Set no new green goals for 2020; Just achieve the previous ones

Every New Year is ushered with a sparkling zeal and many pledges and goals—most of which remain just fantasy. The nature, environment scene is no different. We pledge to plant more trees but, instead, cause a decline in green cover over some petty ‘modern facility’ like a paved portico or car shed; Or, more extensively speaking, a convention centre or a metro station. Every time, it is the greenery and the biodiversity that has to pay a price for our ambitions. Hence what we require first thing this year is to revise our knowledge about the vitality of tress: Trees have supported and sustained life throughout our existence. Food for all living organisms originates from trees and other members in the plant kingdom. Every single organism depends directly or indirectly on trees for survival. In addition, trees also provide wood, shade, oxygen and clean air. During heavy rains, trees reduce the risk of flooding. Trees and forests are closely linked with weather patterns and also in the maintenance of a crucial balance in nature. Hence, the ‘task’ of environment protection is a universal responsibility of all of us. Dalai Lama also said in his speech in 1990: “If we look around, we can now see that those houses in the monasteries and in various camps where people have planted fruit trees now enjoy great benefit as a consequence of their action. First of all, if there is a tree in your courtyard it creates around it an atmosphere of natural beauty and serenity. It is also obvious that you can eat the fruits from the tree, sit under it and enjoy the cool shade. What was required on your part was a little patience to allow some time for the tree to grow up.” When plants grow in an area, the roots of plants dig deep in to the soil and create space between soil particles. When it rains, water that flows gets drained into the space created by the root system of plants. Due to this, chance of flooding is greatly reduced. When plants are absent, especially in rocky areas, rocks prevent water from seeping into the ground. This phenomenon is also observed in paved roads. Since there is no room for water to seep, flooding occurs. If there are more trees in an area that is prone to water runoffs, the root system of trees can help reduce the amount of water being dumped into lakes and rivers, or nullahs and drains for that matter. When land is paved over or covered, by roads and roofs for example, it is like putting ‘plastic wrap’ on top of the ground. Rain that would have soaked into the ground and recharged the groundwater now runs across the surface. As more water is running off the earth than soaking into it, groundwater levels are reducing to alarming lows. And we are not even talking about the importance of trees in preserving local biodiversity, like birds, dragonflies and butterflies and their subsequent significance in our life and biosphere. We know not many would care. So, at least for the sake of your own good, fulfill that long standing pledge you made: Don’t just plant trees, protect the existing ones like they were your family!