Sustainability Insights

For the past few years, the world has been witnessing the changing climate. Ecosystems are altering, natural resources are depleting, forest covers are reducing, water tables are lowering, and air quality is deteriorating. There are threats to the habitats and lives of many species. The frequency of climate calamities is increasing. There are policies and ongoing initiatives to tackle this wide range of issues. There are goals and targets, for example, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG guides the development without compromising the sustainability of the planet. Similarly, there are guidelines for corporations and industries in terms of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) indicators. There are guiding lines and indicators to measure the development through the sustainability path.

Today, there are ample means to promote consumerism, like internet-based product promotion, home delivery of the products. Transport technologies and travel services help us reach to remote and untouched locations in nature. I remember in the year 2005, I went to Ladakh for work and saw very few tourists. Today, I heard that the capital of Ladakh, Leh, has many tourists during the summer months. In such a scenario, the responsibility for sustainability percolates to the individuals, too. At the individual level, the concepts of goals, targets and indicators to track and measure the progress look unrealistic. The approach of the individual matters more than anything else.

Sustainability is using resources wisely. It ensures resources are utilized without adversely affecting the environment, flora, and fauna. It also ensures that resources are available for future generations, too. At the individual level, it means showing empathy to plants, animals, birds, humans, the surrounding air, and the environment. Empathy extends ultimately to the planet. It is also being empathetic toward those we have never seen or heard of. Empathy for the environment and nature leads to sustainability.

 The Oxford dictionary describes empathy as ‘the ability to understand and share the feelings of another’. A published study asserts that a lack of empathy for nature and for others limits motivations to conserve the environment and enhance sustainability. Relating empathy to sustainability is challenging. The person is not directly seeing the other. It relies solely on the understanding and comprehension of the individual. Edward O. Wilson, in his book ‘Biophilia‘, eloquently describes the natural affinity of human beings towards life and other living organisms. One of the visible examples is domestic pets.

Here is an example of plastic bags. The plastic bags and polythene sheets are convenient for all, and are available in abundance. Mostly, it comes free with almost all types of purchases. There is a general understanding among most that plastic bags are non-biodegradable. There are successful cases of waste segregation. However, the segregation practices are not always feasible. About five years back, we were staying in a small town. The local administration provided two waste bins in all the houses to segregate waste. Most of the residents followed the waste segregation advice. They collected the plastic, metal and other non-degradable wastes in one bin. The wastes somehow got mixed at the nearby landfill in that area. The little waste that remained segregated lay clueless. In this case, individual empathy begins with reducing the use of plastics. Individuals, if possible, may dispose of or destroy plastics at their level once their use is over. Here, the empathy is towards the water body where the plastic will ultimately flow. It is also for the aquatic animal that will get entangled in it. The empathy extends to the stray animal that may eat this plastic. Finally, it includes the human who is affected by the overflowing drain blocked by this plastic bag.

All living beings and nature coexist. Empathy, although a virtue, is a strong pillar of sustainability and is a reliable path towards sustainability. Dr Jane Goodall said, “every single one of us makes a difference every day – it is up to us as to the kind of difference we make”.

(Views are personal.)