5 NGOs That Are Battling Climate Change & How You Can Join Them
What if I were to tell you that the COVID-19 virus is not the only crisis the world is struggling with right now. The growing threat of climate change is changing the face of Earth, one ocean, one iceberg and one island at a time. You would have seen Greta Thunberg or Licypriya Kangujam take the centre stage to talk about the pressing circumstances of climate change. And although their words are gold, the world still has a long way to go. We are inevitably a part of an era that is taking the planet to its destruction. But hey, the good news is, that it is only us who can prevent, reverse and repair the damage done.
But, is climate change really a big scare?
The figures stated below stand as a testimony to that.
- Our oceans have around 5.2 trillion plastic particles floating in them.
- As many as 7 million people die every year because of poor air quality.
- 7.3 hectares of forest land is lost every year.
- The Arctic ice has shrunk by about 40% since 1979.
- Almost all land areas are witnessing hotter days and heat waves, with 2020 marked as the hottest year yet.
In an attempt to reverse the above numbers, these 5 Indian NGOs are thriving to make the planet a better and greener place.
- SankalpTaru Foundation
SankalpTaru Foundation has its strong root when is comes to saving the environment. They aim at promoting tree plantation across the country, and so far millions of trees have been planted across 21 states. Conceptualised by Apurva Bhandari in 2013, the NGO employees many digital channels to spread awareness about environment conserve, as well as to track the progress of the plantation drives. You may know more about their work, or volunteer with them as well. Click here for more information.
- CHINTAN
CHINTAN is one of the biggest names when it comes to environmental NGOs in India, and for all the right reasons. It works hard to enforce a more responsible consumption of resources in the country, that are both easy on the pocket, as well as sustainable. They are also at the forefront when it comes to proper waste management. CHINTAN is centered on environmental justice, with a shared goal of making sustainable production, consumption and waste disposal a default setting in India. For them, sustainability is a holistic concept, which can only be achieved without a lapse in any of these processes. Click here to know more about them.
- Gram Chetna Kendra
For the past many years, the Gram Chetna Kendra has been reversing the recurring damages of draughts in Rajasthan. Having built several tanks and pools across the state, the NGO is promoting rain water harvesting, thus ensuring the availability of drinking water throughout the year. Their
Livelihood Promotion Project aims at educating the public about sanitation, sustainable usage of water and how to process goods in an eco-friendly way. Be it the locals, farmers, women or children, the Gram Chetna Kendra aims to uplift each one through proper education regarding sustainable living. To donate or volunteer with them, click here.
- Greenpeace India
With a strong network of volunteers in India and in over 55 countries, Greenpeace India has a four point approach towards sustainability. Them being – stopping climate change, preserving the oceans, sustainable agriculture, and prevention against nuclear catastrophe. The aim is not only to make earth a greener but also a peaceful planet. Greenpeace India’s motto is to establish true harmony within the environment and ensure that the depleting resources are used in a responsible manner.
Take a look at what they do by clicking here.
- NAVDANYA
NAVDANYA aims to empower the backbone of India, that is, the farmers. Vandana Shiva, one of the most influential environmentalists in the world, is one of the founders of the organisation. Since 1984, their vision has been clear – to promote biodiversity, conservation, organic farming, seed saving, and farmers’ rights. So far, the organisation has trained more than half a million farmers in sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty. This has been possible with the help of 122 community-based seed banks throughout the country. They have also been the paving the way for establishing the largest direct marketing fair trade network in India. Since farming is one of the most wide-spread occupations in the country, NAVDANYA ensures that each and every step of the farming process is sustainable as well as profitable for the farmers. Want to know how they do it? Click here.
The fight for a greener and sustainable planet is a long marathon, and not a sprint. Collective and consistent efforts by each one of us will shape the future of life on this planet. Every little thing counts, every little switch-over counts. If you are moved, even a little bit, by what these NGOs are doing, then make sure that you take a leaf and do something for the planet, for your planet.
