Book Title: Environmental Ethics
Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Page 142
________________ Justification and background The scenario as manifest at present and if continues to unfold as of now, is fraught with grim perspectives. The exploding population, its rising expectations and the ad-hoc measures to meet them through predatory technologies, will eventually end up in irretrievable crisis. The living patterns and high-tech models of development inextricably dependent on non-renewable sources, unstable as they are, cannot be sustained for long. The whole edifice is bound to crumble down soon. The un-satiable mad race is destroying simultaneously the vitals of nature, its renewable resources and the very life-sustaining systems. The air, water and soil which are three basic environmental constituents for life are being increasingly damaged. The pollution of entire environment, has at many places, reached beyond its redeeming, rejuvenating capacity. The ecological imbalance as a result of destruction of tree cover from most parts and with it the various life-forms, has shattered the intricate chain of most of life-supporting systems. There is yet some hope and something left to cling to for survival. The sands of time are running out fast and concerted efforts are needed before it is too late. The foremost concern should be to save air, water and soil from further pollution and to retrieve the damage already done. The most wide-spread and extensive damage is because of high-tech, capital-intensive, predatory agriculture based on irrigation dams, chemical fertilisers and pesticides, all of which are polluting soil, water and air. Our seas, rivers and other water resources are getting more and more polluted by agricultural and industrial effluents causing serious threat to aquiflora and fauna. The air we breathe is also highly polluted with toxins and pathogens beyond permissible limits. The harmful chemicals are getting into human system through edible crops because of soil pollution by pesticides, fertilisers and irrigation dams. • 127 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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