What does it take to sustain human life on Earth? The answer remains simple: Clean air, safe water, nourishing food, and access to the natural resources that allow us to live with dignity and purpose. Now ask yourself: Can there be any system, any kind of “bank”, from which we keep withdrawing these essentials endlessly, without ever making a deposit?

Surprisingly, there is. And it is nature itself, what many of us call Mother Earth. We have turned Mother Earth into a one-way bank account, mindlessly withdrawing while giving little or nothing back. Catalysed by consumption, greed, and the illusion that nature is infinite, humanity has entered an era of ecological overdraft. Our forests are vanishing; our oceans are choking with plastic and the air in many cities has become unbreathable. Groundwater reserves are dwindling and soil fertility is declining. Weather patterns have become erratic, with extreme events like floods, wildfires, and heat waves occurring more frequently. The Earth can no longer afford our greed.

As a reminder of humanity’s responsibility to preserve Earth’s resources for future generations, we celebrate April 22 as Earth Day. It is a day to reflect on the planet’s health, educate communities about pressing environmental issues, and advocate for sustainable practices.

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has influenced global environmental frameworks, fostered international cooperation and inspired landmark agreements. However, it often gets reduced to symbolic gestures — a social-media post, a tree-planting event, a........

© Indian Express