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T. S. Shwetha and A. Kaur
to the environmental degradation. In fact, research has shown that it is plausible to
improve environmental engagement by promoting future orientation, while at the
same time, reducing immediate concerns [2]. Furthermore, exposure to the environment can improve this future orientation [70]. This is good news, as people seem to be
focusing more on the environment during the period of lockdown that the pandemic
brought onto the world. Thus, such an enhanced awareness of the effects of our
collective behaviour on the environment would pave the way for better knowledge
and informed actions towards a better future.
Furthermore, by focusing on group dynamics and harmony, we can succeed in
increasing the feeling of collectiveness among the people, and such has been backed
by research which showed that individuals with readily let go of immediate rewards
for long-term group goals if they identify with a group and feel responsible for it
[21, 71]. The focus here is on developing a collective consciousness by realising and
accepting the impact of each and every individual’s behaviour on the environment,
and the need for acting in synchrony and with the feeling of togetherness in order to
overcome the hurdles and achieve pro-environment consciousness, as “what’s good
for the environment is also good for us” [60].
It is therefore evident that by modifying and changing certain human behaviour
towards pro-environmental behaviour is the key for sustainability. This can be further
understood by the action carried out in the Yellow Stone National Park situated in
the United States of America [11]. It is an authoritative example of how nature can
be used in order to both heal and balance itself, and eventually, to help humans. After
being absent for about 70 years, a pack of wolves was introduced to the forest by
the park authorities. As would be expected due to the removal of top predators, their
absence had led to a trophic cascade in the forest. Considering the future challenges
of the same, the wolves were introduced in order to utilise their hunting instincts. This
in fact led to positive outcomes such as population control, reforestation, stabilised
river banks, as well as increased vegetation, resulting in habitation and flourishment
of many other species of birds and animals. Therefore, this act proved that there was
absolutely no need for any artificial human interference into nature—only through
natural means we can bring the necessary change.
World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWFN) June report [77] suggested that more than
200 countries have been affected by COVID-19, thus causing chaos to humankind
existence. In 70% of the cases, the root cause of such epidemic diseases has been
attributed to animals that have come in close encounter or interactions with humans.
It is therefore imperative to understand that without giving enough importance to
environmental and animal health, it is impossible to stabilise human health as well.
Such a concern has been raised by many environmentalists.
Fostering the feeling of collective harmony has become a major challenge during
this pandemic as people are encouraged not to engage with each other, or to attend
events that involve large groups. Earlier, these events would have been the major
source of ensuring the feeling of harmony and collectiveness among people. Protests,
demonstrations and other such group activities are largely discouraged. However,
there are ways one can feel better connected to nature and the society by engaging
in some very simple practices.
T. S. Shwetha and A. Kaur
to the environmental degradation. In fact, research has shown that it is plausible to
improve environmental engagement by promoting future orientation, while at the
same time, reducing immediate concerns [2]. Furthermore, exposure to the environment can improve this future orientation [70]. This is good news, as people seem to be
focusing more on the environment during the period of lockdown that the pandemic
brought onto the world. Thus, such an enhanced awareness of the effects of our
collective behaviour on the environment would pave the way for better knowledge
and informed actions towards a better future.
Furthermore, by focusing on group dynamics and harmony, we can succeed in
increasing the feeling of collectiveness among the people, and such has been backed
by research which showed that individuals with readily let go of immediate rewards
for long-term group goals if they identify with a group and feel responsible for it
[21, 71]. The focus here is on developing a collective consciousness by realising and
accepting the impact of each and every individual’s behaviour on the environment,
and the need for acting in synchrony and with the feeling of togetherness in order to
overcome the hurdles and achieve pro-environment consciousness, as “what’s good
for the environment is also good for us” [60].
It is therefore evident that by modifying and changing certain human behaviour
towards pro-environmental behaviour is the key for sustainability. This can be further
understood by the action carried out in the Yellow Stone National Park situated in
the United States of America [11]. It is an authoritative example of how nature can
be used in order to both heal and balance itself, and eventually, to help humans. After
being absent for about 70 years, a pack of wolves was introduced to the forest by
the park authorities. As would be expected due to the removal of top predators, their
absence had led to a trophic cascade in the forest. Considering the future challenges
of the same, the wolves were introduced in order to utilise their hunting instincts. This
in fact led to positive outcomes such as population control, reforestation, stabilised
river banks, as well as increased vegetation, resulting in habitation and flourishment
of many other species of birds and animals. Therefore, this act proved that there was
absolutely no need for any artificial human interference into nature—only through
natural means we can bring the necessary change.
World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWFN) June report [77] suggested that more than
200 countries have been affected by COVID-19, thus causing chaos to humankind
existence. In 70% of the cases, the root cause of such epidemic diseases has been
attributed to animals that have come in close encounter or interactions with humans.
It is therefore imperative to understand that without giving enough importance to
environmental and animal health, it is impossible to stabilise human health as well.
Such a concern has been raised by many environmentalists.
Fostering the feeling of collective harmony has become a major challenge during
this pandemic as people are encouraged not to engage with each other, or to attend
events that involve large groups. Earlier, these events would have been the major
source of ensuring the feeling of harmony and collectiveness among people. Protests,
demonstrations and other such group activities are largely discouraged. However,
there are ways one can feel better connected to nature and the society by engaging
in some very simple practices.