TOPIC 1: Forests precedes civilizations and deserts follow them.(UPSC CSE 2024)

Introduction

The forests are a monument to the great architect of the universe.” – By John Muir. The quote emphasise the intrinsic value of forests as foundational elements of life and civilization. During the 2500 BCE, the Indus Valley Civilization, primarily Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, flourished around the Indus River and its fertile floodplains. The people relied on nearby forests for timber, agriculture, and urban development. Gradually the region dried up owing to changing river course, and extensive agriculture, and exploitation of resources leading to deforestation, turning the fertile land to the Thar Desert, which comes under the category of one of the largest deserts. Similarly, the Mesopotamia once called the cradle of the world, bloomed with rivers Tigris, and Eupharates provided fertile agricultural soil, shelter and water needs. With the rise in urbanisation and growth in cities like Babylon and Ur, forests were side-lined for agriculture and irrigation, leading to overuse of water, soil salinization, and deforestation, ultimately collapsing the civilisation by turning fertile lands into deserts. Thus, the above case studies suggest that societies flourish in areas that are rich in natural resources like forests but, over time, unsustainable exploitation of these resources leads to ecological degradation, making way for deserts.

Interpretation

 “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” – By John Muir. The quotes established the relationship between forests and civilisation here. Forests are the very source for survival and prosperity of civilizations. They play a major role in agriculture and livelihood source by supporting the ecosystem services for survival by providing us the essential resources. They help in regulating the climate, and maintaining biodiversity. For example, Easter Island was covered with lush palm forests that supported a thriving Polynesian civilization. Likewise, the civilizations of  Mesopotamia and Egypt used wood from forests, which was essential in constructing structures and facilitating trade. Similarly, in the west,  the dust bowl of US had vast prarian lands to support grasses, trees and biota. Forests act as natural buffers and help in climate regulation and prevent soil erosion, regulate water cycles, and maintain local climates. Thus, making earth a habitable place. Since the ancient times, civilisations have relied on forest plants for traditional medicines, while forest ecosystems also promoted diverse agricultural practices. But with the rise of civilisations to the peak, the greed for resources overlooked the need for resources. Forests were cleared for agriculture, industrialisation and construction. Materialism culture took over and deforestation started taking over in patches of land across the globe. This can be justified through the debacle of the Carthaginian empire, which thrived on forest resources into a Saharan desert due to overexploitation of land for farming. Likewise, The Aral sea which was once the largest lakes of the world got shrunk thereby converting into a salty desert due to diversion of rivers for cotton farming. This is alarming as human interactions with the environment have often paved the way for ecological destruction, ultimately owing to desertification and further long-term consequences. Thus, humanity’s relationship with nature started with the fulfilment of ‘need’ by utilising the abundant resources that nature had provided for; this need gradually converted to ‘greed’, making way for scarcity through over-exploitation and ultimately turning the forests into deserts.

