“Only we humans make waste that nature can’t digest.”
Due to increasing media coverage, our society is becoming more aware of the effects that our activities put on the health of the environment. Global media channels reach nearly 1.5 billion people across the globe. Through this data a conclusion can be derived that most of the people are getting environmental awareness through the media. Global warming, Ozone depletion, Climate change are the current global environment problems the world is facing. How do people from different cultures perceive these problems? How do they react to them?
Environmental awareness is to understand the fragility of our environment and the importance of its protection. Promoting environmental awareness is an easy way to become an environmental steward and participate in creating a brighter future for our children.
Here are some media initiatives that have created a stir but the momentum is not enough
Dainik Bhaskar, a leading Hindi newspaper of India started Jal Bachao Abhiyan among its readers in different states and it had a great impact on readers. Jal Satyagraha initiative is being organised for a decade in the month of April and May by Dainik Bhaskar as a special drive in summers. The campaign encourages people to take a pledge; inducing them to save 15% water in their daily usage.
Similarly, the environmental magazine like “Down to Earth” has been found to cover a broad variety of environment related topics (ranking from policy to science, from local to global level) and their scientific background. Over the years the magazine has informed and inspired people about environmental threats facing India and the world -- a dimension underplayed in mainstream media.
Delhi FM was broadcasting two weekly programs on environment, “Kinare-Kinare” and “Ao Dilli Savaren” on being motivated by the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The nation's leading TV channel group NDTV had launched a unique campaign in April 2008 NDTV Toyota green campaign. This constant 24-hour program had stars and celebrities participating. It was an effort to educate people about environmental issues. The campaign was with Nobel Prize winner Dr. R.K. Pachauri, then Environment MinisterJairam Ramesh and many film stars. After the huge success of the NDTV-Toyota environment campaign Greenathon I & II, NDTV in partnership with Toyota announced the Green Awards to encourage, acknowledge and award the Champions of the Earth for environmentalleadership (globally) contributing most towards protecting our environment.
Companies and organizations have taken various measures to be eco-friendly thereby attracting the millennial generation towards their brand who have ethical responsibility of protecting the environment. Various research and surveys in recent times have proved that companies and organizations are promoting go-green initiatives as their top marketing strategy. Even at the receiving end people tend to choose green brands and also look for the evidence that supports the initiatives. The go-green initiatives may include use of wind and solar energy, LED bulbs, reusable bags, waste reduction policies, energy conservation policies etc. However there is also a vast majority of the population that believes it is the duty of the government to provide a sustainable environment for people.. Let us not forget the fact that nature has its own way to find the right balance and this has occurred many times in the past and should consider it as a warning from the environment.
Isn't it time we did something wit these powerful forces
Some questions that needs to be answered squarely and get responses.
How can social media save the planet? Do you think platforms like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube really help us to address pressing global problems like climate change, peak oil, food security and biodiversity loss?
What role should the media play in the future?
To what degree can the media ultimately influence public opinion and motivate more people to get involved in responding to climate change?