Are we preserving the environment or inadvertently contributing to its destruction? A question lingered among us after the recent World Environment Day wave of tree planting and social media activism: are we doing this to impress society or to justify ourselves? This issue was made even more pressing by the 2024 World Environment Day topic of "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience" and the catchphrase "Our Land, Our Future." Is this not ironic, though? Because our land is no longer seen as a component of our future.
Sikkim is 7,096 square kilometers in size, however only 11% of that can be used for farming. Despite being the most socially and ecologically sensitive generation, Generation Z has not made a significant contribution to this 11%. Screens have taken over our life. Our relationship with technology, from computers to cellphones, has supplanted our relationship with the natural environment. We look through social media feeds more often indoors than we do outside, where we can enjoy the fresh air and interact with the environment. For us, sharing videos and uploading pictures is all that constitutes environmental advocacy.
When we come upon a post that piques our interest, we upload it and consider our work done. Rather than just posting from behind screens, we ought to get together and do something tangible to make our surroundings better. Our predecessors lived in peace with the natural world in the past because they were acutely aware that the state of their surroundings affected their ability to survive. On the other hand, although labeled as environmentally sensitive, Generation Z has descended to a point where environmental sustainability is nonexistent.
Sikkim's greatest assets are its environment and climate, and the main source of revenue for the region is tourism. Travelers come here from all over the world to take in its breathtaking splendor. Shouldn't we, as Sikkim's citizens, acknowledge and enjoy the state's natural wonders as much as tourists from other states do? Why should we blindly follow the crowd, pursuing objectives that divert our attention from what is actually important? Gen Z's present mindset is to get a job with the government and settle down. Despite being the smartest generation ever, we frequently disregard the needs of the environment and ourselves. We've surrendered to our own base desires.
The effects of our carelessness are everywhere. The rates of biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change are frighteningly high. The recent Teesta River flash flood, which caused disruption to around 88,000 people, is a prime example. How can we expect tourism to flourish if we do not prioritize it and actively promote it ourselves? It's time to take a step back and evaluate our top goals. Let's not let our state turn into just another location on a map, where people merely live without really experiencing life. As a proud Generation Z, let's transition from passive awareness to active engagement and go forward.
We need to wake up to the reality that our natural environment is not just a background for our lives but a vital part of our identity and well-being. Instead of pursuing careers that bar us to offices and urban landscapes, we should also invest in preserving and promoting the natural beauty that makes Sikkim unique.
In conclusion, the question remains: are we genuinely preserving the environment, or are we merely performing for an audience, deceiving ourselves in the process? As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the irony of promoting "Our Land, Our Future" while neglecting the immediate needs of our environment is glaring. Sikkim, with its limited arable land and delicate ecosystems, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of our indifference. Generation Z, despite its acclaimed environmental awareness, has yet to make a significant impact where it matters most. We, the Generation Z, have the resources and expertise to effect change. It's time to stop being a passive observer and start taking part. For the sake of future generations as well as for the sake of tourists, let us accept our responsibility as environmental stewards. We can guarantee that Sikkim continues to be a thriving and prosperous sanctuary by making environmental preservation a top priority in addition to our vocations. It is our responsibility to protect our land with the utmost urgency and care because it is, after all, our future.
(Shriya Rai is a student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Operation Theatre Technology at Medhavi Skills University, Singtam. Email: rshriya178@gmail.com)
