One of the world’s most pressing issues is finding a balance between nature and development even as scientists continually warn about the rising temperature of the planet. The age-old idea that increased production equals robust economic development has suffered a jolt because more production also means more carbon emissions which can cause tremendous damage to the earth’s ecological balance. This is why at present, the real challenge is increasing production without further polluting the atmosphere and achieving sustainable development. Sustainable growth is aimed at meeting human development goals whilst also enabling natural systems to provide necessary resources to humans.
It is understandable that it will be very challenging to change the practice of using fossil fuels for energy production. Till today, most countries in the world are dependent on fossil fuels to keep the wheel of development rolling. So, changing the practice overnight is not possible in the absence of alternative technology and adequate funds. For instance, some developed countries are now switching over to electric vehicles replacing vehicles fuelled by petrol or diesel. But the developing world is in no position to imitate the feat as electric vehicles cost much more than regular fuel powered cars. Moreover, providing logistics such as charging points, spare parts, and repairing facilities everywhere will be a big problem, especially in a vast country like India. Such a huge task can only be achieved if third world countries get the lion’s share of the world’s proposed environment fund. At such a crucial time if the world remains divided between the rich and poor, the division will bring disaster faster than expected.
The threat is not only from carbon emissions, but also from the excessive and unabated use of plastic. As improperly discarded plastic gets mixed into the environment, it takes approximately 20-500 years to decompose, depending on the structure of the plastic and environmental conditions. Furthermore, micro plastics pollute the soil and affect plant fertility and thus food production. Proper disposal and recycling of plastic is necessary as it reduces the need for new raw materials and protects the environment from further pollution. A number of countries have already started the endeavour; but success will continue to elude us until a joint worldwide effort is launched to combat it. Quite interestingly, in a recent survey the World Bank claimed that the use of plastic is much higher in the developed world than the developing world and that third world countries are suffering because of it.
So, the need of the hour is to work in unison to prevent the impending danger from further escalating the world’s climate crisis. Europe is currently reeling under an unprecedented heat wave and experts have claimed that this July may be the hottest month ever in the continent, while unseasonal floods and heavy rainfall have ravaged some parts of the globe. To limit climate change and it’s effects, we must convert to renewable energy and biodegradable plastics. It’s a do or die battle for the entire world as no one will be able to escape nature’s fury.