By Sudivya Bharti

The World environment day is the biggest day to get attention from the people to save the earth and protect our beautiful environment. This is also a “People’s Day,” when people can do something in this direction. It is an important platform for promoting the dimensions of environmental Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Celebrated on 5th of June, the World Environment Day 2020 will focus on Biodiversity and will be hosted in Colombia in partnership with Germany. This year the theme of World Environment Day 2020 is “Celebrate Biodiversity”.

Biodiversity plays a key role in conserving the environment. Already many species have gone extinct and some are about to go extinct. We need good planning and management to save the rich biodiversity on earth.

Moreover, climate change or global warming is one of the biggest problems we are facing right now. How we act greatly impacts both our present and future. Climate change refers to the rise in average surface temperatures on the Earth. It is a major aspect of climate change which, in addition to rising global surface temperatures, also includes its effects, such as change in precipitation. While there have been prehistoric periods of global warming, observed changes since the mid-20th century have been unprecedented in rate and scale. Before the start of COVID-19 Pandemic, the air was highly toxic as a huge amount of greenhouse gases were emitted. Our environment faced with rising temperatures, which leads  to melting of glaciers and rise in sea levels.

The direct consequences of climate change include:

  • rising maximum temperatures
  • rising minimum temperatures 
  • rising sea levels 
  • higher ocean temperatures 
  • an increase in heavy precipitation (heavy rain and hail)
  • shrinking glaciers
  • thawing permafrost

The indirect consequences of climate change, which directly affect us humans and our environment, include: 

  • an increase in hunger and water crises, especially in developing countries
  • health risks through rising air temperatures and heatwaves 
  • economic implications of dealing with secondary damage related to climate change 
  • increasing spread of pests and pathogens
  • loss of biodiversity due to limited adaptability and adaptability speed of flora and fauna  
  • ocean acidification due to increased HCO3 concentrations in water as a consequence of increased CO₂ concentrations
  • the need for adaptation in all areas (e.g. agriculture, forestry, energy, infrastructure, tourism, etc.).

Post the outbreak of Corona virus, many countries adopted a lockdown that led to a positive impact on the environment in the following ways:

  • Air quality improved due to minimum air pollution. There was reduced travelling and industries were closed down.
  • Water quality improved due to fewer boats, ships and vessels.
  • Wildlife biomass is expected to increase due to less human interference.
  • Beaches are clean again due to lockdown.
  • Reduction of noise level due to no industry movement.
  • Rapid vegetation growth due to clean air and water.

Like a mother, our planet earth gives us all the necessary things which we need. Saving our earth is highly important because it gives us food and water for survival. Without food, air and water, we can’t even imagine ourselves on the earth. Without air, we can’t breathe. Without water, we can’t be alive. Without food, it’s impossible to survive. It is our responsibility to create awareness in people to save our mother earth for the present and future generations this World Environment Day 2020.

We have to save this planet because it’s the only place to live. We all are aware that life is possible on this planet only. It is time to stop harming the planet and start protecting her. So, let’s join hands to do something for our present and for a better future this World Environment Day 2020. Let’s at least pledge every Sunday of our life to do something for the environment.