HYDERABAD: “It is not with joy but sadness that we gathered here today. Environment Day is not a celebration. It is just observation. The recent incidents in Uttarakhand show us that nature can be pretty powerful. So it is time for humans to act responsibly and be friends with the environment,” said Leela Laxma Reddy, president of the Council for Green Revolution.
He was speaking at an awareness progarmme about the conservation of environment organised by the National Green Corps in association with Council for Green Revolution, Hyderabad, here on Thursday.
Quoting the theme for this year’s Environment Day, ‘Raise Your Voice, Not Sea Level’, United States consul-general Michael Mullins said climate change and rising sea levels were the result of man-made follies. “With innovation comes the responsibility of protecting the environment,” he said.
He described electronic waste as a major problem and called for its effective management. “Since 2003 the United States has been partnering with United Nations and formed an organisation called StEP (Solving the E-waste Problem) to recycle electronic waste. The global electronics industry has benefited from India. I look forward to seeing many of you use your knowledge and deal with the issue,” he added.
Noted environmentalist Purushotham Reddy expressed grave concern over environmental hazards like depletion of ozone layer, global warming and loss of bio-diversity. However, his biggest concern was the government’s inability to protect environment.
“There is not even a single politician who is concerned about the environment. Everyone talks about development but no one talks about environment. The government should take care of the planet and be conscious of the needs of the coming generations,” he said.