- Environment a Global problem today the most important problem is the preservation and the survival of the planet Earth.
For this purpose the United Nations Organization set up the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) in 1983 under the chairpersonship of Gro Harlem Brundil and Prime Minister of Norway. It produced the Montreal Protocol for United Nations Environment Program which was signed by 31 countries in Sept.1987 for protecting the Earth’s Ozone layer. Later at the Helsinki Conference in May 1989 50 more nations agreed to the elimination of CFCs (Chloro-fluro-carbons) production and use by the year 2000. The next Earth Conference is scheduled for August 92 in Brazil. However Mr. Bush the President of the USA recently declared that he would not be able to participate in this conference. This shows that powerful nations are disinclined to limit environmental pollution for their economies are based on the maximum exploitation of the world’s resources.
It may be noted that the western nations which account for only one-fourth of the world-population consume roughly 80% of the world’s resources. They have the technical and financial ability to overcome many environmental problems but they are not interested in investing in new technologies which can prevent pollution. For example let us take the automobile which runs on petrol or diesel oil which can be run on electric batteries and thus reduce the pollution caused by oil-fumes. There are other hidden dangers of pollution like acid-rain desertification atmospheric turbidity etc. In addition the conservation of wild life is essential for balance in nature though there may be no economic benefit in doing so. Look at the destruction of forests and its effect on climate and production. The world’s biggest forest is in the Amazon valley in Brazil. “The forest took sixty million years to evolve. It is believed that if we continue with the present rate of destruction we will destroy these areas in 60 years.” (I) Similarly deforestation in the Assam hills causes periodical floods in Assam and Bengal.
A colossal amount is being spent on production of deadly weapons for use in a future war. There is however no proof that military spending furthers global security. Look at the Russian nuclear arsenal and the Baltic fleet which have since become the bone of contention among the new Commonwealth of Independent Soviet States recently set up in place of the erstwhile Soviet Union. The voluntary disposal of nuclear armaments or its use in the next war will totally annihilate the Ozone layer and enhance the green-house effect Additionally it will cause “Nuclear winter a very rapid cooling of the earth sufficient to cause freezing temperatures in some areas in mid-summer. It might have a greater impact on the earth and its inhabitants than the original nuclear explosions.” (2) “Lack of infra-structure political disorder and/or political systems un-adaptable to reality are frequently the main obstacles to improvement Widespread poverty and concentrated affluence conspire to increase environmental degradation to increase pressure on resources and to increase inequities that lead to global instability and political tensions It is poverty that is responsible for the destruction of resources not the poor.” (3)
- Holistic Approach: What is important is the awareness of the environmental problems by the masses The religious leaders of different faiths communities should join hands together to Propagate this awareness among the people. Politicians cannot be expected to give up their systems and ideologies for the benefit of mankind as a whole. “The environment is not a luxury nor can it be postponed until later. We need immediate changes in economic and social attitudes and values. We must adopt a holistic and comprehensive approach to solving environmental problems.” (4) All most all religions emphasize that mankind is just one big family created by God. Humans are nursed and sustained by Gods Nature therefore individual and State activities should be directed towards the welfare of the whole human race. Moreover God has given us a conscience the indwelling judge to guide our activities. Hence man has the responsibility to protect Nature and environment. Guru Nanak wrote “Inside man is the seat of God which decides what is good or bad and dispenses justice accordingly” (GGS p.92) (5).
If we want to establish a new world order we must first undo the injustice done by the strong to the weak. Similarly the damage caused by industrialized nations to Third World countries through exploitation of their natural resources and cheap labor has to be ended and the philosophy of the so-called “enterprise-culture” rejected as a matter of state policy. Out-moded technologies which put environment at risk are being. Still exported to poor countries and called “Development aid.” Men of conscience and goodness should exert themselves to reverse this trend of rich countries to make the richer by increasing poverty among under-developed countries. Look at the contradiction an rampant injustice of the abundance of food supplies in the European Economic Community which include milk lakes and mountains of butter and the simultaneous deprivation and starvation in Ethiopia Mozambique and other parts of Africa The imbalance is man-made and needs to be corrected as early as possible.
III. The Sikh view: Guru Nanak the Founder of Sikhism laid down three basic principles for all human beings. These are under (i) Fatherhood of God that is God is the Creator and we are all equal none superior to another as a human being. (ii) Brotherhood of Man that is all human beings men women and children whether poor or rich have an innate worth and dignity (iii) Motherhood of Nature that we have to treat the entire creation of God with love and sensitivity. Nature is our Mother because she supplies us with food and drink Nature is our biological parent for it provides soil forestry animal and plant species and more importantly air and water without which we cannot survive. There is a harmony in the world of Nature under the control and power of God. All living things including animal’s birds and fish are under His Hukam (Order) which prevails in their development change and decay. He has created a balance between all elements of creation for the survival of various species. If we interfere in this balance from motives of greed and/or ambition we shall face chaos and disaster. The environment and survival of all life-forms are closely connected with the rhythm of nature The Gurus emphasized the preservation and sensible use of natural environment and not its pollution and destruction.
