You’ve probably heard about carbon offsetting, where companies or individuals can pay to remove carbon dioxide from the air to “cancel out” their emissions. But as we consider the next steps for our country, there are some important questions to consider: how exactly does it work and can we trust it? Is it actually helping the climate?

The idea behind carbon markets is simple. Companies that pollute can purchase ‘carbon credits’ from environmental projects that absorb or avoid releasing CO2, like planting trees or installing renewable energy. One credit equals one ton of CO2 removed from the atmosphere.

While this approach seems straightforward, investigations have revealed the risk of greenwashing — creating the misleading impression that a product or service is “environmentally conscious”.

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Rohit Prajapati belonged to an affluent family. But the poor background of his mother’s family always moved him. So, as a student, he vowed to work for people’s welfare, and not for the promotion of his family.

After graduating in mechanical engineering from Vadodara, Rohit worked in five companies. Then he did his Master’s in Germany.

Vatva in Ahmedabad in north Gujarat to Vapi in the south is known as the Golden Corridor in Gujarat. It is so called because of the good transport and communication system and the availability of cheap and unorganized labour for the industries. In this 400 km long region, there are over 50 industrial estates; some of them are chemical estates spread over a thousand acres.

But it is a dark and dangerous corridor for the people. Those who live on the estates and in the surrounding villages face extreme pollution of air, water and soil, which adversely affect their health.

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In a certain forest, two trees were very much upset because the lions deposited the remains of the animal carcass among the trees spreading foul odour in the whole forest. Frustrated by the situation, the trees resolved to get rid of the lions somehow. Though an elderly tree cautioned them of the possible risks, the two trees were adamant in their decision to chase away the lions from the forest.

On the following day, swaying in unison with the wind, the trees made terrific noise and created a frightening atmosphere. The lions, thinking that something terrible was about to happen, ran away from that forest. Soon the news spread in the villages around that there were no more lions in that forest, and so people came armed with sows and axes, entered the forest, and started chopping down the trees starting with those two disturbed trees. Then they realized their folly and the wisdom of the elderly tree.

As we commemorate in this month of March, World Wildlife Day (3), World Forest Day (21), and World Water Day (22), we need to recognize the harmonious balance between trees, animals, water and humans as the essence of a healthy ecosystem. Trees, often referred to as the lungs of the Earth, provide oxygen and mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Animals too, both on land and in water, contribute to biodiversity, helping to maintain ecological balance. Water, the source of life, is indispensable for all living organisms. However, thoughtless human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and over-extraction of water resources jeopardize this delicate equilibrium.

Preserving biodiversity is vital for the survival of various species of flora and fauna and the overall health of the planet. Conservation efforts, reforestation initiatives and sustainable water management practices are of paramount importance to restore and maintain harmony among trees, animals, and water. Wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas play a pivotal role in safeguarding the endangered species and preserving their habitats.

We celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, globally acknowledging and appreciating women’s achievements and advocating gender equality in every field. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues, it is imperative to address the man-woman ratio in the context of preserving nature. Women, often disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, can play a crucial role in sustainable development and conservation.

As stewards of our planet, we must recognize and support the interconnectedness of plants, animals, the Earth, and human relationships. Supporting and maintaining the balance in nature is not just our responsibility; but it is our collective obligation that transcends boundaries.

Most of you are busy this month with your annual examinations. The Teenager Today wishes all of you a stress-free preparation, successful and cool execution and glorious results!

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‘It is not wise to play fools with Mother Nature’ is an old saying, increasingly found true against the human foolishness in the quest for profit, proliferating pollution that threatens all forms of life. Leading among the ugly industrial disasters is the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (BGT) of 2nd and 3rd December 1984. It dwarfed other tragedies to become the mother of all industrial disasters, affecting around 7,00,000 citizens, killing more than 8,000 directly, injuring over 38,500 partially, and disabling 3900 severely and permanently.

1969 saw the establishment of the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) factory in Bhopal, in response to India’s quest to feed its hungry millions through its green revolution mantra of promoting chemical fertilizers to increase productivity and pesticides to check pests. UCIL produced ‘carbaryl’ which was considered a breakthrough in the pesticide industry with its effectiveness on insects. It was both harmful and beneficial to crops and it had been classified as a likely carcinogen for humans. Among the various methods of manufacturing it, the least expensive one involved the use of an intermediary, Methyl Isocyanate (MIC), a highly noxious gas. What turned out to be the villain in the hazard was MIC, with laxity in safety measures serving as its accomplice. It was revealed that this trans-world company did not employ the required preventive maintenance to ensure safety in spite of repeated warnings in this regard; apparently, the government machinery supposed to be playing the watchdog role, had gone slumbering.

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Mosses found on rocks and trees in cities around the world can be used to measure the impact of atmospheric change and could prove a low-cost way to monitor urban pollution, according to Japanese scientists.

Moss responds to pollution or drought-stress by changing shape, density or by disappearing, allowing scientists to calculate atmospheric alterations.
Mosses are a common plant in all cities so this method can be used in many countries; they have a big potential to be bio-indicators.

The scientists studied the effect of nitrogen pollution, air quality and drought-stress on moss found over a 3 sq km area in Hachioji City in north-west Tokyo. The study showed severe drought-stress tended to occur in areas with high levels of nitrogen pollution, which raised concerns over the impact on health and biodiversity.

The World Health Organisation says 88% of city dwellers are exposed to annual pollution levels that exceed its air quality guidelines.

