Save The Planet

Due to the increasing air pollution in the world, various kinds of problems are emerging today. The imbalance among the biotic and abiotic components of the Earth is making it difficult for humans, animals, birds, and plants to live and survive. Every year, June 5 is celebrated as World Environment Day with various programmes to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. 

Although environmental protection is one of the most pressing issues today, its conservation and management are not the responsibility of just one party. It requires the significant involvement of every individual and the state. In recent times, due to the rapidly increasing population, there is tremendous pressure on the environment, causing disruption and excessive exploitation of natural resources. The natural resources must be used efficiently generation with the mindset of conserving them for future generations.

Article 30 of Nepal’s Constitution 2072 (2015) guarantees the right to a clean environment as a fundamental right. Due to unplanned urbanisation, loud noise, and the use of various chemicals, pollution is increasing day by day. In addition to climate and land pollution, environmental pollution primarily includes air, noise, and water pollution as well as overall environmental imbalance. In Nepal, the deteriorating condition of rivers, roads, vehicle emissions, dust, unregulated urban growth, and poor waste management has led to an increasingly complex pollution problem.

Human society must understand that the Earth and nature are common to all, and it is our responsibility to maintain the balance of the natural environment. We must commit to creating a healthy and clean environment. It is our collective duty to conserve our precious natural resources and ensure the Earth’s carrying capacity is maintained, passing it on sustainably to future generations.

The growing population, development priorities, and changing human behaviours have led to the destruction of forests, biodiversity, and nature. Pollution and climate change have disrupted the natural cycles. Environmental pollution is negatively impacting both human and ecological health and balance. Activities that directly or indirectly alter the environment and cause notable degradation or harm to its beneficial use, such as natural, cultural, social, economic, and human interactions, are the primary causes of environmental pollution.

The environment is indeed a vast and complex domain in which humans themselves are included. In their pursuit of prosperity and convenience, humans are overexploiting natural resources. These resources are being used in multiple ways to fulfil human needs, such as housing, agriculture, fuel wood, and energy, all of which are obtained from the environment. We are also entirely dependent on the environment for clean air and water. 

The degradation of the environment must be stopped immediately. A balanced approach is needed between human development and the environment. The issue of the environment has come into focus to ensure harmony between human development and environmental conservation. The Government of Nepal must take initiative in institutionalising environmental impact assessments, controlling the import of harmful substances, reducing air pollution that causes diseases, ensuring the safe disposal of pesticides, and increasing public awareness regarding environmental and climate change issues.