Earth and its citizens faced yet another difficult year in 2021. The pandemic has persisted, and global powers have once again failed to respond adequately to climate change. However, there is reason to be optimistic as we look forward to the new year 2022.
1. So Many Countries Are Relying On Environment To Help Them Rebuild.
The prevailing pandemic has been associated to excess exploitation of natural resources and wildlife. Due to which, several countries are promoting sustainable COVID-19 recuperative packages for the sake of strengthening resilience to future disruptions. This can done by promoting nature and environment-friendly solutions as well as integrating nature laws.
Malawi has announced that a Youth Forest Restoration Programme will receive 1.5 percent of its domestic budget. China and Vietnam, for example, have banned the trade in wildlife this year. Pakistan is employing under-employed labourers to plant trees, while India's stimulus package involves a $780 million fund to help the rural and semi-urban economies via afforestation.
Small changes yield big results!
2. Ground-Breaking Conversion To Veganism and Plant-based Foods
According to a YouGov survey, more than 60% of Indians have a more positive view of plant-based/vegan diets than they were doing two years ago, indicating an increased interest in plant-based eating in India supported by Industry Stats.
The take home message from these statistics is that eating a plant-based diet is becoming more mainstream.
As we discover more about the destruction caused by the meat and dairy industries, it will be increasingly difficult to justify eating meat anymore. Veganuary is just the tip of the iceberg, and it's not melting anytime soon.
3. Look for Hope in the Next Generation
So, if you're seeking for inspiration to do more for the environment this year or to think more positively about the future, look to the next generation for inspiration. They're forming new organisations, forcing government officials to act, and implementing their plans and strategies. They're not just sitting around waiting for something to happen - they're inventing solutions and establishing specific strategies to help our world have a more sustainable future.
For example, young environmentalist Greta Thunberg wore a "School Strike for Climate" sign to put pressure on the government to fulfil carbon emission targets. Her tiny movement had a worldwide impact, motivating hundreds of young people to stage their own strikes.
"Nature is healing!" exclaimed the world.
The pandemic also provided scientists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study ecosystems devoid of humans. Even the oceans went silent, giving marine life a relief from human-made noise.
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