Aparigraha the Humane Solution

Author(s): Kamla Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 49

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION-RISK TO HUMAN SURVIVAL 41
urbanisation, over-population; here again, moral degeneration tops the list.
Solutions, if any
Some of the known solutions to these problems of pollution are the use of non-conventional energy resources like biogas, solar energy, wind energy, conversion of solid wastes or waste recycling etc. This could be promoted by agencies or institutions. National and international Conservation Trusts could be established which could play an effective role in the preservation and development of environmental resources. Environmental education beginning at primary school level could be very effective, since a child learns at his early age the preciousness of environment. Governments can effectively contribute as over all incharge of voluntary and semi-voluntary agencies. These are, undoubtedly, a great significance; but more lasting solutions lie in social, ethical and cultural awakening. Culture is not to be restricted to objects of culture or pieces of art having historical or even mythological significance. It is our moral status that has lasting impact in the solving of environmental problerns. Though a detailed discussion on voluntary self-control is taken up in chapter 3, it should be mentioned here that no other solution would work unless one eschews corruption and self-interest of low quality. In fact, all environmental problems are moral issues and we need moral solutions to tackle them. Truly speaking, environmental concern in itself is purely conscientious issue. Otherwise nobody living in a most comfortable today would think of an uncertain bleak tomorrow. A concern for tomorrow'is a familiar ethical paradigm.
This issue assumes importance since it has global relevance. Ethical principles are significant if they are universal, and if they can be addressed to all of mankind. If on the other hand they refer only to a group or community or a state they remain only in the fold of a tradition or a convention and they cannot assume the universal applicability of high ethical principles. However, environmental issues have to be thought of at global level and applied at the national level. Thus the catchphrase is 'think globally and act locally'.