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We all know that our Planet is suffering badly from various environmental issues. Air pollution is one of them. Many countries have responded to this reality with seriousness and rigorous measures, but sadly in India people continue to pollute environment in many ways. The best way to control pollution is to encourage the youth. They are the future leaders of our country. Give them knowledge about the future consequences of polluting the environment and convince them of the need to take adequate steps today. Air pollution can be controlled by planting more trees and avoid the use of vehicles for short distance and use cycles or walk. Use public transport for travelling long distances. This will reduce traffic and air pollution. In conclusion I would say: “This Earth has given us life, now it is our duty to protect it”.
Divyakriti Masaun
Jhansi

Air pollution should be treated as a health issue rather than an environmental issue. A closer analysis of the data, obtained through R.T.I. and previous studies on air pollution, pinpoint that the continued use of fossil fuel is the main culprit for the dangerous rise in the level of pollutants in the air across the country. It is important to look at both the technical solutions, such as servicing one’s cars to reduce emissions, and also structural solutions such as having proper regulatory bodies and proper monitoring. It needs to be tackled systematically.
Sukanya Basu Mallik (19)
Techno India College

The Lancet claimed that 1.1 million Indians die premature deaths due to air pollution. The solution lies in initiating a public transport revolution, car pooling and using foot walks and bicycles for short distances. We must retrofit our vehicles with BS VI standards and preferably switch to Electric Vehicles. The minimization of waste by the 4Rs: Reuse, Refuse, Reduce and Recycle will reduce the load on waste management agencies. Green initiatives are vital. The government must incentivize stubble management in the northern states and enforce strict penalties on polluting industries.
Shailja Pandey (20)
Nainital

Gases are a major cause of air pollution. It is virtually impossible to eliminate entirely all emissions of gases in the atmosphere. It is more sensible to aim at reduction of pollutants to a point so that serious adverse effects are eliminated. People should be made aware of the harmful effects of air pollution. Factories should be relocated to outside of the cities. Air treatment plants should be installed. The problems created by air pollution are worsening day by day and it is our responsibility to maintain a healthy and pollution free environment.
Hifza Hafeez (13)
St Mary’s Convent Inter College, Allahabad

In the past few years we have seen a sudden surge in pollution levels of several metropolitan cities of our country. It is mainly due to the rise in the number of automobiles, factories and also due to household activities like burning of waste, fallen leaves, plastic bags, fallen twigs, wooden articles, etc. One of the ways to lower the level of pollution is to avoid burning of waste in the open areas but rather dispose them effectively and even reuse it creatively. People can opt to travel using public transport or by simple ways of cycling and even carpooling. Factories and those using polluting machineries should be made mandatory to install air purifiers like scrubbers and to update and repair their machines time to time. Only then can we curb this soaring level of pollution in our cities.
Senjuti Saibal Bhattacharya (17)
St Joseph’s High School and Jr. College, Navi Mumbai

The very air we breathe has become harmful to our health. That is the kind of pollution we are living with. Everyone has to work towards a pollution free world. One needs to think, ‘in what all ways can I avoid contributing to pollution and contribute to the betterment of the environment’? Initiatives such as use of bicycles instead of vehicles, use of CNG and support the government projects like ‘Swachata Abhiyan’ and ‘Clean Ganga’, create awareness about air pollution.
Sejal Shingne (16)
Fatima Convent School, Achalpur

Air pollution is one of the biggest debilitating factors in our country’s progress. Awareness through various means is a must to curb it. Large number of trees should be planted so that they absorb the increasing carbon dioxide. Burning of waste should be avoided. The increased usage of CFC’s and HFC’s in refrigerator coolants should be contained. People should be encouraged to use the public transport. Factories should ensure that the smoke being released is free of harmful chemicals. People should use eco-friendly products. People should also abide by the pollution control norms. Curbing air pollution has become the need of the hour.
Gurleen Kaur Chona (20)
PGDAV College, New Delhi

Air pollution is increasing unabated. It is high time that we focus our efforts in arresting the growing rate of air pollution in the country. Forestation is the most effective method to revive the air quality in foreseeable future. Covering the brown de-nuded hills with green will reduce the deterioration of atmospheric air. Introducing zero-pollution norms in industries, phasing out the use of toxic chemicals in agriculture, encouraging the use of public transport and carpooling etc., are some of the measures to keep this menace under check.
Donna John (20)
Morning Star Home Science College, Ernakulam

Those who can control the polluted situation of India are its youth. They have the key of revolution. We should limit the use of the luxurious vehicles. Actually, the best way to arrest pollution is to use bicycle and public transport instead of using private vehicles. We can also organise the odd even formula that Delhi had practised, in every part of country. Many steps have been taken to plant trees – it is no time for speeches, let us find more ways to reduce the air pollution. As someone suggested: ‘Don’t ask what can my country do for me, ask what I can do for my country’. After all we have to make the black skies blue.
Riya Dange (15)
Fatima Convent School, Achalpur

Air pollution is a threat to our country. It is increasing at an alarming rate and needs immediate attention. Taking into consideration the bad quality of air in Delhi, Mumbai and other metropolitan cities the government should take immediate action to better the situation. Use of CNG cars and carpooling can help in decreasing traffic on the road and to reduce the air pollution. Nowadays, people are encouraging ‘scooter pooling’ which is a wise choice. As many people in our country are ignorant of the harmful consequences of air pollution, it is very important to educate the countrymen about the threat of air pollution. Such education and well thought out action plan will better the situation of our country!
Sharvari R. Joshi (16)
Gundecha Education Academy, Mumbai

Air pollution is a very serious issue in our country. Measures are to be taken to contain the growing rate of air pollution. To prevent the harm caused by air pollution, estates should be established away from cities and forests should be grown to help to reduce the pollution of air.
Simone Fernandes (13)
St Charles High School, Vakola, Mumbai

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