Guru Nanak mentions in the Sikh Scripture (Guru Granth Sahib) “Air is the Guru” meaning thereby that just as a religious teacher is essential for man’s development and his personality and spiritual fulfillment in the same way air is the breath of life it has to be kept pure and undefiled..
“Water is the Father” meaning thereby that just as a father is the support of the family water is the support for all life-forms and so it is important to use it carefully and sensibly.
“Nature is the Mother” implying that just as the mother feeds the child so mother-earth supplies all the sustenance for every living creature.
Guru Nanak expresses his sense of wonder at the variety charm and colorfulness of God’s creation He says.
“Amazing are your creatures O Lord.
Surprising are their species Wonderful are their views.
And amazing are their hues;
The sights of your creature’s amaze.
As they wander in naked grace.
Wonder-inspiring are your waters and air.
Amazing are the frolics of fire in the air.
Wonderful is the earth and its treasurers.
Which lure mankind to their lusty pleasures.” (GGS p.464)
All that is created by God is controlled by His Will.
“In Your fear thousand breezes blow.
In respect full awe a thousand rivers flow.
In reverent awe a million fires glow.
In Your fear the earth revolves below.
In Your fear the god of rain does roam.
Verily with heavy clouds on its lofty dome.” (GGS p.469)
The objects of nature worship their Creator and sing His praises in their own ways
“Placed on the salver of heaven are the lamps suns and moon.
With pearls of constellations Thy offering.
Fragrant mountain breezes Thy incense the wind Thy whisk.
The entire blossoming vegetation Thy flower offering.
Thou who art the Light.
How wonderful is this adoration.
Thy Ant (worship).
Thou Destroyer of transmigration Divine spiritual harmony.
Thy worship orchestrates.” (GGS p.12).
The fauna and flora join in the cosmic melody.
Guru Nanak lauds the Creator of Nature for He pervades in it:
“I pray to the Lord who dwells in Nature.” (GGS p.469).
He realizes the presence of God in Nature
“Through Nature we see the Lord through Nature we hear Him Nature is observed with awe wonder and joy.
Nature in the lower regions nature in the skies.
Nature is manifest in the whole creation.” (GGS p.464).
Moreover Nature is the sacred work of the Creator who is very much concerned with its welfare and progress.
“Men trees bathing-spots clouds and fields.
Islands worlds continents and universe.
Creatures born of sources in eggs placenta atmosphere and sweat.
Oceans and mountains and their Surroundings.
Of these God himself knows all in all.
Says Nanak having brought forth Creatures He looks after all.
The Creator who made them is mindful of them.
The Creator who raised the world for it feels concerned” (GGs P.464).
Guru Nanak calls the world a Dharamsal a place for righteous actions. A balance between the five elements air water fire earth and space is necessary for the survival of the universe. Both Nature and humankind are complimentary. The gifts of nature are meant equally for all. We have to share the concern for environmental issues and avoid interfering with Gods Plan which may affect the interests of other nations. The Gurus insisted on people and their rulers to observe ethical norms and behavior towards others because:
“The Earth is a garden
The Lord its Gardener Cherishing all none neglected.” (GGS p.118)
Finally Sikhism has a vision of an ethical world in which equality justice and harmony will ultimately prevail. The Guru wrote:
“It has been ordained by the Merciful Lord.
That no one should domineer over others.
That none should cause harm to another.
Only then may the world abide peace.
Such is the order of the Lords Benevolence.” (GGS p.74)
Conclusion
Remedy Suggested
Action may be taken by religious communities in different states countries and by public leaders as follows:
- To organize periodical environmental conferences/symposia in towns and universities to create awareness of this problem.
- To publish literature in languages expressing the necessity of saving the environment for human survival.
- To co-operate with groups the Green Party and local conservation programs.
- To form pressure groups to bring environmental issues on the agenda of the Legislature/Parliament.
- To put pressure on the media (newspapers radio TV) for public debate on national and regional ecological issues.
- To support existing organizations like Friends of the Earth Green Deserts Ltd. Water-aid Greenpeace World Wild World Food Program Oxfam etc.
- To bring before the U.N.O. all ecological matters which concern a number of nations or state and where global nor have to be determined in the best interests of all.
REFERENCES
(1) Andre Singer: Battle for the Planet, 1987, Pan, p-137 “
(2) David S. Kemp: Global Environmental Issues, a Climatological Approach, 1990, Rout-ledge p.187:
(3) Andre Singer: Ibid, p.138
(4) Andre Singer: Ibid, p.139
(5) GGS: Guru Granth Sahib: Sikh Scripture in English Translation.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 29, 1992
