A Day to Embrace Our Environment

World Environment Day 2024

‘morning all,

‘happy World Environment Day’ The theme of the year is combating desertification. It sounds huge doesn’t it. Well not actually. There is something that everyday people like you and me do. We can actually do it with Urban Reforestation and every

I think an year ago I wrote about 52% of desertification of Goa, we have gone worse. The mangroves destroyed. Old trees chopped all in the name of ‘smart city’ and ‘development’

Lets look at the impact nature has on us… it is an amazing stress reliever. walking in the park, hiking or just being surrounded by greenery can do wonders. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Plus regular interaction with nature improves mood and cognitive function, which has gone for a toss in the concrete jungle.

On a very selfish note, climate anxiety is real constant worry about our planet’s future can lead to the feeling of helplessness and depression.   To this lets add pollution, and that scales the stress levels up. To a great extent combating desertification is also taking care of our mental well being.

Urban green spaces allow to build a community.  They become hubs for social interactions. actually it is a great space to have pet library and pet libraries again help to build a healthy emotional bond. Participating in activities like planning and ensuring  that the urban forest is created, is not just about cooling our sizzling roads, it is good for our soul, giving us the sense of purpose, a sense of belonging… it also allows fulfilment.

I have seen lots of people who have turned minimalistic post Vipassana practise. One young couple I know have shifted to using the wet waste in their house to produce cooking fuel. Another couple shifting to solar power. These small acts of recycling, composting or reducing our carbon footprint, we feel empowered and in control.

World Environment Day is the perfect time to start spreading the word. Educating ourselves and others, about the links between environment and emotional health . Though a little in the day we can always have workshops, seminars and campaigns that hightlight how protecting the environment is also protecting our mental well-being, why pet libraries are essential specially in a single child era. 

Combating desertification action plan:    Okay on ground zero what can we do?          here are few practical steps we can take.

• sustainable Land Management – practice soil conservation techniques like contour plowing and terracing. Organic farming is a great way to maintain soil health.
• water management  efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting can help to maintain soil can help maintain soil moisture and reduce pressure on ground water.
• Vegetation and reforestation:          plant trees and shrubs to stabilize the soil and maintain its moisture content.          Protecting existing vegation and use mulching to keep soil covered.
• sustainable Grazing  Practises:        Implement rotational grazing to allow vegetation to recover and keep livestock numbers sustainable.
• community education and awareness  by getting involved in local educational intiatives and encourage community participation in land management and conservation projects.

• Technology and Innovation: Embrace modern agricultural technologies and support research efforts aimed at finding innovative solutions to desertification.
• Policy Advocacy: Support and advocate for policies promoting sustainable land use and conservation efforts.
• Sustainable Living Practices: Reduce your carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices and supporting sustainably sourced products.
• Restoration Projects: Participate in local and global restoration projects and volunteer with organizations working on land degradation issues.

Urban Forests are a game-changer in combating desertification. Here’s how they work:

• Soil Stabilization: Trees have extensive root systems that help bind the soil together, preventing erosion.
• Microclimate Regulation: Urban forests moderate temperatures and increase local humidity, creating favorable conditions for vegetation.
• Water Management: They enhance rainwater infiltration, replenish groundwater, and reduce surface runoff.
• Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb CO2, mitigating climate change and preventing desert-like conditions.
• Biodiversity: Urban forests provide habitats for various species, enhancing biodiversity and soil health.
• Community and Economic Benefits: They offer recreational and educational opportunities, enhance property values, and reduce energy costs.

Making It Happen

To make urban reforestation successful, we need strategic planting, community involvement, and policy support. By choosing the right tree species, engaging our local communities, and advocating for supportive policies, we can turn our cities into green oases that fight desertification and boost our emotional well-being.

So, this World Environment Day, let’s take action. Let’s plant trees, create green spaces, and build a healthier, happier, and more resilient society. Together, we can combat desertification and make a real difference – for our planet and for ourselves.