Elaboration

The forests thriving civilizations

“When the last tree is cut down, the last fish eaten, and the last stream poisoned, you will realize that you cannot eat money.” By – Richard St. Barbe Baker. Since the beginning of life, forests served as the cradle of human civilization, it provided essential resources such as food, water, shelter, and fuel. Civilisations have thrived with the abundance of natural resources it provided. Thus, Baker’s quote dominatingly emphasises that the misuse and over-exploitation of these resources led to ecological degradation and desertification, turning fertile land into barren land. For instance, Tunisia known as the “breadbasket of Rome,” was rich in forests and fertile land. However, extensive cultivation and adding of advanced agricultural techniques led to farmlands turning into desertification. Similarly, in Northern China, industrial development combined with agricultural overuse has expanded the Gobi Desert, encroaching on previously fertile lands. Over time, deforestation for agriculture, industrial expansion, and urban development has stripped the land of its natural resilience. In West Africa, the Sahel region has seen increasing desertification due to a combination of overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change. The once semi-arid region is now struggling with food security and water scarcity. Similarly, intensive farming in the Amazon rainforest to expand cattle ranching and soybean production has paved the way for  large-scale deforestation and soil erosion. Thus, making the land increasingly susceptible to desert-like conditions. Although useful, technological advances have frequently made the situation worse – pushing or creating more easily unsustainable practices for land use. For example, Loess Plateau in China faced erosion at alarming rates because of deforestation again due to unsustainable agricultural practices. These examples show how inadequately we have used the world’s natural resources, which is an important factor in desertification. In India, initially the Green Revolution provided agricultural productivity, which was increased by fertilizers and high-yield varieties. However, the over-application of fertilizers has caused soil deterioration and has contributed to contamination of water and land losing its fertility and quality. Results are grave for  Punjab, once referred to as the “food bowl of India,” is presently experiencing soil deterioration and groundwater contamination while having also become a site of cancer development. This was symbolized by the “cancer train” that transported those afflicted with disease to seek treatment from the same environmental factors that harmed the environment and that now allows for phytoremediation projects to help restore soil from contamination. In the north, the environmental crisis significantly derives from the Chernobyl disaster, a nuclear accident in in 1986 where soil was contaminated by radiation that affected several square kms of land area. The same landscape, the once intake area of vegetation and wildlife, cannot be regained for humans. Experts say that it would take more than more than 20,000 years for soil and vegetation in Chernobyl to be deemed safe for use by humans. Thus, the impacts on food security, water availability and livelihoods will be nothing short of catastrophic. Hence, there is an urgent need to reverse desertification and sustain humanity’s benefits from forests through sustainable land management and reforestation and create a balance between human development and environmental sustainability.

The civilisations making way for deserts

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – By Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The quote reflects the civilisational i.e. the anthropocentric view which has resulted in a disregard for the symbiotic relationship we share with nature. The rate of deforestation is far more intense than our ability to regrow trees. As a result of this ignorance we have created “human deserts”—not merely geographic wastelands, but areas that have become incapable of supporting human life due to soil degradation and water scarcity. Forests were the foundations of thought and civilization. It used to provide a base for us; through forests, the civilizations, nations used to get water, fertility of soil, trees for home. However, as urbanization and industrialization have accelerated, the misuse of agricultural practices, such as shifting cultivation, grazing of trees, plantations, etc has led to the degradation of these vital ecosystems. For example, the deforestation caused by Palm oil cultivation in Indonesia has diminished the forest cover, leading to wide-scale erosion of soil and water shortages, affecting local communities, orangutan species and the world’s climate. Thus, biodiversity and other mutualism that we enjoy with living has been destroyed as our greed drove all the organic beings to be either a threat or an opportunity. We systematically destroyed our only willing symbiotic friend, forests. In Southeast Asia, massive logging and conversion for plantations have led to the depletion of rich habitats and much higher carbon emissions, which exemplifies a significant flaw in our response as the rate of forest destruction is much higher than the natural regeneration rate, leading to possible desertification. We have observed the conversion of what was once fertile ground into congested industrial and urbanised developments that cannot sustain much life, and are now facing the consequences of converting living ecosystems into lifeless expanses of land. Hence, emphasising the pressing need for sustainable practices that incorporate ecological health along with human growth. In India, the issues regarding projects such as the Nicobar Islands and in Arunachal Pradesh demonstrate how vast areas of true forest are transformed into non-forest use which adds to the problem, rather than lessening it. The evergreen forests, usually replaced with infrastructure, not only cause degrading local ecosystems but also lead to decreased carbon sequestration. For instance, Delhi Ridge was a carbon sink in Northern India. Over the years, its carbon absorption and storage capabilities have declined. This was because afforestation efforts neglected the significance of native forest cover and the essential ecological landscapes of the region. Therefore, the ongoing and widespread exploitation of forests highlights the urgent need to reassess our reliance on nature, a system upon which our survival ultimately depends.

Civilizational efforts to address the challenge

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – By Bill McKibben. The quotes signifies our efforts towards forest restoration initiatives that have flourished globally in recognition of the value of forests for biodiversity, regulating climate, and livelihoods of communities. Reforestation and afforestation programs strive to re-establish native species and build resilient ecosystems in pursuit of reversing deforestation. The Bonn Challenge is aimed at restoring 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested land. Similar calls to action like the Trillion Tree Campaign aim to stimulate the planting of a trillion trees globally. Often these activities are carried out with local community involvement through sustainable land management and forest stewardship. Alternative forest restoration activities, like agroforestry (a practice of integrating trees into crops and livestock), not only restore forests but also improve food security and economic resilience. International arrangements like the Paris Agreement, CAMPA, and REDD+ programs likewise underscore the significance and advantages of the protection of forests as a method of climate change and invoke national commitments for restoration targets from countries across the globe. With all of these movements and the realization that forests can be restored is gaining momentum. All of these manifestations and movements suggest awareness of restoring forests for a sustainable future.

