Hinduism is pervaded by the belief of interconnectedness and a reverence for all life. It recognises the dependence of humanity on nature’s resources and the potentially dire consequences that will occur should we forget that. In recent years, India has been a world leader in environmental protection. It now produces more renewable energy than all the electricity generated in Hong Kong and Israel combined, and aims to have 40% of its electricity supplied by renewables by 2030. Conservation measures in India have led to the recovery of species for whom there once seemed no hope, including tigers and one horned rhinos. And it has one of the highest recycling rates of any country in the world.
So it only seems appropriate that this year, India has been chosen to host World Environment Day. Since the 1970s, the 5th of June has served as a day to celebrate the incredible planet we call home, but more importantly, as a call to arms for governments, corporations and the public to pay greater attention to the many problems facing it and to take whatever steps they can to address them. This year’s theme is Plastic Pollution and on World Environment Day, the Indian government will bring this problem to the nation’s attention through a series of country-wide activities, including a mass plastic cleanup in Indian beaches, national parks and public places.
But it isn’t just limited to India. World Environment Day takes place around the world with all sorts of events being on offer. If you’re interested, go to: http://worldenvironmentday.global/ and find an event near you.
Happy World Environment Day!
by Thomas Gomersall, Volunteer
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