World Pollution Prevention Day that is observed every year on December 2nd, serves as an urgent reminder for all of us to address the environmental challenges that our planet faces. With human activities continuing to degrade the Earth’s natural resources, pollution has become a pressing issue that necessitates immediate attention. A close look at the significance of World Pollution Prevention Day and the measures required to combat pollution to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come is therefore the need of the hour.
This day commemorates the Bhopal Gas tragedy of 1984, an industrial catastrophe that caused widespread death and environmental damage. The unchecked, unexpected pollution has not only destroyed and marred human lives but also permanently damaged the environmental soul of the planet.
Pollution can be broadly defined as the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment that cause adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Pollution can be attributed to causes that are multifaceted and range from deforestation, industrial emissions, improper waste management, agricultural practices, energy production, and transportation, to name a few, amongst the many other causes.
International organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.), the World Health Organization (WHO), Greenpeace, and others have been urging countries all over the world to take precautionary measures to control pollution. But it’s not the sole responsibility of our governments; we can each, as individuals, do our part to reduce environmental pollution.
Consider:
- Planting trees to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, lock it into the soil and more.
- Compost at home, and turn green waste into garden gold.
- Recycle, reuse, reduce to protect the environment while saving money, energy, and natural resources.
Here’s some additional things you can do in your home and yard to prevent pollution. And check out this video about how you may unintentionally hurt fish by fertilizing your lawn!