The U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSAIDC) in the journal "Arctic Climatology and Meteorology" describes the climate change as a change in the statistical properties of the climatic system over long period of time. This description stands true irrespective of the cause. No doubt, science has truly made great strides, yet uncertainties persist in the complexities of the Earth's Climate making it difficult for the ordinary people to fully understand this phenomenon. There is, however, strong evidence as reported by the climate panel on "Advancing the science of Climate change, U.S. National Research Council 2010" that our climate is truly changing. The facts are staring in our face and there is no denying the fact that this change is happening soon.
The National Academics Press, Washington, DC, USA in 2010 stated that "the global average temperature has increased by more than 1.4°F over the last century. In fact National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated the decade from 2000 to 2010 to be the warmest ever whereas the year 2010 is tied with 2005 as the warmest year on record. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control (IPCC), projects a warming of 0.2 C for the next two decades. Global warming is also supported by 97% of the 12000 peer reviewed papers in Journal of Environmental Research letters.
The lay public might simply blame this trend to the Sun's natural warming and cooling, yet these effects are relatively small in comparison to the consequences of modern day human activities which lead to emission of greenhouses gases responsible for the changes that we are witnessing. In fact "The atmospheric concentration of these heat trapping gases especially carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have increased markedly since 1750 and now far exceed pre-industrial values as determined from the ice cores spanning over many thousands of years" as per Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control. 82% of the respondents in a survey by University of Illinois stated that human activity has been a significant factor affecting the temperature. The number goes up to 97% if the responders happen to be active in Climatology research.
As per climate change indicators in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA, EPA 2010, these changes in temperature are manifested by increase in global average air temperature, ocean temperature, widespread melting of glaciers as well as rising global average sea levels that also are becoming more acidic. One or the other natural calamity that befalls every day upon us should make us aware that the climate is not the same. Such devastating effects have become all too familiar and obvious. In fact the consequences are showing up far beyond the simple rise in the surface temperature of the earth. The resultant fires, extreme rainfalls, Tsunamis, cyclones and intense degrees of rainfalls in different parts of the world have also not been lost on us. Flooding in the most populated area of the Asia and droughts in Africa is making life difficult. And if it were not enough, such changes are also leading to more weather related illnesses with consequent economic problems.
Furthermore, the modern day lifestyle is not only adversely affecting the present inhabitants of the mother earth but the harmful effects of such changes are likely be felt over the generations we leave behind. Our descendents will be surprised to learn that the small islands that existed in pacific during the time of their parents and grandparents are not to be found anywhere. Worst still would be for them to realize that their ancestors did not do enough on their parts to stem the issues as they arose.
To top it all off, while the rich countries and rich people are responsible for causing the harm to the environment, the price of the consequences unfortunately is being born by the poor nations and poor people. This is the greatest injustice to the mankind. No matter how we feel and whether we agree or not, this fundamental fact cannot be denied.
It is now up to us to see what we are willing to do to stem this tide away? First of all, the different nations and their respective governments have to rise to the occasion; for after all governments are formed not only to rule but to make sure that the rules established by them are also observed. Yet, given the enormous nature of this task, no nation, regardless of its affluence, has limitless resources or an endless motivation to undertake such activities. On the other hand each and every person living on this mother earth does have the capability to own responsibility provided there is awareness about such matter. Simple awareness to find and utilize means in cutting short the emission of green gases is one of the fundamental and basic principles upon which our actions should have been directed.
Religion occupies the Supreme status among the lives of the people of the Indian subcontinent both at a personal as well as societal level. As such, helping the existing NGOs or creating new ones having a sole intent of environmental protection should have been one of the top agendas among individuals keeping inclination towards philanthropy. Likewise, the leaders of various faith groups should have intervened and attempted to make it their religious duty in steering their cohorts towards environmentalism by turning it into a core message of their faith. By all and every means environment has to be protected for our future generations.
