Earth Hour 2019 is an amazing opportunity for us to begin changing the planet for the better.

It started with a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007. Now this event inspires individuals, communities, businesses and organizations. This event is one of the key opportunities for global citizens to drive environmental awareness, take actions to show that we care for our environment and mother earth.

 

“The World is one Family”, hence it is essential for us to take oath that we belong to one family of humankind and practice the great virtue of give and take between us to keep the world peaceful by protecting our mother earth’s natural resources. “Nature is more progressive than man, and to protect Nature, man has to make use of it within limits. When man tampers with Nature recklessly, it reacts adversely, and trouble arises. In order to protect Nature, man has to practice ceiling on desires.”

 

Today the world is losing its ecological balance as man out of utter selfishness is robbing mother earth of her resources. As a result, we find earthquakes, tsunami, floods and other devastating natural calamities. Our choices were supposed to bring out the best in us. But unfortunately this has caused great damage to our planet.

 

There is an intimate relationship of man, nature and God. The ozone layer in our atmosphere protects us from the harmful effects of UV rays and solar radiation. Due to the advancement of technology many factories have been established which emits the harmful gases into the atmosphere. The consequences are that the ozone layer has become thinner leading to a disastrous situation. Practically speaking the main reason for this terrifying condition is the increase in our carbon footprints. As we know that carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants and oxygen is supplied to us in the photosynthesis process. Today the amount of carbon dioxide has considerably increased due to deforestation. One solution is to plant and grow more trees and simultaneously protect the existing trees from being destroyed and cut. 

 

Respect nature, the animal and plant kingdoms. They are all part of God’s creation. Nature matters to every one of us - it provides all the things we need to live, from the air we breathe to the water we drink – and it provides the foundations for our economic prosperity. Every human and living being is a visitor on this planet and all are stewards of its abundance. The planet does not belong to his/her visitors. But today the planet is being choked. Let’s contribute to follow a few simple steps to protect our mother earth:

1.       Carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go

2.       Take a jute or cotton bag for shopping

3.       Switch off the lights, fans, A/Cs when not in use

4.       Use a steel or glass plate and cups instead of single-use plastics

5.       Grow saplings and trees

6.       Encourage neighbors to refuse, reuse, reduce and recycle

7.       Purchase energy efficient appliances and Choose sustainable products

8.       Save water

9.       Use public transport

10.   Get into nature and enjoy our local environment

 

We can try to think and act in such a way that through every act of ours we will show our love and respect for our nature and planet.

I conclude by stating that we need to live in harmony with nature to lead a happy and peaceful life. This is the best way to express our gratitude to Mother Nature and God. We can contribute to keep our environment clean not only for ourselves but also for the flora and fauna that share the planet with us. It all starts with us. Protect the planet as it is time for action.

How did you celebrate it?

I attended the “Earth Hour 2019” in Business Bay Canal Lawn, Dubai along with my sister and parents. I talked to visitors regarding the harmful effects of single-use plastics and to take a pledge to refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle. I contributed 10 kg of paper to Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) for “Paper Walk” campaign and took part in the walk when all lights were switched off from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. I also pledged at EEG to use my cycle and use public transport whenever possible to save our natural resources.