News18 Network Launches Project One Tree; Join the Collective Action Towards Greener and More Sustainable Future

News18 Network, India’s largest news network, on Monday launched ‘Project One Tree’, a movement aiming to mobilize every Indian to plant a tree as a measure against climate change. This marquee movement seeks to raise awareness about environmental conservation and foster collective action towards a greener, more sustainable future.

India’s growth trajectory in the past decade has been truly remarkable. Led by the vison of PM Narendra Modi and a slew of initiatives and policies which have focused on rapid progress and development, India has truly emerged as an economic powerhouse. India is poised to become one of the world’s largest economies in the decades to come and the government has been putting continued efforts to champion this growth.

India is following a sustainable and inclusive development model, leaving no one behind. In keeping with its sustainable development goals (SDGs) and commitments, the government has been promoting sustainability across all fronts of development and urbanisation. Through eight national missions, the government is focusing on solar energy, energy efficiency, water management, sustainable agriculture, and the Himalayan ecosystem.

In addition to the work that government has been doing, it is the responsibility of each of us to watch our carbon footprints, to monitor our consumption patterns, to care for the Earth – our only home – and for each other, in helping safeguard the future for ourselves, our children, for flora and fauna and for our biodiversity.

It’s imperative that we leave the world in a better condition than the one we received it in. And that requires commitment and effort; for the small efforts of today will lead to a giant leap together.

The Dwindling Green Patch & Its Impact

• India’s has 24.62% total forest cover
• Between 2000 and 2023, India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover
• India has experienced intense heatwaves
• This summer temperatures soared above 50°C
• Several regions in India face severe water scarcity
• 49% of India’s districts experiencing deficient rainfall in June 2024
• Flash floods in India increased by almost 35% since 2019
• 54.40% of forests in India are exposed to occasional fires

As climate change begins to impact us more than ever, it has become vital for each one of us to help repair the damage that humankind has done to the planet. Hence, it is the duty of each one of us to plant one tree.

As our planet faces unprecedented ecological threats, Project One Tree stands as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action in nurturing our natural surroundings.

PRESIDENT MURMU’S MESSAGE

Delivering a special message on the occasion of the initiative’s launch, President of India Droupadi Murmu spoke about the significance of championing Project One Tree to combat environmental challenges. President Murmu shared her vision on fostering a greener and more sustainable future, inviting each of us to contribute towards this noble cause.

“I congratulate all of you for this great effort being made towards the protection of the environment. Today, we are all facing the serious problem of climate change. A few days ago, we saw the devastating effects of heatwave…. The harmful effects of this challenge are visible in all the areas related to society, economy, people’s health and environment in the country and the world. These not only affect the pace of development, but also lead to many problems in various areas,” she said.

“Therefore, it is very important that through collective efforts, strong and permanent solutions are found, which are suitable to face the challenge of climate change… Trees improve the quality of air by providing oxygen, protect water and soil, and also provide shelter to living beings. I urge the citizens to plant at least one tree. If crores of people of the country plant trees, then it will prove to be very effective for environmental protection.”

“It is the responsibility of every person, every community. Come, let us plant at least one tree each. I again appreciate you for this initiative. It is extremely praiseworthy to see a united front on such an important issue and the progress towards a solution. I hope that such efforts will inspire the people of our country, especially children, to adopt sustainable living,” she added.