The green state of mind

Mains Paper: 3 | Environment   
Prelims level: UN Champions of earth award 
Mains level: Development, Bio diversity, Environment

Context 

• This award is not for an individual. Instead, it is a recognition of Indian culture and values, which have always placed emphasis on living in harmony with Mother Nature.
• It was a proud moment for every Indian to see India’s proactive role in mitigating climate change being acknowledged and appreciated by the United Nations.
• Human beings and nature have a very special relationship.
• The first civilisations were established on the banks of rivers. Societies that live in harmony with nature flourish and prosper.
• Today human society stands at an important crossroads. The path that we take hereon will not only determine our well being but also that of the generations who will inhabit our planet after us.
• The imbalances between our greed and necessities have led to grave ecological imbalances.
• We can either accept this, go ahead with things as if it is business as usual, or we can take corrective actions.
• Three things will determine how we as a society can bring a positive change.

What are the important aspects? 

• The first is internal consciousness.
• Respect for nature is at the core of India’s traditions.

Mahatma Gandhi called for sustainable consumption so that the world does not face a resource crunch.

• Once we realise how we are flagbearers of a rich tradition, it will automatically have a positive impact on our actions.
• The second aspect is public awareness.
• We need to talk, write, debate, discuss and deliberate as much as possible on questions relating to the environment.
• At the same time, it is vital to encourage research and innovation on subjects relating to the environment.
• The third aspect is proactiveness.
• We see this proactiveness in the Swachh Bharat Mission, which is directly linked to a sustainable future.

Achievement done by us so far 

• Sanitation coverage is up from 39 per cent to 95 per cent.
• Over 85 million households now have access to toilets for the first time.
• We see this proactiveness in the success of the Ujjwala Yojana.
• India is moving at a quick pace in cleaning its rivers.
• The Namami Gange Mission is changing this historical wrong.

Emphasis is being given to proper treatment of sewage.

• The over 13 crore soil health cards distributed to farmers are helping them make informed decisions that will boost their productivity and improve the health of our land, which helps the coming generations.
• We have integrated the objectives of Skill India in the environment sector and launched schemes including the Green Skill Development Programme for skilling about 7 million youth in environment, forestry, wildlife and climate change sectors by 2021.
• This will go a long way towards creating numerous opportunities for skilled jobs and entrepreneurships in the environment sector.

Way forward 

• Our country is devoting unparalleled attention to new and renewable sources of energy.
• The Ujala Yojana has led to the distribution of nearly 31 crore LED bulbs.
• The costs of LED bulbs have reduced and so have the electricity bills and the C emissions.
• India’s proactiveness is seen internationally.
• In March 2018, world leaders of several countries converged in New Delhi to mark the start of the International Solar Alliance, an endeavour to harness the rich potential of solar energy and bring
• together all nations that are blessed with solar power.
• While the world is talking about climate change, the call for climate justice has also reverberated from India.
• The world needs to shift to a paradigm of environmental philosophy, environmental consciousness rather than merely government regulations.
• Together, we will create a clean environment that will be the cornerstone of human empowerment.

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UPSC Prelims Questions: 

Q.1) The Champions of earth award given by which of the following organization?
A.    UN
B.    IMF
C.    WTO
D.    World Bank
Answer:  A

UPSC Mains Questions:
Q.1) What is the UN Champions of earth award? What are the significance of it?