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Ritesh from India
Hello Ritesh, nice to meet you. Please tell us a bit more about you and your life. And what are your interests?
My name is Ritesh. I am studying my 2nd year B.Com ( Bachelor of commerce) in Pune city -India. I have done tally course and aspire to have a good career in the accountancy field. I like to read and travel. Travelling inspires me with better learning and gives me a better perspective in life.
Why is this environmental issue important to you?
The environmental issue is important to me, because it has a huge impact on humanity, biodiversity and ecological balance. It is essential to create a safe environment for our next generation for sustainable development. Today's world is facing many problems due to pollution, climate change, neglect of water resources. e.g. Respiratory problems are increasing due to pollution. Having a good and safe environment is important to have a quality life.
What are the most important issues for children related to the environment and climate change in your community/country/region?
- Plastic pollution: Good amount of plastic is used in my area despite it being ban. Since this is hazardous recycling plastic waste in the most suitable manner is the need of the hour.
- Climate Change: Farmers are facing difficulties due to temperature rise and climate change. They fall in debt awaiting good yield. However, due to climate change and irregular and at times excessive rains the crops are spoilt, and the yield is not good. The farmers have even committed suicide as they cannot pay the long debts and the interest and compounded interest on the same. Children become most vulnerable in such situations.
- Tree Plantation: There is a need for tree plantation in cities. Some of the old trees are cut down due to various reasons and mountains too are cut down and buildings and dwellings are built.
- Migration : Is too high in Pune city where I live. People migrate from near and far in search of opportunities . This too is effecting the climate and pollution and living condition of people and the city is getting over populated.
- Mis- management of waste segregation: Although this is done to some extent in my area, it is not well managed as it should.
- Air & Water pollution : water-bone and air- bone diseases are caused. Lungs are effected and asthmatic problems are on the rise.
Can you share with us a good children and youth activity happening in your community or country to help or protect the environment?
- Plantation: Plantation of trees at local place and settlement level, implementation of various activities, e.g. Friday for future, Green army.
- Awareness in society & schools: We are doing activities such as plays, exhibitions, making posters etc. among friends and family and in the society on environmental issues. Along with our organizations staff youth conduct environment awareness and ecological rights sessions in government schools.
- Safe festivity: Together with all our youth new activity concepts like celebrating Green Diwali and Ganesh festival in safe environment is done in our communities.
- Cleanliness drive : A cleanliness drive has been started in a community. Worked on waste collection and recycling in the surrounding areas. Also youth groups celebrate Plastic Free Day to reduce plastic waste.
You are working quite hard to protect your environment! Do you also have a personal dream?
Yes, it is my personal dream that one day I will develop a sustainable lifestyle, which will have less impact on the environment. I want my work to help make my youth group more sustainable and pollution free. Apart from this I want to become a conscious and responsible citizen and inspire others to protect the environment.