Nature silently suffers wars

Some people could be safer in their part of the world and they might think they are far from a war scenario.

We might have to think again.

I am reminded of a quote by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, "The conservation of the environment is the responsibility of all of us, a responsibility that knows no political boundaries".

Of course, we have already seen the impact of conflict on the economic sector, affecting commerce and trade ranging from food commodities to cooking gas.

In some Asian countries restaurants closed due to the disruption in cooking gas, resulting in job losses. Unknowingly, lifestyle has been affected. At times in life we do not just look at affordability. We appreciate the ambience and the surroundings that create moments for us. This is indulgence, some might say and others might simply describe it as thriving by enhancing the experience. Thus, restaurants try to create unforgettable experiences.

Now nature does this without an effort. Nature enthusiasts know the importance and influence of nature on the mind and that is why they seek the wilderness, the mountains and the sea. When you interact directly with nature, somewhere during the experience, you feel the connection. We can feel the difference when we spend just a few minutes in the garden.

People in war zones have to think of many ways to survive. They have to think of bunkers and underground fortifications to live safely. A deep contrast to what people are otherwise blessed with on earth — fresh air and places to walk around freely.

The birds have a will to fly wherever they want, yet man is constrained out of fear due to human behaviour.

We have what they don't have — ego.

As a child I was impressed with the idea that the major difference between humans and animals was that we can talk and express ourselves! And most importantly, I was convinced humans were superior because we could think. We have numerous languages and grammars to learn, but we seem to fail to communicate.

Growing up, I have realised thinking can be a disadvantage, especially when it is laced with preconceived notions that are influenced by insecurities, fear, lack of awareness, selfishness, a superiority complex and most importantly, ego. They are all interrelated. To prove one's stand, they can go to any length, failing to realise that nothing is forever.

We might be under the impression that war is somewhere far away from us, but we fail to understand the environment knows no borders. Destruction is the result when missiles cross skies and borders to hit targets to eliminate what they think is danger. Along with the chaos, one contributes to pollution of the environment encompassing land, sea and air as well as a wounded generation that grows up in conflict with vengeance in their hearts.

The impact of missiles is not just an eyesore. It runs deep through the veins. Nature cannot scream, but soil and water pollution reaches us through food. The food market today is global and if we were worried about genetically modified produce, who and when would we assess the produce of the current situation?

Wars result in toxic pollution, massive carbon emissions and the destruction of vital ecosystems as well as ground water pollution and oil spills. A war can produce an umpteen number of greenhouse gases. So who is counting the carbon footprint?

We pollute the land just like we pollute our minds. This land is not just for us but a promise for the future generations.

It is just like some people wanting trees to be cut only because they shed leaves. Blessed are you if you can stand under the shade of a tree, for we do not often realise how much they contribute to the air we breathe.

We humans often do not know what our blessings are. We tend to become even worse neighbours in the neighbourhood, unable to accept others and let people be.

Imagine how boring it would have been if everyone were identical in thinking and living.

There must have been a reason why we are all born with different fingerprints.

Lakshmi Kothaneth

The writer is senior editor of Observer