Earth Day and the Urgent Call for Sustainable Stewardship

Context:

• As a reminder of humanity’s responsibility to preserve Earth’s resources for future generations, Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 globally.
• Let this day be more than a date on the calendar, and be a turning point - for policy, people, and the planet

Ecological Crisis:

• Essentials for human survival: Clean air, safe water, nourishing food, and natural resources.
• Overexploitation: The planet cannot sustain humanity’s greed-driven consumption. Earth has become a "one-way bank" from which humans continually withdraw without depositing anything back.
• Depletion and degradation:
  • Deforestation, plastic-choked oceans, air pollution.
  • Declining groundwater, soil infertility, and erratic weather patterns.
  • Rise in extreme climate events like floods, wildfires, and heatwaves.

Earth Day - From Symbolism to Stewardship:

• Celebrated since 1970, Earth Day has influenced global environmental frameworks, fostered international cooperation and inspired landmark agreements.
• However, it often gets reduced to symbolic gestures - a social-media post, a tree-planting event, a school skit.
• While awareness matters, this day must be a call to introspect, act, and shift from exploitation to stewardship.

India’s Sustainability Journey - From Rhetoric to Responsibility:

• Climate commitments: Panchamrit Pledge (COP26, Glasgow, 2021) -
  • Reach 500GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
  • 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
  • Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
  • Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels.
  • Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.
• Renewable energy and solar revolution:
  • Solar energy has emerged as one of India’s core pillars (contributes to over 15% of India’s renewable energy mix - and it is growing) of climate action.
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-led with France, is reshaping global energy diplomacy.
  • Initiatives like the National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM are empowering farmers to use solar-powered irrigation.
  • Large solar parks in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan are redefining how India powers its homes and industries.
• Electric mobility and clean transport:
  • FAME scheme: Promoting electric vehicles.
  • Indian railways: Targeting net-zero by 2030.
  • Urban transport: Expansion of public transport and shift to clean fuels.
• Biodiversity and conservation:
  • Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Population growth in key species. India is now home to over 75% of the world’s tiger population.
  • Ramsar Wetlands, Green India Mission: Focus on wetland protection and forest quality.
• Urban challenges and pollution control:
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Improving air quality and monitoring.
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Now includes plastic waste segregation and composting.
• Water conservation: It is evolving with flagship programs like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Namami Gange.
• Sustainable agriculture:
  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana for organic farming.
  • Climate-resilient farming and micro-irrigation.
• Legal and policy framework:
  • From the foundational Environment Protection Act (1986) to newer rules on e-waste, plastic management, and green building codes, India’s legal framework is expanding to meet contemporary challenges.
  • Campaigns like the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative remind us that environmentalism isn’t just about big policy - it’s also about small, everyday choices.

Challenges and Gaps in Implementation:

• Inconsistent execution across states.
• Inadequate climate finance.
• Ongoing conflict between development vs. conservation.
• Issues like encroachments, deforestation, and pollution persist.

A Shift in Consciousness - Sustainability as a Mainstream Agenda:

• Integration of environment: In governance and business.
• Citizen engagement: Growing public awareness and activism.
• Education and accountability: Teaching the next generation and holding systems accountable.

Conclusion - Towards a Regenerative Future:

• Earth Day must go beyond symbolism to include key actions like consuming mindfully, reducing plastic use, supporting green policies, and reconnecting with nature daily.
• There is no Planet B, and sustainability is no longer optional but existential.

Q1. What is the significance of the Panchamrit pledge announced by India at COP26?

Ans. The Panchamrit pledge outlines India’s five-point climate action agenda, including net-zero emissions by 2070 and 50% renewable energy use by 2030, signaling a strong commitment to global climate leadership.

Q2. Discuss the role of solar energy in India’s renewable energy transition.

Ans. Solar energy, supported by initiatives like the National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM, has become central to India’s renewable strategy, contributing over 15% to its green energy mix.

Q3. How does the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative aim to promote environmental sustainability?

Ans. The LIFE initiative promotes eco-conscious behavior and sustainable consumption patterns among citizens to complement policy-level environmental action.

Q4. Evaluate India’s efforts in biodiversity conservation through flagship projects.

Ans. India’s initiatives like Project Tiger and Project Elephant have resulted in increased wildlife populations and global recognition, especially with over 75% of the world’s tigers residing in India.

Q5. What are the key challenges India faces in environmental policy implementation despite having a robust legal framework?

Ans. Key challenges include uneven state-level implementation, insufficient climate finance, and a persistent conflict between development and conservation goals. 

Source:IE