At present, climate change is the most unprecedented challenge for the world. It has threatened the well-being of people and nature. The alarming call is for immediate action to develop innovative and creative solutions that lead the world on a pathway to peace and prosperity on a healthy planet. For the International Day of Forests, 2022, Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) gave the theme - “Forests and sustainable production and consumption.”

Every year, March 21st is observed as the International Day of Forests. The aim of the day is to raise awareness regarding the importance of all types of forests. The day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2012. The United Nations General Assembly had declared March 21st as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate the significance of all types of forests. All countries are encouraged to involve in local, national, and international activities consisting of forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns to celebrate World Forestry Day.

“If you are doing the right thing for the earth, she's giving you great company.” - Vandana Shiva.

Well, the relationship between human beings and forests has always been the root for the development of society. It depends on forests' various productive, ecological, social, and cultural functions. Given the historical overview, the cultural bonds between people and forests, including the spiritual and symbolic role of the forests, are crucial for sustainable development. To emphasize the fact, people need to be aware of one of nature's most undervalued resources - Soli.

Save Soil: A global movement
Save Soil is a global movement launched by Sadhguru, Indian spiritualist and yoga guru, to address the soil crisis by bringing together people from all over the world to step up for Soil Health and supporting leaders of all nations to institute national policies and actions toward enriching the organic content in cultivable Soil. He is going aboard a 100 day motorbike journey from London to India for the #Save Soil campaign.

As per the UN’s campaign against desertification, one third of soil globally is ruined, and more than 90% could become despoiled by 2050. It can take 1,000 years to create a few centimeters of soil. “I’m not a scientist, I’m not an environmentalist. I belong to the land, not to the lab, but I know there’s a soil crisis so I’m talking to as many heads of state, politicians, leaders, top scientists and influencers [as possible],” said Sadhguru.

He further said “We can’t address climate change without addressing soil health”. “Without citizens making a big statement, no government is going to make longterm investments, so from 21 March for 100 days, we want the whole world to talk about soil.” (Source- The Guardian).

The solution to the soil crisis is to bring back at least 3-6% organic content in the soil. It can be possible if every nation makes some policies supporting soil health. And the policies need people’s support, and people would help only if they are aware of the crisis.

Technologies to save the planet
Indeed, humans are the reason for both causing and contending deforestation, climbing temperatures, and ocean acidification, including our less-than-benign legacies. And the planet is in danger. Even though innovation of technologies is one of the reasons for the jeopardy, the technologies are still the way to save the planet. It's also worth considering that some of these technologies come with risks.

“An eco-home is effectively a house that has a minimal environmental impact. An eco-home includes maximum insulation, triple glazed windows, and responsibly sourced construction materials

Artificial Intelligence:
Microsoft's AI for Earth program is one effort underway to tie together the capacity of AI for the beneficiary of the planet. The program has given more than 200 research grants to teams using AI technologies to planetary health in one of four segments: biodiversity, climate, water, and agriculture.

AI is impacting agricultural practices and will soon transform the process of farming in industrialized nations, reducing our reliance on pesticides and hugely lowering water consumption. AI will make autonomous vehicles navigate more competently, lowering air pollution. Material scientists are deploying AI to develop biodegradable replacements for plastics and develop strategies to clean our oceans, which get some eight million metric tons of plastics annually.

Startups in the US and Canada have formed their carbon capture plants. At scale, the technology could assist reverse one of the most alarming environmental trends of our time.

Kinetic Pavements:
Kinetic pavements possess pretty simple ideas. The pavements are invented to produce electricity every time someone walks over them.

There are a few kinetic pavements around the world, but most of these are experimental or more of a novelty. However, these kinetic pavements could turn the norm for city sidewalks in the upcoming days to decrease reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.

An ecohome is effectively a house that has a minimal environmental impact. An ecohome includes maximum insulation, triple glazed windows, and responsibly sourced construction materials. It would be fit with solar panels that use rainwater harvesting for water supply. They could also have deep overhangs to deal with overheating and the installation of vegetable patches for home grown produce.