To be in coherence with Nature

Our Planet on the Brink

The world stands on a precipice today. The critical temperature limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius, beyond which environmental damage will become irreversible, is very much on the horizon. Scientists predict we will breach this threshold by 2030.

The NATURE page is an informative resource and a call to action. It urges us to unite to preserve our planet, our only home.

Panch Bhoot: The Five Elements

Ancient Indian texts define the essential elements of all creation as Panch Bhoot, the "five elements." These elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Akasha (often translated as "ether" or "cosmic space") – form the foundation of Ayurvedic medicine.

While modern science recognizes a broader range of elements in the human body, water is the predominant element and constitutes three-quarters of our constitution. Similarly, we can't survive for more than a minute without oxygen, highlighting these elements' vital role in our existence. Beyond the physical, Panch Bhoot also represents a more profound philosophy in Indian thought, reflecting the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.

Fresh Water: A Sacred Resource

An article in MDPI Journal's Water points out that only 3% of our planet's water is freshwater, with a vast majority (over two-thirds) locked away in glaciers and polar ice caps.

The remaining unfrozen freshwater is primarily found underground (groundwater) with a small fraction existing above ground in lakes and rivers, and even less as vapor in the air. This highlights the importance of freshwater conservation, as readily available sources like rivers make up a tiny fraction of the total freshwater.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report on Drinking Water in 2022, more than seventy-three percent of the global population—around six billion people—use some means or other to ensure that their water is free from contamination, which causes life-threatening diseases. The WHO report states that at least 1.7 billion people use drinking water sources contaminated with feces.

Air: Breath Threatened

Just like water, air is essential for life. Without it, we can only survive for a few seconds. However, the World Health Organization paints a concerning picture: ninety-nine percent of the global population breathes air laden with harmful pollutants. PM2.5 is a tiny particulate matter that profoundly affects our lungs.

Beyond its immediate necessity for life, clean air is crucial for our health. However, the World Health Organization reports that 99% of the global population breathes air polluted with harmful substances.

Pollutants include particulate matter (PM), especially PM2.5, tiny particles that lodge deep in our lungs and can trigger respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. Air pollution has a direct connection between human health and climate change.

Unsustainable Practices and Their Consequences

Our planet suffers the consequences of unsustainable human activities. The relentless pursuit of economic growth, often at the expense of environmental protection, has taken a toll on Earth.

Forests, for example, are crucial for regulating Earth's climate. They absorb heat and carbon dioxide, acting as natural "sinks" for these elements. However, deforestation rates continue to rise, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates climate change.

The melting of glaciers in the Arctic, Antarctica, and elsewhere is another alarming consequence. Rising sea levels and disrupted weather patterns threaten the survival of all life forms.

Air Pollution Fueling the Fire

Fire is a natural part of our ecosystem, but human activity has significantly altered its role. Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants into the atmosphere, including greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat, causing global temperatures to rise.

Unfortunately, air pollution doesn't just affect the climate; it also contributes to wildfires. Pollutants act like a giant insulating blanket, trapping heat in the lower atmosphere and preventing it from escaping. This creates hotter, drier conditions that make forests more susceptible to fires.

A Breathtaking Crisis: Pollution Threatens Our Planet

Our planet's atmosphere, a vital protective layer, is under siege. Unchecked human activity has filled this airspace with the consequences of unsustainable development. The depletion of the ozone layer and the ever-increasing concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide threaten Earth's health.

The situation is critical, but not hopeless. By transitioning to cleaner energy sources, adopting sustainable practices, and investing in pollution reduction technologies, we can create a future where humanity and nature can thrive together.