We are witnessing that climate change is making an impact around the world- the recent Amazon forest fires, fueling stronger disasters, drying up water resources and diminishing food security- we are also in a dire search for answers and solutions. The global temperature is rising because of the unplanned and greed-centric activities of human beings. Interestingly, the actions that are required to reduce global warming would also help reduce global poverty, because a healthier environment would increase nutritious agricultural yields and it would improve global health. These are some side benefits in addition to the priceless conservation and expansion of plant and wildlife biodiversity. Caritas India, in partnership with Earth Day Network organized programmes and activities in North East Zone, that were centered around such actions required to tackle global warming and contribute to the concern of climate change. Let us have a look at various activities organized under this partnership in various parts of the country in August, with the help of Caritas India registered volunteers –

• Bongaigaon Gana Seva Society (BGSS) team carried out plantation of medicinal plants in Lokhipur village under Chirang district of Assam. The plantation activity was done along with the school children. The children were helped by the traditional herbal practitioner Mrs. Lila Lakra, to identify the medicinal plants and planted them in herbal garden. We realize that herbal plants are disappearing from the region due to climate change and environmental degradation, and it is high time to save and conserve such herbal plants.
  

• In Nagaland, Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) conducted an orientation programme on importance of tree plantation in Chekiye village of Dimapur district. After the orientation, 8 fruit saplings were planted in the compound of Community Training Center. Another programme was organized in Samziuram village of Peren district. School students were encouraged to gift plants to their near and dear ones on occasions of birthday or others occasion in their home and neighborhood. This was followed by plantation of 5 fruit saplings in the school premises.

• In Manipur, Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) organized a workshop for students and community people in Machi village of Tenznoupal district, where everyone came together to talk about climate change, global warming and various environmental issues. A painting competition on nature friendly ideology was organized, followed by a cleanliness drive and a plantation drive along the village road.

• In Arunachal Pradesh, Sevakendra Arunachal East set up a model herbal garden at Sevakendra Training Center in Namphai village of district Changlang. The group planted 20 different species of herbal plants which are very beneficial for the environment. Three plantation drives were organized in New Khamlang village of the same district where 25 Nitrogen fixation trees were planted.

• Sevakendra Dibrugarh organized plantation drives in 3 villages- Gorajan, Gahorisuwa, and Phulbari of Dibrugarh district of Assam. Around 30 fruit trees and medicinal herbs were planted in school and village premises.

 Planting trees and restoring the natural balance of nature- activities which are nature-based are understood to be very effective in reducing carbon dioxide levels and thereby reducing the polluting gases from the atmosphere. Trees play a vital role in addressing climate change as they absorb carbon dioxide, protect coastal communities from severe flooding and storms, help soil retain moisture and trees are anchors for plant and wildlife biodiversity. As responsible citizens, we must try to imbibe the values of protecting mother nature that is in dire need of help. The partnership of Caritas India with Earth Day Network motivates volunteers and communities towards such responsibilities.

 This partnership is only expanding with the vision of adapting to climate change using eco-friendly ways to carry out activities. Numerous activities have been organized like drawing and painting competitions under the programme- artists for earth, using plastic bottles to make pen holders and other useful stuff under end plastic pollution, planting trees and gifting trees on birthdays under #treesforearth, cleanliness drives under great global cleanup, various awareness programmes under environment education and so on. This partnership has a vision and it is committed to take ahead the idea of saving the earth and switching to greener means of life.