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of terrorism. And that is where the importance and efficacy of 'ahimsa way of life' lies.
ENVIRONMENT
Like terrorism, environmental degradation is a burning problem of our times. Experts from diverse fields have done a lot of work in this area and continue to do so. However, we too must continue to enhance our awareness of the gravity and scale of the problem.
How much time is left in the oft-predicted scenario of devastation by the increasing pollution in the atmosphere? Scientists opine that it will take fifty years for the ambient temperature of the earth to rise by two to three degrees. The forecast about acid rain and the global warming is also that their widespread effects will be visible in about 50 to 100 years. The same is being said about ozone layer depletion.
All these estimated forecasts are based on available information about present day conditions. However, as the fragile balance of environmental conditions depends on innumerable variables, it is impossible to arrive at exact or even nearly exact predictions. This gives rise to an important question: Has some component of this complex system already deteriorated so much that it is on the brink of collapse and has lost the capacity to absorb even a slight nudge? If that has happened, the forecast of fifty to one hundred years could be reduced to five to ten years. What would happen then? Would the pundits of development and consumerism be left with the time and choice to readjust their responses?
The scenario is horrifying. To some it may appear to be a baseless apprehension. Even if we conform to this hopeful attitude, the impending disaster cannot be ignored by brand
AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE 127
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