What Can We Do To Save Our Earth?
In the modern world, we rely on energy for most of our daily needs like lighting, cooking, and entertainment, as well as industry, transportation, and other activities. The overall energy needs have increased dramatically as the global population and economies have grown. The increasing emission of air pollutants from these energy giving devices are harming our planet. On this Earth Day, let us remind ourselves to keep developing new technologies that lead to more environment-friendly approaches and more cautious resource stewardship.
India alone is responsible for more than a quarter of global primary energy demand. Our country's population is expected to grow by more than 267 million by 2040, resulting in an increase of 11% in primary energy demand. By 2040, CO2 emissions will have doubled, resulting in substantial and perhaps irreparable environmental damage. As our reliance on energy will only increase, we must take efforts to efficiently address the energy needs of an ever-increasing population.
Considering the situation, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), India announced an aggressive goal to reduce carbon emissions and made a major commitment to achieve the Net-Zero target by 2070. This demonstrates that we recognise the gravity and breadth of potential future climate change concerns. It is hoped that India's actions will inspire other high-polluting developed countries to take more effective measures. Our Prime Minister also urged Indian and foreign corporations to invest in Net Zero initiatives and develop capabilities.
One of the most difficult challenges in this regard is reducing emissions from existing energy infrastructure such as steel mills, coal plants, and other factories. As a result, it is critical that businesses choose clean technology and invest heavily in transitioning to sustainable technologies. Even minor changes in their approach, such as using clean energy to power their offices, factories, and warehouses, sourcing raw materials locally, installing smart and automated devices that optimise energy use, and so on, can have a significant impact. Companies should prioritise developing appropriate systems to monitor and manage carbon emissions, as well as setting clear and ambitious reduction targets and aligning CEO remuneration schemes with these goals.
The pandemic has increased the use of technology for all types of communications; therefore, it is important for the consumers to remain vigilant and employ solutions that will help save energy and thus reduce carbon emissions. It may appear that energy conservation and efficiency is a difficult task but it is simple to achieve by making a few minor changes to our daily routine. This Earth Day, we must educate ourselves and our peers about the benefits of using sustainable, clean, and greener alternatives in our daily lives. Also, encourage everyone to take corrective actions and make efforts that will aid in environmental conservation and ensure a safer earth.
Only when world leaders, industries, and people work together to devise and implement preventive measures will it be possible to conserve energy and mitigate climate change. It is every human's responsibility as a global citizen to continue raising environmental awareness and protecting our planet earth.
(About the author: Kishan Jain is Director at Goldmedal Electricals)
