Is clean environment insurance for future generations?
Generally, insurance of today comes in all forms but ever wonder what you can give for your future generations that will last forever if done right in the present? A clean, rich environment can be that insurance you can hand over to your future generations. For anything to build your future upon it needs a stable environment, preserving this environment can go a long way in uplifting your life in the present as well as in the future.
Saving the environment has become an important aspect in the world today. With the vast number of disasters affecting the natural balance of the earth, the time has come to save the planet before it’s too late. After all, the fate of the environment of today rests solely on us, and the responsibility we have for the future is as important as it is for today.
You would have read about the importance of protecting the environment and its benefits since you were young, but why the need to conserve it for the future is becoming apparent in recent times. Here are the few environmental issues which need immediate action.
- Effects of deforestation
The destruction of forest cover is one of the major issues which cause environmental degradation. The natural factors affecting deforestation are disasters such as floods or untamable forest fires and also through various harmful parasites which feed on the trees. But the main concern of global deforestation is through human intervention in the natural habitats of plants and animal species.
According to a study, over 80 million hectares of primary forest area since 1990, has seen a sharp decline all over the world. The devastation of deforestation was seen in October of 2019, when the fires destroyed more than 7,600 square kilometers in the Amazon region of Brazil. And again in the year 2020, more than 13,000 square kilometers were burnt.
In the same year, due to bushfires, Australian forests and wildlife faced another tragic turn as 186,000 square kilometers were destroyed. And more than one billion animals were reported to be killed.
When we are losing the forest cover and wildlife within them at this drastic rate, it begs the question that if the present scenarios are already leaning towards the decline of environmental conservation, what will the future generations be left with.
2. Climate change
With the degradation of the environment in the ground, the natural balance between the environment and the climate is also getting affected. This, in turn, is causing the rise in sea levels which leads to sudden floods, disturbance in the weather pattern, droughts, and various such climate changes which may leave a lasting effect in the future.
One such climate change impact is seen in the Philippines, which is becoming highly sensitive with its rising temperatures and extreme rainfalls over the years. According to a survey, it is reported that in the future, grasslands over 1 million hectares in the region are in a highly sensitive zone due to climate change.
According to IBERDROLA, it ranks Japan as the most threatened country by climate change in the world with a climate risk index of 5.5. This can be categorized due to the destructive earthquakes and typhoons the region of Japan receives. One such instance is the devastating earthquake of 2011 in the area of Fukushima, which serves as a warning to the entire world about the impact the climate changes can unfold.
3. Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution seeps into various forms through the air, water, soil, radioactive wastes, and many more. This affects not only humankind but every known plant and animal species on earth.
One such example in the form of water pollution is the oil spill on the coastal areas of south–east Mauritius on 25 July 2020. Nearly 1,000 tons of oil spill left a devastating effect on the coral reefs and their aquatic life, causing an ecological emergency in Mauritius.
In a country not far away from Mauritius, India faces a major environmental threat in the form of air pollution. This serious environmental and health hazard is caused by industrial pollution, crop burning, vehicle emissions, and other harmful pollutants released into the air.
When the present generations are busy catching up with the growing trends, we tend to forget that big and small mistakes that humankind makes towards the environment, are setting up a bleak future for the next generations and the mistakes may well be irreversible.
What you can do to insure future generations?
- Grow local produce
A small garden in the backyard or terrace gardens can suffice in growing your very own organic produce. This eliminates the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides in the ecosystem.
2. Use recycled products
The use of recycling avoids major waste deposition. One of the major concerns is plastic waste. Recycling them can help in achieving a clean environment by reusing them again and again.
3. Take up initiatives to grow more trees
You can make up a goal to increase the number of trees and plants in and around your area or volunteer for various clean-up drives and plantation initiatives.
4. Avoid the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides
Use organic pesticides which are acceptable for your garden or agriculture. These can be made at home through various natural ingredients or can be acquired through organic outlets
5. Proper waste disposal
As you keep your house and surroundings clean to maintain hygiene and keep it beautiful, you can extend that to everywhere you travel by disposing of your waste’s in designated disposal places only.
6. Alternate your travel
You can use various other methods of travel instead of using your vehicles. Such as using carpool for work and traveling by public transports or even use bicycles to reach nearby places. This can reduce car emissions which destroys the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
7. Share knowledge
You can share your experiences and expertise in conserving the environment. The best education is gained through practical implementation and you can further your knowledge by helping others in understanding the value of protecting the environment.
8. Conserve resources
You can help the environment through the conservation of water by avoiding water waste age and using rainwater harvesting to water your garden compared to draining the natural resources.
9. Switch to sustainable energy
You can use sustainable energy sources by using a solar panel or use LED for long-lasting electricity generation. You can also switch to electric bikes and cars to avoid carbon emissions.
10. Contribute to nature
You can install birdfeeders for the various birds that visit your surroundings and create a safe place for them to feed and return to their dwellings. You can also plant more flowering plants to attract many butterflies and bees in the seasons.
The environment is an integral part of our lives and the responsibility to protect it now is very important. We all depend on the environment in one way or the other and the degradation of it is already hitting us hard in the present. Therefore the support and hard work some of the volunteers and organizations are making throughout the years in protecting the environment is a reassuring endeavor. Many individuals are also finding various methods in safeguarding the environment in their areas. The continued efforts of people all over the world, dedicated in protecting the environment, is what we can do to insure our future generations.
We as responsible individuals of the planet owe it to the future generations to give them an insurance, that our environment will prosper and we are committed to protecting it for the long run.
