Environmental apathy or the lack of concern towards the present, pathetic state of our heavily polluted environment, is a serious issue having long-term consequences that many of us are just beginning to realize. Despite people across the globe are having widespread awareness and knowledge of air, land and water pollution affecting almost all our vital water resources, deforestation, climate change, etc., a large number of people, institutions and even big industries remain nonchalant towards this crucial issue. This unconcerned attitude towards the health of the planet will not only result in the speedy deterioration of ecosystems, but may also lead to disastrous impacts on human health, the world economy, and the society at large.

This article primarily delves into the grave consequential implications of environmental negligence by mankind, mainly focusing on how it will affect our present as well as the future climatic and environmental conditions, human health issues and the gradual collapse of the ecosystems. Here, we aim to discuss and analyze the different sources of environmental apathy; examine its long-term results, and suggest for a complete change in the people’s mindset by minimizing plastic waste, which is one of the major causes of this massive environmental pollution engulfing the Earth!

• What are the major causes of Environmental Negligence or Apathy?

Environmental apathy isn’t a “one-day phenomenon”. It’s in fact, a result of many complex factors put together. Some of these are as follows:

• Lack of Knowledge of the Long-term Consequences: The disastrous effects of frequent climate change and unprecedented air, land and water pollution affecting ecosystems are often gradual, but have unprecedented and long-term negative impacts. This situation makes it harder for people to indulge in their daily activities, for example, those using disposable plastic containers rampantly and throwing them away resulting in huge plastic pollution in the form of landfill or choking our water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, seas and oceans in the form of water pollution! Hence, the need of the hour is to transform ourselves and our lifestyle to go for sustainable alternatives like glass water bottles or steel utensils, rather than single-use plastic bottles, bags, etc.

• Political and Industrial Pressures: Large-scale industries and Multi-National Companies, including even the small-scale ones are generally using huge amounts of fossil fuels like coal, mineral oil, etc. which need to be curbed significantly by using sustainable manufacturing techniques. Therefore, sustainable manufacturing companies like WAE, an expert in Water and its Reuse have opted for responsible manufacturing practices, providing complete sustainable drinking water solutions and products, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint on the atmosphere.

• Precarious Impacts on Human Health due to Environmental Negligence: The environment in which we survive and human health are closely linked to each other. Thus, it’s quite natural that when there is an ecological imbalance, frequent climate change, loss of biodiversity and excessive land, air and water pollution, it has a direct and adverse impact on human health, particularly in the underdeveloped and developing nations like India! Therefore, the freshwater available to us in the form of rivers, lakes, groundwater, etc. needs to be purified through ro water dispensers and other water purifiers, specifically designed with advanced technologies to make drinking water 99.99% pure ad safe!

• Frequent Climate Change also results in the outbreak of Serious Diseases: Climate change is one of the major consequence of prolonged environmental neglect leading to a whole lot of contagious diseases like malaria, dengue and various other kinds of viral diseases.

• Loss of Biodiversity can lead to Loss of Habitats & Food Insecurity: Biodiversity is in fact, the basis of all resilient ecosystems. However, its continuous degradation may lead to habitat destruction, food insecurity, excessive pollution, etc. resulting in endangering several species of plants and animals as well as leading to their extinction. Therefore, hi-tech and scientifically advanced water treatment systems is the need of the hour to tackle these water challenges effectively.

What are the Major Steps that need to be taken to Protect & Revive our Already Damaged Ecosystems?

Awareness Campaigns: Imparting information and knowledge through public awareness campaigns about the short-term as well as the long-term results of environmental negligence can actually empower individuals or a group to take immediate actions. NGOs, schools and colleges, media houses and even governments should encourage and prioritize environmental education to gradually change the outlook and perception of the general public belonging to different cultural backgrounds to go for sustainable water systems and sustainable solutions as a part and parcel of their everyday life.

Thus, to conclude, “Environmental Apathy” is no longer a far cry but an urgent issue that calls for immediate action. Also, as the health of the ecosystems is fast deteriorating and human health crises is deepening, the adverse consequences of environmental neglect will become all the more severe and irreversible in the future. Therefore, the time is ripe to act now and delay no longer! As charity begins at home, we can install completely sustainable, affordable and compactly designed home filtration systems for pure and safe potable water for drinking and cooking purposes. So, by understanding this connectivity between human health and environment, we can begin to forge ahead for a more secure, sustainable and formidable future environmentally!