Governments and environmental bodies must accelerate solutions to protect planet earth

This year the Earth Day theme is "Invest in Planet" and focuses on the effects of climate change, its adverse impacts on the planet and the real time efforts being done to mitigate the same. The theme encourages governments and environmental bodies the world over to accelerate solutions to protect planet earth against immediate environmental threats. The three pillars of this year's theme are Act (Boldly), Innovate (Broadly) and Implement (Equitably). These are very relevant for the world's environmental conditions which urgently require solutions for pressing problems. But India probably needs the materialisation of these pillars even more as after the COP26 at Glasgow it has become apparent that the government alone cannot solve the environmental crisis arising out of climate changeand needs support from grassroot level. This assistance from the population, especially from all walks of life can help create the much-needed green economy and help counteractthe inaction and even obstruction being experienced in protecting the environment. In almost every sector, India is trying to set benchmarks for environmental protection and ecological conservation, however given the pace of climate change the same is neither sustainable nor sufficient. Given this the government must utilise Earth Dayevent to recruit the valuable support of activists, artists, innovators, inventors, investors and scientists and encourage them to develop green alternatives and solutions and help restore the environment and enable a smooth transition to green economy. Educators especially can be made to play a sterling role in heralding the green economy. India with its robust education system and academic research capabilities can help create a new generation of climate leaders with specific skills to guide the nation in its evolution from conventional economy to a green economy.

Earth Day can also be a call to action for the general population to increase their awareness level regarding the environment and impacts of climate change. The government must positively incentivise usage of Eco-conscious brands and products instead of penalising the general public for using non-biodegradable material. Sometimes such a change in strategy can help provide better results than before.These initiatives can truly help extracting the planet from an environmental "code red" condition. On the eve of Earth Day, India must recognise and appreciate the compellingsuccess storiesfrom the corporate world in the field of environmental conservation as they set an inspiring example for all to follow. Many tech companies for instance are leagues ahead of government efforts in implementing solutions to lower their respective carbon foot prints. Infosys for example turned carbon neutral 30 years ahead of the Paris Agreement's 2050 deadline. Similarly, Intel India's buildings across India are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified that's are equipped with sensors to track and optimise temperature, lighting, energy consumption in relation to occupancy levels. This enhances energy conservation and reduces carbon footprint. Capgemini too has decided to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 and has installed a 9.6 MW captive solar power plant across its India campuses to increase the usage of green power. With endless examples such as these it is clear that the fight against climate change is being spiritedly fought by the IT companies in India setting an inspiring example for others to follow. The above examples show that positive will is followed by positive change.The government has no dearth of funds nor expertise for saving the environment and fighting climate change. What is lacking is a strong will that supersedes politics and red tape. When the nation is able to prioritise environmental goals over petty politics and bureaucracy India will celebrate Earth Day not annually but every single day.

(The writer is an environmental journalist. The views expressed are personal.)