Context:

• As a reminder of humanity’s responsibility to preserve Earth’s resources for future generations, Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 globally.
• Let this day be more than a date on the calendar, and be a turning point - for policy, people, and the planet

Ecological Crisis:

• Essentials for human survival: Clean air, safe water, nourishing food, and natural resources.
• Overexploitation: The planet cannot sustain humanity’s greed-driven consumption. Earth has become a "one-way bank" from which humans continually withdraw without depositing anything back.
• Depletion and degradation:
  • Deforestation, plastic-choked oceans, air pollution.
  • Declining groundwater, soil infertility, and erratic weather patterns.
  • Rise in extreme climate events like floods, wildfires, and heatwaves.

Earth Day - From Symbolism to Stewardship:

• Celebrated since 1970, Earth Day has influenced global environmental frameworks, fostered international cooperation and inspired landmark agreements.
• However, it often gets reduced to symbolic gestures - a social-media post, a tree-planting event, a school skit.
• While awareness matters, this day must be a call to introspect, act, and shift from exploitation to stewardship.

India’s Sustainability Journey - From Rhetoric to Responsibility:

• Climate commitments: Panchamrit Pledge (COP26, Glasgow, 2021) -
  • Reach 500GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
  • 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
  • Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
  • Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels.
  • Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.
• Renewable energy and solar revolution:
  • Solar energy has emerged as one of India’s core pillars (contributes to over 15% of India’s renewable energy mix - and it is growing) of climate action.
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-led with France, is reshaping global energy diplomacy.
  • Initiatives like the National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM are empowering farmers to use solar-powered irrigation.
  • Large solar parks in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan are redefining how India powers its homes and industries.
• Electric mobility and clean transport:
  • FAME scheme: Promoting electric vehicles.
  • Indian railways: Targeting net-zero by 2030.
  • Urban transport: Expansion of public transport and shift to clean fuels.
• Biodiversity and conservation:
  • Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Population growth in key species. India is now home to over 75% of the world’s tiger population.
  • Ramsar Wetlands, Green India Mission: Focus on wetland protection and forest quality.
• Urban challenges and pollution control:
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Improving air quality and monitoring.
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Now includes plastic waste segregation and composting.
• Water conservation: It is evolving with flagship programs like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Namami Gange.
• Sustainable agriculture:
  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana for organic farming.
  • Climate-resilient farming and micro-irrigation.
• Legal and policy framework:
  • From the foundational Environment Protection Act (1986) to newer rules on e-waste, plastic management, and green building codes, India’s legal framework is expanding to meet contemporary challenges.
  • Campaigns like the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative remind us that environmentalism isn’t just about big policy - it’s also about small, everyday choices.

Challenges and Gaps in Implementation:

• Inconsistent execution across states.
• Inadequate climate finance.
• Ongoing conflict between development vs. conservation.
• Issues like encroachments, deforestation, and pollution persist.

A Shift in Consciousness - Sustainability as a Mainstream Agenda:

• Integration of environment: In governance and business.
• Citizen engagement: Growing public awareness and activism.
• Education and accountability: Teaching the next generation and holding systems accountable.

Conclusion - Towards a Regenerative Future:

• Earth Day must go beyond symbolism to include key actions like consuming mindfully, reducing plastic use, supporting green policies, and reconnecting with nature daily.
• There is no Planet B, and sustainability is no longer optional but existential.