Fortunately, a few faiths including Sikh faith had taken upon this challenge openly. The founders of Sikh faith truly deserve to be applauded in this regard for they not only carried ahead the truncheon in the matters of spirituality and the strength but also initiated the battle to protect the environment at a time when such a concept was not in vogue at all. "Pawan Guru, Paani Pita, mata Dharat Mahatt……….." is the last sloka in Japuji Sahib, the first Baani in Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Here Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith equals air to the sustainer of life in the form of the guru, the teacher, the enlightener, while water is given the status of a father. But above all, the earth has been elevated to the status of the mother the great. And if it were so, how dare we, the followers, could ever think of doing injustice or causing harm to these elements.
The Sikh history makes it amply clear that the direction to glorify the beauty of the Mother Nature through planting trees and bushes was set forth by the Sikh Gurus, especially the seventh Guru, Guru Har Rai. He protected and highlighted the plight of environment. Historically, he was instrumental in establishing 52 gardens in his life time including Naulakha baag at Kiratpur where herbal medicinal plants were also grown. Based on his love for nature and its preservation, it is often stated that he was perhaps one of the earliest environmentalists in Indian subcontinent. Move the clock backward and it becomes apparent that Guru Nanak the founder of the faith was the first one who practiced organic farming (Uttam Kheti) in his last twenty years at Kartarpur Sahib, exhibiting his love and respect for environment.
The followers of Sikh faith did not lag behind in carrying out the traditions established by their Gurus. The poetry of Bhai Vir Singh celebrating nature clearly reveals that the Sikh psyche has played a yeoman role in preserving environment. Bhagat Puran Singh Ji set an example about social and environmental work by his personal hard work as well as through his writings. That is why organic farming in Punjab carries his name. In 2007, in Punjab, the forward thinking Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, a well-known eco-activist proved this fact beyond doubt that where there is a will there is a way. He spearheaded an anti-river pollution campaign to resurrect 110 miles of Kali Bein personally thus helping generate the awareness among the masses. When he started the water-cleaning project of Kali Bein Rivulet, it was a challenging task. Rivulet Bein was totally dried up into a Kali drain and was reduced to a garbage dump and its religious significance was long lost among Sikhs. But, as people became aware of its importance, they cooperated. Likewise, Baba Sewa Singh Ji and his forestation work in Amritsar district also deserves to be mentioned here.
And then in 2009, thanks to some foreign based Sikhs, the Gurgaddi Day of Guru Har Rai was rightfully declared as the Sikh environmental day. A US based Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) decided to join with UK based Alliance of religions and Conservation (ARC) as well as the United Nations Development Program to launch an organization, "EcoSikh" totally committed to this cause. With small funds from the Government of Norway, a five year plan was created for the Sikhs to take action in this regard. As a result, many Sikhs have become aware of their responsibility towards environment. Almost all the Gurdwaras, especially in foreign lands are now a-days actively preaching for the protection of environment. The children are asked to compete by writing plans and suggestions as how to improve their surroundings. EcoSikh has also established guidelines and goals for various Sikh organizations and Gurudwaras to follow these guidelines. Such goals include performing shabad kirtan with themes involving nature, trees, plants, animals and farming as well as Oneness of creation and practice of truth. Using steel plates instead of styrofoam is now an accepted method of serving langar in many Gurdwaras. Organic food for preparation of meals is another step in the right direction that is being suggested by the EcoSikhs.
All this suggests that while the change in environment is happening and happening fast, the awareness about this catastrophic transformation has not been totally lost upon a few concerned individuals. But this is not enough. There is a need to do more as this truly is a matter of life and death. My humble statements through this write up happen to be a mere yet sincere appeal to all those who care to listen and then attempt to do more than what is already being done. After all, cutting a branch of the tree upon which one is sitting has never been a good idea. Choosing life especially a healthy life in a clean environment is definitely better than the one spent surrounded within dangerous pollutants, at least so I think and hopefully the others too who care to listen.
Please note:- Part of the information reported herein has been taken from various Internet Sites including Wikipedia for which author is sincerely indebted.
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Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, M.D., F.A.A.N.* *Author of 1. "Square Pegs, Round Holes" www.SquarePegsRoundHolesBook.com and 2. "Sikhism: Points to Ponder; Perspectives of a Sikh Living Abroad," as well as a recently published masterpiece about the cross-cultural dilemma of Indian subcontinent diaspora, 3. "One Coin, Two Sides," For details of the this new book, please go to the LINK http://inkwellproductions.com/one-coin-two-sides.htm |