A Tale of Two Futures: Choosing Our Path with Nature
"Throughout the history of medicine, health has been seen as a condition of equilibrium and illness as the disruption of a balanced state." —David Mechanic
If you think this population change is an isolated occurrence, think again.
The indicators are hard to miss.
The duration of rainfall has extended.
The vibrant birds tweet in abundance amidst the stealth of predators.
Ripening fruits and the presence of rare orchids hang in a delicate balance.
The buzzing of bees and the burden of pollen are evident.
Like a monarchy, is faithfully followed, and a golden age prevails, with flourishing forests and land.
At the apex of the food chain, the green cover remains truly green. The gods, in communion, sing harmoniously until, like any known cycle, disruption occurs.
In corporate terms, disruption is a call to break free from monotony, with leaders advocating for fresh approaches to problem-solving. Unfortunately, when it comes to nature, disruption truly signifies disruption.
The sociologist Dr. David Mechanic has eloquently noted that throughout the history of medicine, health is seen as an equilibrium, and illness is the disruption of that balance.
These lines emphasise equilibrium and illness. As the green cover diminishes globally, one must contemplate how aspects of everyday, healthy human life are affected. What was once considered a problem happening far away is now knocking on our doorstep.
The question is no longer philosophical.
It's a stark reality; the pragmatic approach is to take action because we can.
Having spent over 40 years in Bengaluru, I suddenly noticed the absence of the common sparrow. I had grown so accustomed to their presence that their absence took nearly eight years to register.
The indications were subtle, but the disappearance of an entire species is a grave event. Despite considering myself well-informed, I overlooked their absence, perhaps due to a protective mechanism that encourages us not to worry about things beyond our control.
As I observed, I realised the profound impact of small contributions, reinforcing the saying that "small drops make a mighty ocean." This phrase often meant counting units in my corporate leadership role, but I never truly believed in significant change.
Figures like Nelson Mandela, who fought against apartheid and individuals who dedicated their lives to monumental tasks felt more like philosophical tales than pragmatic realities.
Returning to the dwindling green cover, humankind has, within a few centuries, obliterated what took millions and billions of years to create and perfect. All this is attributed to short-sighted intraday trading behaviour.
The disease known as deforestation has been spreading like an unknown virus across the world. Excessive exploitation of natural resources has led to irreversible damage in many places, setting off chain reactions in various spheres.
The butterfly effect, as per the chaos theory, states that a single flap of a butterfly's wing can cause a weather change. However, this is not in isolation. It is akin to changes in population creating ripples in the microcosm, leading to more significant shifts in the observable universe.
Early rains, cloud movements, and a nuclear reaction, once initiated, have no reversal. It's more like a failed effort akin to Chornobyl, where early warnings were disregarded.
Image Credit : https://www.businessinsider.com/map-of-the-day-deforestation-2011-12?IR=T
The attached map illustrates how deforestation has affected the world. The red areas represent nearly irreparable damages across most continents. The process of nature healing, if initiated now, will still take a century or more to recover.
Amid this bleak scenario, the small green area on the Indian Subcontinent is the next target. The Western Ghats, a mountain range along India's western coast, is now significantly impacted by deforestation.
A new global map of deforestation reveals 888,000 square miles (2.3 million square kilometers) lost between 2000 and 2012. (Image credit: Image courtesy Matt Hansen, University of Maryland)
So, what can we do?
We can take action.
Creating online groups on Twitter or Facebook and, regularly sharing information, gaining followers, and taking the issue to the public is one way.
Alternatively, we can go on the ground, assess the situation with expert guidance, and contribute to the efforts for change.
Unlike Africa or South America, we are fortunate that the possibility of reversal is within reach.
The good news is that cultural practices are still sensitive to nature, and passionate groups and individuals are working relentlessly towards conservation. We need more of us to start thinking about and contributing towards conservation through harmonious coexistence.
The Western Ghats is waiting for all of us to understand its true value and respect its existence.
- Manu Tripathi
Manu Tripathi, with a multifaceted IT, media, and radio background, now directs his expertise toward sustainable agriculture. His dynamic career includes leading roles at top radio stations and creative endeavours in music and theatre, reflecting a commitment to innovation and tradition.