This refers to the article, “Democratising environment” (January 8) by VK Bahuguna. Kudos to the author for pointing out where the shoe pinches and also suggesting a possible way to solve the environment imbroglio. In respect to environment, some of the severe problems impinging our health and survival are unbearable atmospheric pollution, impending global warming and climate change. India’s rapid development is now being pursued relentlessly by building highways, industries and townships by remorselessly removing the life-sustaining green cover. We are aware that deforestation is a major source of emission. While emissions caused by fossil fuels can be controlled, little has been done to improve technology and to opt for non-conventional energy sources.
Forests are our lungs and to a very large extent, they may help us fix our global carbon footprints. In India, where development now gets a paramount place in our priorities, the time is ripe to come out of this fixation. More so because some studies have already painted a gloomy picture by stating that climate situation is now almost irreversible and even a massive afforestation cannot save the world from its harms. Globally, our urban population is already most vulnerable due to inconceivable poor quality of our air. Our options, therefore, seem to be limiting by the day. As a last ditch effort, all stake holders, including the Centre, States, corporates, non-Government organisations and the people must come around and muster a solution to our environmental problems.