Report of the Task Force on Greening India for Livelihood Security and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Sustainability is not an option but imperative. For a better world to live in (not just to survive) we need good air, pure water, nutritious food, healthy environment and greenery around us. Without sustainability environmental deterioration and economic decline will be feeding on each other leading to poverty, pollution, poor health, political upheaval and unrest. the rapid increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, land degradation, increasing floods and droughts, advancing deserts and deteriorating conditions of fragile ecosystems, deforestation, loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution have become subjects of serious global concern. the overall impact of these phenomena is likely to result in depletion of ozone layer, change of climate, rise in sea-level, loss of natural resources, reduction in their productivity ultimately leading to an ecological crisis affecting livelihood options for development and overall deterioration in quality of life. Poverty and environmental crisis are closely linked calling for holistic approach and lasting solutions through greening programme.