Berhampur: Hundreds of students from schools and colleges along with the senior citizens formed a human chain in Berhampur to celebrate World Earth Day on Saturday.
The participants under the banner of ‘Aryabhatta Foundation’ formed the human chain from Komapally to MKCG Medical College in the city of Odisha’s Ganjam district.
They also staged a demonstration in front of the main gate of MKCG Medical College and Hospital to press their demand for climate action, implementation of ban on single use plastic and stopping deforestation. They appealed to the general public to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and urged the leaders for climate action.
“This Earth Day with the background of roasting heat waves in South-East Asia, ripping Tornado in North America and the catastrophic flood in Pakistan is undeniably significant,” said the Green Man of Odisha Sudhir Raut who is also the director ‘Aryabhatta Foundation’.
“The 1.5°C limit, as set by the Paris agreement, in all likelihood, will be crossed by the end of this decade. Already it has crossed 1.1°C compared to pre-industrial global temperature and many tipping points have been crossed. The COP 26 and 27 were just the events of green washing and means for climate action procrastination. Unless the people wake up to the warning bells, the climate change will be irreversible and consequences catastrophic,” he added.
It may be noted that Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin US, started the Earth Day in response to growing concerns about pollution, biodiversity loss and other ecological problems. He was concerned about the fact after seeing the oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in early 1969.
On April 22, 1970, over 20 million Americans participated in protests, rallies, and other events to demonstrate their support to protect the environment.
It is now observed annually worldwide to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote action to safeguard the planet. This year’s theme, “Invest in Our Planet,” focuses on encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices.
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