Putik Lada: From Earth Hour to Earth Day

©The Star
Contributed by Dipendra A/L Harshad Rai

WITH the amount of effort that has gone into the Earth Hour celebration this year, I find it difficult to write about how I really feel about it. But what I want to say, really, is “Am I the only one who finds Earth Hour a little presumptuous?”

Slightly over two weeks ago, the entire country went gaga over the glitzy Earth Hour, about how switching off lights for an hour would save the planet.

I am sure this benevolent gesture has helped minimise the effects of climate change and in the process satisfied the conscience of many Ma­­laysians – that they have indeed done their part for the environment.

Alas, the euphoria over “saving the environment” then went quiet, very quiet indeed.

In fact, most of us went back to our daily routine, grinding away at reality, not stopping to think how our actions continue to impact the environment.

Why? Because there are no more pop stars, race car drivers and deejays to tell us about saving and respecting the environment.

With Earth Day fast approaching on April 22, we don’t need another re­minder on appreciating and res­pecting Mother Earth for a single day.

We need something a lot sterner than that.

Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness for the Earth’s environment on a daily basis.

Given that we have a population of 6.77 billion today, resources are strained in every imaginable way, and we really do need to look for novel ways to protect our planet.

We are, naturally, accustomed to the modern conveniences of life.

We drive, instead of walk, to reach a destination a mere three minutes away, or rely immensely on over packaging and plastic bags, which research has conclusively shown takes thousands of years to break down.

We unashamedly and unrestrainedly continue using air-conditioners or indulging in “open burning” techniques so that we can save a few ringgit. In short, we consume and waste on a planet where resources are finite.

I am sure all of us want to help “save” the environment.

Should we be satisfied with doing random acts and that, too, only when the media reminds us?

Shouldn’t caring for the environment be a matter of daily routine?

Why can’t the values of the environment be inculcated at a very young age when it is easier to shape mindsets?

Doing our part for the environment goes beyond the three Rs of Reducing, Reusing and Recycling, or even planting a few trees every now and then.

We throw rubbish indiscriminately so long as it does not litter our own compound.

We do not care about what happens to our rubbish as it is the res­ponsibility of garbage removal contractors to clean up our mess.

This is precisely why we need a new shift in thinking.

It is unfortunately much harder, because it requires a strong sense of willpower and effort to bring about a change of mindset with regard to the environment.

But not all is lost. Everyone from politicians, academicians, professio­nals and the man on the RapidKL bus must be prepared to effect a change in mindset.

How do we effect this change? The answer lies in education and le­­gis­­lation.

Most politicians feel engaging in meaningless shouting matches in Parliament does wonders for re-election rather than raising and debating sensible environmental questions and issues.

This is typical of the malaise facing Malaysia, and in a day and age where we are more concerned whe­ther our children should continue learning Science and Mathematics in English.

We neglect the wholesome value of a practical modern education.

Is it any wonder then that we are so impervious to the environment?

Honestly, how difficult can it be for the Education Ministry to conceive a new syllabus on environmental education?

By starting early, we are exposing the generations to come to the value and wisdom of protecting the environment.

Having “environmentally friendly” and conscionable legislation can play a positive role.

We can avoid the instance where an important stakeholder, the local council, can act with impudence following the decision of the apex Federal Court in the Highland Towers case, which absolved the local au­­thority of its failures and accorded it full immunity under Section 95 (2) of the Street, Drainage & Building Act 1974 for losses suffered by anyone should a building collapse.

This decision is, really, a backward step for the environment, and the quicker the lawmakers sit down and remedy the issue, the better it is for us.

I am glad that our new Prime Mi­­nister has set the tone right by having a ministry dedicated to green technology.

However, it requires more than just a name.

There is a need for a strong wind of change and the faster we embrace the aspirations behind Earth Day, the brighter our Sun will be.

Putik Lada, or pepper buds in Malay, captures the spirit and intention of this column: a platform for young lawyers to articulate their views and aspirations about the law, justice and a civil society. For more information about the young lawyers, please visit www.malaysianbar.org.my/nylc.