The environment plays a key role in the development of humankind. The healthier the environment, the healthier we will be. The environment includes all living and non-living things around us. Environmental health is one of the largest fields within public health. The physical, chemical, and cultural environment of a region indicates its environmental health. This depends on factors such as pollution levels, biodiversity, availability of clean drinking water, sanitation conditions, and agricultural productivity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that over 1.6 crore deaths occur annually worldwide due to environmental problems. The report also stated that over a hundred illnesses are directly linked to environmental health issues.
Although 155 countries worldwide have granted their citizens the right to live in a healthy environment, 23% of global deaths are caused by “environmental risks” like land, air, water, and chemical pollution. Changes in the environment threaten people’s livelihoods and food security. Over the past decade, the global temperature has been rising. Increased use of fossil fuels is leading to global warming. The average global temperature has increased by 1.15 degrees Celsius. Forest fires, untimely floods, and storms have become commonplace. Climate change is also contributing to the survival of microorganisms and the spread of viruses.
*Challenges in the Environment:*
The increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, rising temperatures in Antarctica, and the melting of permafrost in the Arctic are major challenges for the environment. A recent report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) stated that the population of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians has declined by an average of 68% between 1970 and 2016. This causes severe damage to biodiversity. Moreover, over a crore (10 million) hectares of trees are cut down every year for urbanization, crops, livestock, and paper production, leading to deforestation.
Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems in the world, causing the deaths of 42 lakh to 70 lakh (4.2 to 7 million) people worldwide every year. According to the WHO, nine out of ten people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.
Another significant issue is the average annual rise of 3.2 mm in sea levels. Environmental experts warn that this could rise by up to 0.7 meters by the end of this century. This increase would submerge coastal areas, forcing 34 crore to 48 crore (340 to 480 million) people to migrate to safer regions.
Every hour, forests the size of 300 football fields are being cleared. If this continues, only 10% of the current forests may remain by 2030. Oceans absorb 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the Earth’s atmosphere. Due to high carbon dioxide levels, ocean waters are becoming more acidic. Scientists warn that this could completely wipe out coral reefs by 2050. Healthy soil contains at least 3 to 6% organic matter. However, in many parts of the world, this is much lower than required, which is a sign of soil erosion.
Solutions:
To improve environmental performance in our country, the government, industries, and the public must work together. Efforts from multiple angles are needed for this work. Focusing these efforts on some key areas will yield good results.
Policies and Governance:
The government should create new rules to protect the environment and strictly enforce existing laws. Regulations related to air and water pollution, waste management, and biodiversity should be strengthened. Data from organizations like the Environmental Performance Index should be used to identify weak areas related to pollution and find appropriate solutions.
Energy and Climate Action:
To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the use of renewable energy sources must be accelerated. Investing in solar energy, wind energy, and green hydrogen is crucial. Programs like the ‘National Solar Mission’ and the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’ are already working well. Schemes like ‘Ujala’ should be promoted to increase energy efficiency. The use of fuels like coal should be phased out, and cleaner technologies should be encouraged in their place.
Pollution Control:
The ‘National Clean Air Program’ should be implemented more effectively to improve air quality. This includes measures such as controlling industrial emissions, promoting public transport and electric vehicles, and preventing the burning of agricultural waste. Schemes like ‘Namami Gange’ should be expanded to reduce river pollution. It is also necessary to build sewage treatment plants, reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture, and protect water bodies like ponds and rivers. Policies like ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ for waste management should be strictly enforced.
Biodiversity and Forest Conservation:
Greenery in urban areas should be increased through schemes like ‘Nagar Van Yojana’. Similarly, coastal mangrove forests should be protected with programs like ‘MISHTI’. Environmentally friendly farming methods, such as organic farming and crop rotation, should be promoted. Projects like ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ should be continued to protect forests and their biodiversity.
Role of People and Businesses:
The public should be educated about environmental issues. Actions like separating waste, conserving water, and reducing consumption should be encouraged. Companies should also adopt environmentally friendly production methods. Technology should be used to reduce pollution and recycle waste. By involving local people in environmental protection, these efforts will be more successful.
