The Ailing Planet:  The Green Movement’s Role

By Nani Palkhivala

Nani Palkhivala was a renowned Indian jurist, economist, and writer, known for his eloquent advocacy on social, legal, and environmental issues. “The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role” is his essay that highlights the environmental degradation of Earth and stresses the urgent need for sustainable development. The piece explores the role of the Green Movement in raising awareness about the planet’s declining health due to human exploitation of natural resources. Palkhivala emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship of the environment for future generations.

Q: Locate the lines in the text that support the title “The Ailing Planet”.

Ans. The title “The Ailing Planet” is supported by several lines in the text that highlight the deteriorating condition of Earth. One such line is: “The earth’s vital signs reveal a patient in declining health. “This metaphor compares Earth to a patient suffering from an illness, implying that the planet is in a state of decline due to human activities. Another line is: “We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children. “This statement underscores the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, which has left the planet in a vulnerable state, emphasizing its “ailing” condition.

Q: What does the notice “The world’s most dangerous animal” at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signify?

Ans. It is a powerful metaphorical statement. Inside the cage, instead of an animal, there is a mirror. When people look into the mirror, they see their own reflection. This signifies that humans are the most dangerous species on the planet due to their capacity to harm and exploit the environment, leading to ecological degradation. The notice highlights the destructive impact humans have had on the planet, making them the “most dangerous” animals.

Q: How are the earth’s principal biological systems being depleted?

Ans. The earth’s principal biological systems-fisheries, forests, grasslands, and croplands-are being depleted through overexploitation. Fisheries are being overfished, leading to a decline in fish populations. Forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to deforestation, which not only depletes biodiversity but also disrupts the global climate. Grasslands are being overgrazed, leading to desertification, while croplands are being degraded due to the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which reduce soil fertility. The overuse of these systems is unsustainable and is leading to their rapid depletion, which endangers the survival of many species, including humans.

Q: Why does the author say that the growth of the world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of society?

Ans. The author asserts that the growth of the world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human society because it exacerbates the strain on the Earth’s resources. A growing population increases the demand for food, water, and energy, leading to overexploitation of natural resources. This, in turn, results in environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and a decline in the quality of life. The author warns that if the population continues to grow unchecked, it will lead to severe consequences for human society, including resource scarcity, environmental collapse, and social instability. The unchecked population growth is thus a major threat to the sustainability of human civilization.