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1. Blueprint for Survival of Divine
Himalaya -I
Sunder Lal Bahuguna
Abstract
Himalaya will play an important role in shaping the future of
Asia. Development, with only economic growth and achievement of
affluence, has made man the butcher of nature. To achieve the
goal of real development, our behaviour with Nature should be as
a child's with the Mother. We have to fulfill our needs from
Nature. For this, the use of Science and technology should be to
sublimate Nature. This is what the ‘chipko’ movement is all
about………
Full Article
2. Blueprint for Survival of Divine
Himalaya –II
Sunder Lal Bahuguna
Abstract
More and more people have been affected on account of disaster
in Himalaya in the shape of floods, soil-erosion and drought. We
in Himalaya are facing the Crisis of Survival due to suicidal
activities being carried out in the name of development. These
are commercial exploitation of the forests, mining, haphazard
construction of dams, which inundate vast areas and displace a
large number of people, mechanical heavy explosions creating
artificial tremors, construction of Five Star Hotels for luxury
tourism and multi-storeyed buildings not in tune with Himalayan
landscape. . Resources should be used for regional economic
self-sufficiency. Ban on indiscriminate exploitation and export
of resources (e.g. mining, deforestation, and construction of
big dams etc)…………
Full Article
3.
Death of a Planet
Satyapal Anand
Abstract
There looms ahead the problem of the very survival of
mankind which requires a far greater concentration and
application of cerebral activity and statesmanlike wisdom than
has marked the past or is evident in the world today. The
exponential growth of population is only one interacting
component of our global system. If all the world’s have nots
became haves overnight, the rates of consumption of raw
materials would be about three times the present rates. The
inevitable byproduct of increasing agricultural urban and
industrial development to meet the needs and want of an
expanding world population is pollution through solid, liquid
and gaseous waste products. However, it is possible to avoid a
catastrophic fate for mankind.
Full Article
4. The Suicide Economy of Corporate Globalisation
Dr. Vandana Shiva
Abstract
The Indian
peasantry, the largest body of surviving small farmers in the
world, today faces a crisis of extinction. The shift from farm
saved seed to corporate monopolies of the seed supply is also a
shift from biodiversity to monocultures in agriculture.
Monocultures and uniformity increase the risks of crop failure
as diverse seeds adapted to diverse ecosystems are replaced by
rushed introduction of unadapted and often untested seeds into
the market.
Full Article
Go to Dr Vandana Shiva’s
site
www.vshiva.net
5. Humans- Biggest Threat to Environment
Abstract
Today the planet holds more then six billion people. During
the next century, the world double, with 90% of that growth
occurring in poorer, developing countries.
India, one of
the first countries to adopt a family planning programme, some
30 years ago, failed to forge a national will for the task and
the population is now growing at 2% a year. Scientist and
environmentalist has noted that of all entrenched values,
religion presented perhaps the greatest obstacle to population
control.
Full Article
6.
Forcing Rapid Climate
Change
‘GRIM SCENARIO FOR EARTH’
Abstract
Natural greenhouse effect (GHE) already keeps the earth
warm enough for habitation, but emissions from human activities
have substantially increased concentrations of carbon dioxide,
nitrous oxide and CFCs. According to the report, stabilising
atmospheric concentrations of carbon-dioxide at present day
levels would require emission reduction. of over 60 per cent;
and methane reductions would have to be 1 5 to 20 per cent. The
oceans are reckoned to send out and absorb similar amounts.
Man’s activities emit 5,700 million tons to the atmosphere
through burning fossil fuels (coal and oil), and possibly more
than 2,000 million tons through land use changes, mainly through
loss of tropical forests.
Full Article
7.
Disturbing Developments
By R. K. Behl
Abstract
The major emphasis is on meeting the basic needs of all and
making possible a life of dignity. This requires such
development strategies as anticipate environmental problems.
Eco-development by respecting natural laws and processes needs
to be encouraged. In order to resolve the population environment
conflicts, a major shift in our attitudes and development
priorities is a must.
Full
Article
8.
Agriculture: what’s wrong?
by Birinder Pal Singh
Abstract
It
is
unfortunate that the "land of five rivers" is fast proceeding
towards the brink of prosperity and depleting its water
resources. It seems history has destined it that way. Two rivers
were lost during Partition and the remaining are given to
pollution and natural upheavals of more or less availability of
water. No doubt, science and technology have done wonders for
agriculture but can we sustain it without nature. Biotechnology
has only started showing symptoms of still greater marvels in
this field, but how long we shall be able to play with the
proposed restructuring of nature that is being done not
primarily in the interest of the farmers and their welfare, but
essentially for MNCs like Monsanto.
Full Article
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