Tata Steel reinforces its commitment to Sustainability on World Environment Day 2021One of the biggest challenges of this century that has caught the attention of world leaders, activists and citizens the world over is the twin-pronged environmental protection that comprises climate change and environmental degradation. So much is the fear and existential crisis surrounding this that global bodies, environment protection groups, governments and corporate groups have come together to tackle the challenge.
The gravity of the situation can be gauged by understanding the work and reach of the many entities and collectives that are working independently and together to control the damage caused by human and industrial activities.
Global forum for climate change
In 1992, during the Earth Summit held at Rio de Janeiro, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established an international environmental treaty to combat ‘dangerous human interference with the climate system’, through various means including stabilising the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
The treaty called for ‘ongoing scientific research and regular meetings, negotiations, and future policy agreements designed to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner’.
In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was signed, making it the first real implementation of the decisions made under the UNFCCC. It was then superseded by the Paris Agreement that came into effect in 2019. As of now, the UNFCCC has 198 signatories.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) which is the primary decision-making body has been meeting every year to measure the progress made and to decide the future course of action. Despite protests around the world and the framework in place, several key nations that have a significant role to play in tackling this challenge, are not adhering to their individual commitments to reducing emissions. Here, the role of industries that are big emitters and corporate groups is important to adopt and further sustainable development.
Environment-friendly CSR initiatives in India
After the law on CSR was enforced, several corporate offices in India chose to divert the mandatory amount towards activities to promote environmental awareness, prevent environmental degradation and further efforts towards combating climate change.
Many business groups are investing in initiatives, as part of their CSR, to align their business and environmental activities. Optimal resource management, lowering carbon footprint, use of sustainable products and incorporating more renewable sources of energy for day-to-day living and working, etc. to name a few.
Today, CSR is being used and implemented extensively and incorporated by small and big businesses alike to make sure one and all are benefitted. The awareness and ‘demand’ for sustainable development have also made sure that policies are in place to provide a nurturing environment for such initiatives. This is why more and more CSR funds are now being diverted towards initiatives furthering environmental protection and slowing down climate change. This includes promoting research, spreading awareness, education, advocacy, furthering sustainable living, and more
Environment and sustainability
There are many aspects of environmental protection and CSR activities are funding a wide range of such activities. For CSR activities in the area of environmental protection, some of the major components are environmental sustainability; protection of the natural and native flora and fauna; maintaining the natural form and composition of an ecological zone including its soil, water and air; ensuring and maintaining ecological balance; promote afforestation and more.
So, maintaining a balance between the environment and the living organisms in it to further an unhindered ecological flow is essential and is known as ecological balance. It’s also important to curb the depletion of natural resources, especially non-renewable ones. Another major problem that is affecting cities in India is waste management and several initiatives are striving to control the environmental and health problems emanating from improper waste disposal such as diseases, toxicity, pollution, etc.
Human activities have depleted natural resources that must be maintained and protected for future generations. CSR executed by entities across India have taken initiatives to mitigate the harmful effects of human activities on the environment.
Several CSR activities also focus on controlling deforestation, poaching, destruction of forest reserves, illegal trade of wildlife and their products, etc. Animal welfare is also an important component of this sector and includes maintaining ecological balance for animals’ food, shelter and other needs.
Protecting natural resources
Soil, water, and air are essential for survival and it’s important to protect these natural resources for the present and future generations. It’s the overuse of resources and disruptive human activities that lead to their depletion and deterioration. Today, disposal of trash in water bodies, untreated sewage, spraying of pesticides and fertilisers on the soil leading to soil contamination, soil erosion, natural events of extreme nature or natural calamities, etc., are wreaking havoc on the natural resources present on Earth.
Across India, CSR activities are funding projects in research and development and implementation to stabilise fragile ecosystems and preserve natural resources. These projects, among other things, spread awareness; encourage research; initiate best management practices for waste disposal and industrial waste treatment; promote sanitation in cities and towns; encourage use of organic, natural and eco-friendly products for agricultural activities, etc.
One of the most important segments of CSR for environmental protection is agroforestry. Agroforestry is a cultivation practice or a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. Here, cultivation of shrubs, trees, crops and livestock is done in a systematic manner and together for higher yields.
This system of cultivation ensures there is enough supply for the rising demand for related products like fuel, timber, fodder, fibre, food, etc. In this, CSR activities are undertaken to ensure sustainable practices are incorporated to prevent the degradation of resources and to ensure there is a regular flow of products.
Companies take initiative
Several Indian companies take the initiative to promote the management of and awareness about the conservation of natural resources. TATA Steel, for example, along with the State of Odisha incorporated the target ‘Mission 2020 for Agricultural Development’ with the sole purpose of creating provisions for poor farmers to improve their lives by ensuring food security and increasing employment opportunities. At the time, the aim was to increase the income of some 7,000 households by training them in modern and sustainable irrigation practices and in horticulture among other practices.
The initiative also formed self-help groups for better project implementation and to ensure the women are given employment opportunities. The initiative converted three-acre cropland through sustainable irrigation facilities that benefitted 344 farmers.
On the other hand, leading beverage maker, Coca Cola initiated CSR activities at its behest in the area of waste disposal management and segregation of waste. The mission named ‘Alag Karo Har Teen Din Bin’ was initiated in Gurugram which produces 600 tonnes of waste and was not segregated and not disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.
This initiative aimed at spreading awareness among 1,50,000 people in 60 selected areas and 9,000 households that segregated the waste at the source itself. Additionally, awareness programmes were organised in schools and commercial outlets in the zone to educate about and promote waste management systems and recycling of waste.