Blames policies, abuse of resources for global warming
PANJIM, JUNE 4
The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) has stated that irrational policies, unscrupulous urbanisation of villages, especially in the coastal belt, and blatant abuse of the natural resources have contributed significantly to global warming and climate change in the State.
In a message to mark World Environment Day on June 5, the CSJP has stated that efforts must be made to prevent pollution of air, water-bodies and soil as well as to protect all eco-sensitive zones in the State.
‘June 5 is dedicated to World Environment Day and was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, following the UN Conference on ‘Human Environment’.
The observation of this day is a clarion call to us all, as individuals or members of any Institution or Organisation to pay our debt to the Planet Earth which gives us life and its sustenance,’ stated CSJP executive Secretary Fr Maverick Fernandes.
‘Many of the natural resources of the Earth are limited and non renewable. Rampant cutting of hills, forests, mangroves, limitless excavation of mineral ores on one hand, sand on the other and quarrying has already destroyed the natural balance and eco cycles.’
‘In Goa irrational policies, unscrupulous urbanisation of villages especially in the coastal belt, blatant abuse of the natural resources contribute significantly to Global warming and climate change. This devastation must be curbed at all costs,’ the CSJP message stated.
‘Planet Earth is God’s precious gift to us. It demands our respect, reverence and acknowledgement as a sacred trust. The rich diversity of our life sustaining, intricate and fragile eco-systems cries for protection through prevention, preservation and promotion. In to-days context, especially in our tiny State, Creation needs to be urgently redeemed, to be restored and renewed.’
The CSJP stated that people should aspire to prevent pollution of air, all water-bodies and soil, protect all eco-sensitive zones – khazans, mangroves, forest, hill slopes, particularly those of the Western Ghats.
People have also been advised to avoid the use of plastic, to segregate garbage, learn composting or organise community effort even in small plots in their area.
Farmers should also be encouraged to till fallow fields and to avoid pesticides and insecticides.
“We must be convinced that to save our children, we need to make concerted efforts here and now.
It is the responsibility of each and every citizen to seek small and big measures. Let us all fulfill our duty, willingly and with enthusiasm. This is the eco-spirituality we must accept and foster,” added the CSJP message.
