Pandemic lesson no. 1: Respect nature for harmonious coexistence with other species

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Article by: Ms Kavita Dass (Director & Senior Career Counsellor, ICS Education Ltd)

Edited by: Ms Sanchita Dwivedi

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world. In particular, the catastrophe brought into focus, once again, the wet wildlife markets that trade in wildlife species in gross violation of norms.

Even as the World Health Organization (WHO) is carrying out its probe on the origin of COVID in China, there have been serious allegations that experimentation with bats and pangolins led to this crisis. In fact, the very first Novel Coronavirus cases were reported in Wuhan’s now infamous wet market.

There have been earlier instances too when disease outbreaks have been linked to illegal animal markets, e.g., MERS (from camels) SARS (from bats and civets), Swine Flu (from pigs) and Bird Flu.

Despite this, few countries have taken note and formulated policies to respect nature and coexist harmoniously with other species. The Indian Constitution states that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.” Many countries have similar laws. But only a robust global policy with strict implementation will make a difference to our world.

In a heartening development, for the 2020 Super Year on Biodiversity, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the China Green Foundation signed an agreement to expand efforts to raise awareness and inspire action to end illegal trade of wildlife.*

Dr Mark Jones, head of policy at the Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity, also urged the WHO to work alongside governments to ban wildlife markets and bring an end to the commercial wildlife trade, including measures to protect wildlife habitats.

He said that this was necessary “to halt and reverse the devastating declines in the natural world that have brought a million species to the brink of extinction and threaten the future of wildlife and humanity alike”.

Meanwhile, during the global lockdown, with less human meddling, animals enjoyed their freedom and reclaimed their natural habitats, much to the delight of environmentalists and nature lovers. Pollution levels, too, plummeted across the world.

More youngsters urgently needed to drive environment & sustainability efforts

This pandemic also highlighted the need for more investment in and focus on environment and sustainability efforts. Let’s embrace a much more environment conscious system of living and working.

This crucial learning needs to start early. Students should be educated on the benefits of green and sustainable usages of the planet and encouraged to provide solutions to make it a better place for all living beings.

For those who wish to pursue these interests as their calling, there’s no dearth of opportunities. Here’s a look at some environment and sustainability career avenues:

1. A variety of jobs

There are many challenging job profiles for environmental engineers, environmental biologists, environmental managers, journalists, economists, water scientists, and teachers in universities and colleges, just to name some.

2. In CSR departments of companies

With governments around the world forcing corporates to go green, there are dedicated departments working on social and environmental causes. With the right qualification, you can join a corporate that’s working on a green cause close to your heart.

3. Other opportunities in the private sector

Private organisations like such as refineries, fertilizer plants and food processing companiesalso hire in the area of environment and sustainability, especially environmental scientists.

4. Environment NGOs (national and international)

This would include organisations like the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International and Friends of Nature – to name some. There are many Indian NGOs too, such as the Wildlife SOS, Prakratik Society, Indian Youth Climate Network, etc.

5. Government departments

You can also be employed by government bodies such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate Change, National Biodiversity Authority, Indian Forest Service, Pollution Control Board, Water Authority and Urban Planning.

6. As an independent wildlife expert

After gaining due experience in the field, you can create your own niche as a wildlife expert – provide consultation services to different organisations or even work as a teacher/lecturer.

We hope to see many more youngsters opting for careers in environment and sustainability in the coming years.

(*References: UN environment news, BBC News)

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