June 2020

Page 4 VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 128 | JUNE 2020 Established by H.H. Dr. Syedna  Environment Wellness & Lifestyle Monthly Newsletter Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA)   in 1992  Recycled Paper Used Recycled Paper Used BURHANI FOUNDATION (INDIA)  Amatullah Manzil, 65 Bazargate Street,  Fort, Mumbai‐1.  Phone:     22678480 / 22634326  Youtube:   Burhani Foundation India Channel  Website: burhanifoundationindia.org  Facebook: Burhani‐Foundation‐India  Email:      [email protected]    Twitter:      BFI_environment                   [email protected]  Instagram: burhani.foundation  Continued on Page 4 …………

Page 2 Page 3 #CELEBRATE BIO-DIVERSITY Coronavirus reminds us how liveable neighbourhoods matter for our well-being With 1 million species facing extinction, there has never been a more important time to focus on bio-diversity. Let us learn how all living things are connected in the web of life and how we can act for nature. Reversing biodiversity loss is the only way to restore and sustain a healthy planet. It is time to We are witnessing changes in the ways we use our cities in response to the COVID-19 re-imagine our relationship with nature and put nature at the heart of our decision-making. pandemic. The livability of our local neighborhoods has never been more important. Right now, we are working together to flatten the curve by staying home to control the There are 10 catastrophic threats facing humans right now, spread of COVID-19 and reduce demand on health services. This means spending a lot and coronavirus is only one of them more time at home and in our local neighborhoods. We are finding out about the strengths and weaknesses in the livability of our neighborhoods. This experience can This year has already been a remarkable showcase for existential and catastrophic risk. teach us some lessons, on how to live and plan our communities in the future. A A severe drought, devastating bushfires, hazardous smoke, towns running dry – these livable neighborhood promotes good health and social cohesion, both now and after events all demonstrate the consequences of human-induced climate change. While they this pandemic passes. may seem like isolated threats, they are parts of a larger puzzle, the pieces of which are all interconnected. A report titled Surviving and Thriving in the 21st Century, Heavy use of local open space published by the Commission for the Human Future, has isolated ten potentially catas- trophic threats to human survival. These risks are : Access to local public open spaces has become even more important as the current need to stay home adds to the impacts of increased density in the form of smaller 1. Decline of natural resources, particularly water houses, lot sizes and apartment living. Yet not everyone has access to local parks. Green spaces are being appreciated more than ever. Many people are rushing to plant 2. Collapse of ecosystems and loss of bio-diversity fruits and vegetables at home. 3. Human population growth beyond Earth’s carrying capacity Fewer cars, more cycling and walking 4. Global warming and human-induced climate change Reduced car traffic is making local streets safer and more usable for residents. More people including children are out on bicycles and walking. Walk-able environments with 5. Chemical pollution of the Earth system, including the atmosphere and oceans paths and cycle-ways are providing supportive and safe spaces for both recreational physical activity. 6. Rising food insecurity and failing nutritional quality Better air quality 7. Nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction Reduced car traffic and industrial emissions are undoubtedly improving air quality in 8. Pandemics of new and untreatable diseases our cities. The transport sector contributes about 25% of global carbon dioxide emissions. A ”slow walk-able city” means less traffic, more active modes of transport, 9. The advent of powerful, uncontrolled new technology better air quality and less noise. 10. National and global failure to understand and act preventatively on these risks Valuing social cohesion Recycled Paper Used Recycled Paper Used Pre-pandemic lifestyles involved people travelling to destinations for employment, education, recreation, socializing and extracurricular activities. This caused much social isolation. It is well documented that feeling part of the community is good for your mental health. Families and local support networks become even more important and valued during crises such as COVID-19.