Act Now: Why We Refuse to Adopt Environmental Solutions and How to Change this Trend
The imminent doom of environmental devolution is no longer mere speculation; it's a fact we must confront. Even so, while we've had multiple solutions proffered to curb this drift, we're yet to see significant changes. It begs the interrogative: why do individuals and communities fail to adopt solutions aimed at checking environmental devolution? This composition focuses on addressing this question and exploring potential solutions with cases from different states in India.
The first reason individuals fail to adopt solutions to environmental challenges is due to the need for more knowledge. Many people don't realise the graveness of these issues or don't know what they can do to help. For instance, in Bihar, a state located in the northeastern region of India, numerous cultivators burn crop remnants, contributing to air pollution (1). Still, most of them are open about the environmental and health impacts of this practice. To address this, the government has initiated awareness juggernauts aimed at educating agriculturists about the detrimental effects of burning crop remains and alternative practices like mulching and composting.
Another reason people fail to adopt environmental solutions is the need for more resources. For instance, in urban areas such as Mumbai, space is scarce and expensive (2). This often leads to a lack of proper waste disposal systems, which causes waste to accumulate in dumps and rivulets. While the government has provided solutions similar to waste segregation and composting, multiple dwellers find them hard to execute due to space restrictions. To address this issue, the government has offered organic waste converters and compost bins, as well as encouraging community composting.
A third reason why people fail to adopt environmental solutions is simply resistance to change. In India, firecrackers are used during various festive carnivals, but the explosions beget plethoric air pollution (3). Even with awareness juggernauts on the detriments of firecrackers, numerous people are reluctant to give up this tradition. In response, some states, like Delhi, have initiated strict measures similar to proscribing sales of firecrackers during festive periods and levying heavy fines on violators (4). This could encourage people to seek alternative ways to celebrate, like lighting diyas.
So how can we turn the tide of people's reluctant uptake of environmental solutions? Here are a few steps:
- Emphasising education and awareness Juggernauts can do a lot to enlighten individuals about the impacts of their actions.
- Encourage infrastructure development Governments can provide the imperative infrastructure for the effective implementation of environmental solutions—for example, community composting programmes and organic waste converters.
- Provide incentives. Governments can offer incentives such as tax waivers and subventions to individuals and corporations that adopt environmentally friendly practices.
- Foster collective responsibility. Changing societal attitudes towards the atmosphere requires a collaborative effort. Governments can work with non-profit associations and community leaders to promote responsible behaviour.
The time has come for action. Individual and collaborative conduct is necessitated to check the rising drift of environmental devolution. We can secure a better future for future generations by adopting environmentally friendly solutions. We must take peremptory steps to ensure we act now before it's too late.
In conclusion, environmental devolution is a multifaceted challenge, and solutions require a multidimensional approach. We can foster inclusive, sustainable development by addressing why individuals fail to borrow environmental solutions. As demonstrated in various states in India, putatively small-scale initiatives can have significant impacts in the long run. We all have a part to play in ensuring that our surroundings are safe and inhabitable for posterity.
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