declaration on recipients of Health category award.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant