Why Mother Earth Day 2023 matters more than ever

T he state of our planet has never been more pressing, with climate change posing a real and immediate threat to our environment. As we acknowledged the World Mother Earth Day 2023, it is important that we reflect on the urgency of investing in our planet for the future. The need to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural habitats and promote sustainable practices has never been more critical. By taking action now, we can ensure that we leave a healthy and sustainable world for future generations and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Investing in our planet is more important now than ever before. Climate change is a real and pressing threat that has already begun to impact our world. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers and extreme weather events are just some of the consequences of a changing climate that we are already experiencing. In order to mitigate these effects and create a more sustainable future, we need to take action now. According to the United Nations, the world needs to reduce carbon emissions by 7.6% every year until 2030 in order to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

This goal is essential to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels and food and water scarcity. As former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said, Climate change does not respect borders; it does not respect who you are rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call global challenges which require global solidarity. We must all work together to address the urgent environmental challenges facing our planet and ensure that we leave a healthy and sustainable world for future generations. One of the most important ways that we can invest in our planet is by reducing our carbon footprint.

Carbon emissions are the primary cause of climate change, and reducing them is essential if we want to slow down the rate of global warming. Renewable energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for almost 72% of all new power capacity added globally. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy could provide 90% of the worlds electricity by 2050 if the right policies are put in place. Investing in renewable energy is a critical step towards achieving the goal of reducing carbon emissions.

As former US Vice President Al Gore has said, Were borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the future of human civilization. Every bit of that has to change. By investing in renewable energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and ensure a more sustainable future. Protecting and restoring natural habitats is another important way to invest in our planet. According to the United Nations, over one million species are currently at risk of extinction due to human activities like deforestation, habitat destruction and climate change.

Protecting and restoring natural habitats can help preserve biodiversity and ensure that future generations can enjoy a healthy and diverse planet. In the words of environmental activist Wangari Maathai, We need to promote development that does not destroy our environment. Sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste are important ways to invest in our planet and promote sustainable development.

Agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, but sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture can help sequester carbon and reduce emissions. Reducing food waste is also important, as it can help us conserve resources and reduce emissions from landfills. As Rachel Carson, the author of Silent Spring, said, In nature, nothing exists alone. We must recognise that the health of the planet is intricately tied to our own well-being. As we celebrate World Mother Earth Day, let us remember that investing in our planet is not just an ethical responsibility, but also a practical one. The economic and social benefits of a sustainable future far outweigh the costs of inaction.

According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme, investing just 2% of global GDP in key sectors like energy, water and transport could help us transition to a more sustainable future. This investment could help us create new jobs, reduce poverty and protect the planet for future generations. Protecting and restoring natural habitats is also crucial for the health of the planet. As Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist, said, Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. By taking small actions like reducing our use of single-use plastics, supporting conservation efforts and advocating for stronger environmental policies, we can all make a difference in protecting the planet.

Finally, reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agriculture are important steps towards a more sustainable future. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted every year. This not only wastes valuable resources, but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, we can help conserve resources and reduce emissions. In conclusion, investing in our planet is crucial for our future. As we celebrate World Mother Earth Day 2023, let us commit to taking action towards a more sustainable future. By investing in renewable energy, protecting and restoring natural habitats and promoting sustainable agriculture, we can help protect the planet for future generations

Courtesy The Express Tribune