Chacko Anthony SJ
We humans are part of the problem. We can be the solution too! In our urge to go for more amenities, we go for felling trees, destroying forests, shaving off hills, destroying land fertility, quarrying, mining, and the like. In the process, landslides, soil erosion and climate changes occur. Land turns into desert. Annual hunts of certain communities also contribute to deforestation and that, in turn, causes desertification and drought.
Rain water falling in hills and forests flows down because trees and plants, whose roots could prevent top soil erosion, are not there. Drops turn into floods and floods carry away top soil.
Climatic changes invite the heat of the sun to affect land and, thus, add to the problem. Scientists point out that, ‘Land that is healthy and resilient is the first point of defence against droughts and flash floods.’ That, in turn, can help against desertification and drought.
Yes, the solution is in our hands. Not just for our comforts need we consider the way we can arrest the progress of desertification and drought. Creation has its own identity and destiny. Should we tamper with it? Should we overuse, pollute mother earth and over-extract resources, thereby causing harm to land and soil?
Should we not realise that we are co-passengers with land, water, air, forest, vegetation, animals, butterflies, insects, and all other beings on this our planet? Such a sense can instil in us the importance of using things for our need, not for our greed. Survival of the fittest does not mean that man, thinking that he is the fittest animal on earth, can indulge in all wanton acts. Sense and sensibility need to accompany us to save our planet, not just ourselves.