In the office of St Theresa’s High School Vasco the talk was of coal pollution and concern about, “is anyone listening”. Well I would say is anyone concerned, other than the few who are convinced of the ill effects of this coal pollution? I was requested to write something on this concern. I am no expert on this and this is my little contribution. Taking serious note of the rising coal pollution in the port town, the concerned citizens of Vasco and Mormugao, along with few political leaders, have joined hands and formed Mormugao Against Pollution, to fight against coal pollution.
The environment and also the ambient air are significant for all living beings. So people should take into account this issue and should do whatever they can to retain our environment as pure as possible. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations. Our breath is a part of life’s breath, the ocean of air that envelopes the earth.
There is no solution to the ecological crises facing us today. In the realm of ecology the word ‘crisis’ hides an expansive list of issues and concerns. Reckless human activities have led to a large-scale destruction of forests as well as air pollution and water. Again and again we are grumbling and are concerned and talking of the coal pollution in some parts of Goa – to name one town Vasco. The quality of air has deteriorated and we have our children and the senior citizens who suffer from breathing related health hazards.
Pollution makes no contribution to the way we live. The earth and sky and water deserve more than we give. But future generations can make the difference and do more than we did. Yes, they can stop pollution.
The buses, planes and cars and trains just dirty up our skies.
Their smoke goes in the atmosphere – itisn’t very wise.
It coats our lungs and plugs our skin and reddens up our eyes.
We must make restitution.
You’ll find that you won’t mind if you just make a start.
“The environment is where we meet: where we all have a mutual interest: It is the one thing all of us share,” Lady Bird.
Because of wasteful and reckless exploitation of water the water table has receded in most parts of our country. There is real scarcity of safe and clean drinking water. We may expect water wars between people and communities in the future. The issues involved in ecological crises are not merely economic, political or scientific in nature they are about values and attitudes. Can we remind ourselves that we are partners with God in caring for creation? All is a gift to us and when we take all for granted we are as good as spoilt children who do not value what is given to them as a gift.
Today we hold the gift of the earth in trust and we need to hand it down to the next generation according to intergeneration justice, since the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us. It is absolutely vital that we include our children in our efforts to protect the environment. They learn what they see. All this calls for ‘Little Daily Actions’. We need to exhibit a sense of social responsibility, and believe that “I am my brothers and sisters keeper” and become more other centered, avoid plastic, reduce unnecessary water consumption, separate refuse. Pope Francis says such actions can restore our sense of self esteem; they can enable us to live more fully and to feel that life on earth is worthwhile.
It is a call to profound interior conversion and entails values and virtues: Gratitude, generosity in self sacrifice and loving awareness of our connectedness – communion, with the rest of creation. Being protectors of this earth is not optional or a secondary aspect of each of our lives as members of this earth community.
Healthy environment, its protection and the tragic effects of its destruction are the burning issues of concern today and it should be for everyone not just for activist.
