The media has been vociferously discussing how recent movies are resulting in a negative impact because of the violent content portrayed on the screen after Animal, a movie by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was released.
What surprises me is not the movie, but the discussion, because we do not have the same discussion when perhaps a movie presents a topic of greater relevance and therefore should influence us to do better for the world or, to be specific, to care for the earth.
The Archies by Zoya Akhtar, released last week is an adaptation of Archies comics and the central theme is to save ‘Green Park’, a park which holds a special place in the heart and mind of adults and kids growing up.
The ‘Green Park’ is certainly a place where families can gather and enjoy the beauty of nature. It becomes more personal when children plant trees in the ‘Green Park’ and name them after themselves.
We do not have the same discussion when perhaps a movie presents a topic of greater relevance and therefore should influence us to do better.
There are plenty of messages sent across to save the trees, save the environment and save the planet, but what is bothering is whether it reaches the policymakers and makes an impact on them.
Take the case of Calangute where a proposed road improvement project involves widening, hot-mixing and constructing a median on the major district road leading to the St Alex Church. The project is set to cover the stretch from Palmarinha culvert (Bodkovod) to St Alex Church.
Approximately three dozen trees, some as old as 50 years, are slated for removal to facilitate the widening work.
Approximately three dozen trees, some as old as 50 years, are slated for removal to facilitate the widening work. Local MLA Michael Lobo confirmed the decision to cut the trees, while the Calangute panchayat passed a resolution supporting the cutting.
Opposition to the tree-cutting proposal has come from locals, the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) of Calangute and the Calangute Constituency Forum.
The BMC suggests retaining the roadside trees and proposing realignment of the road to allow one side of the trees to act as a divider, which supposedly is a better option than just butchering the trees without giving it serious thought.
It is a broader global challenge in balancing progress with ecological sustainability.
It is a broader global challenge in balancing progress with ecological sustainability.
There has always been a conflict between developmental projects and environmental conservation. It is a complex and widespread issue that arises when the goals of economic and social development clash with the need to protect and preserve the environment.
This conflict can manifest in various ways and poses challenges for policymakers, communities and environmentalists.
Conservation efforts aim to protect ecosystems and endangered species, while development projects encroach on protected areas or sensitive habitats.
Development projects often involve the extraction of natural resources, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction and biodiversity depletion. Conservation efforts aim to protect ecosystems and endangered species, while development projects encroach on protected areas or sensitive habitats.
Infrastructure development, such as dams, roads and urban expansion, can have significant environmental impacts, causing harm to ecosystems and disrupting wildlife migration routes.
Balancing economic development with social and environmental justice is a complex challenge that requires careful planning and community engagement.
Pollution and environmental degradation are also significant issues, with some projects contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
Balancing economic development with social and environmental justice is a complex challenge that requires careful planning and community engagement.
Inadequate or poorly enforced regulations can exacerbate conflicts between development and conservation, leading to environmental degradation and social unrest.
Effective regulatory frameworks, community involvement and sustainable development principles are needed to find a balance between development and conservation.
Studies published in the ‘Forests and Global Change’ journal suggest that older trees play a crucial role in addressing climate change.
Studies published in the Forests and Global Change journal suggest that older trees play a crucial role in addressing climate change. As they age, they sequester carbon and contribute to long-term carbon storage through various methods.
Older trees grow and sequester carbon at a significant rate, often more than younger trees due to their larger size. Their biomass contains substantial amounts of stored carbon, with growth rings representing years of carbon accumulation from the atmosphere.
Older trees grow and sequester carbon at a significant rate, often more than younger trees due to their larger size.
Soil carbon storage in mature trees is enhanced by the decomposition of organic matter, with deeper layers of organic material enhancing their capacity for long-term storage.
Ecosystem carbon dynamics in mature trees or forests balance carbon flux between the atmosphere, vegetation and soils, contributing to overall stability and resilience.
Initiatives promoting nature-based climate solutions, such as protecting existing forests, afforestation and reforestation, are essential for mitigating climate change and enhancing biodiversity.
They often exhibit greater resilience to environmental stressors, including climate change, due to their established ecosystems and diverse species.
Initiatives promoting nature-based climate solutions, such as protecting existing forests, afforestation and reforestation, are essential for mitigating climate change and enhancing biodiversity. Older trees and mature forests are essential for global efforts to address climate change and maintain ecological balance.
Thus, before Goa turns into a concrete state we need to wake up and save our greenery. We need to think of protecting the age-old trees and alongside navigating development, it should be tricky but giving it a serious thought can help us go to different places and live in harmony with the natural beauty around us.