Anti-thesis

When civilization thrives alongside nature

“The care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility.” – By Wendell Berry. The civilisation has thrived since centuries and continues to do so. The quote by Berry reminds us of Indian society, which, since ancient times, has maintained a profound connection with nature. It is emphasised by sacred groves and practices that reflect efforts towards ecological balance. Stakeholder participation has been a key aspect of forest conservation. For instance, Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan or Apiko movement are social initiatives that show the importance of forests at the grassroots. Initiatives such as reforestation and afforestation programs aim to reintroduce native species, enhance ecosystem resilience, and combat deforestation, like Project Elephant, Project Tigers or conservation of Sunderbans to safeguard entire forest ecosystem. The National Afforestation Programme and the Ganga Action Plan showcase state-led initiatives to restore ecological integrity and biodiversity. Steps towards modern technology development to monitor and fasten the restoration of forests also highlights human desire to co-exist with nature. Thus, environmental determinism in India is evident as agricultural practices and cultural practices adapt to regional ecologies in order to rely on sustainable land use and improve soil conservation. At the global level, Bonn Challenge, New York’s declaration in Forests, or The China’s Great Green Wall place emphasis on reforestation and sustainable land management, and demonstrate that civilizations can sustain themselves alongside healthy ecosystems. Kenyan model of community-led tree planting programs has increased faith that degraded areas can be restored and simultaneously enhance livelihood. Likewise, Costa Rica’s ecotourism and reforestation efforts have transformed deforested landscapes into flourishing forests. This highlights that a linear progression towards deserts have the potential for a just transition. Finally, a case study worth applauding is the Great Green Wall of Africa, which aims for afforestation to tackle deforestation across the Sahel region through cooperation among African nations, international organizations, and local communities. Thus, as a symbol of hope it showcases a shared cooperative understanding that no civilization can survive without healthy ecosystems. It exemplifies that civilizations and nature can thrive together, ensuring a legacy of ecological health for future generations.

Way forward

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – By Jane Goodall. The quotes signify a systems perspective that embraces sustainability, environmental ethics, and technological innovation. Programs such as the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) emphasize eco-sensitive behavior and ask and inspire individuals and communities to live in harmony with nature. The term “trusteeship” builds the idea that these gifts of the natural world are a legacy we direct for future generations. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and specifically Goal 15 (Life on Land), we must also support reforestation, the improvement of land management practices to be sustainable, protection of biodiversity and perform collaborative activities such as India’s Afforestation Program. The Panchayati Raj system in India demonstrates the potential for local communities to sustainably manage forests. This shows the significance of participatory approaches, particularly at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the Forest Stewardship Council promotes responsible forest management internationally, supporting the balance between economic needs and ecological integrity. Finally, we can accelerate the future restoration of forests and avoid desertification by supporting renewable resources and green technology, such as solar energy and sustainable agriculture, thereby reducing our ecological footprint. Climate justice matters in this progress because it implies that the most marginalized sections of society suffering due to destructive practices should have an active role in the decision-making process related to the natural world that they otherwise have no influence and whom they typically are the first to bear the brunt of environmental decline. With these multiple approaches, we may conceive a future where civilization and forests coexist, instead of the constant and inevitable encroachment of deserts.

Conclusion    

 “The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” – By Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji’s quote contemplates the deep entanglement between forests, human civilization and sustainability, it is evident that we must embrace the middle path, a philosophy deeply cultured in the text of Indian philosophy. The lens of Indian philosophy encourages us to coexist in a healthy respect with nature. Programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission, Green India Mission, and Miyawaki Method highlighted the need for water and forest management and access as fundamental for the health of the environment and people. With healthy clean water access and conservation for all, we support the health of our communities and ecosystems for future years. Additionally, campaigns like “Catch the Rain”, planting trees on the highway or “Van Mahotsav (a tree planting festival)” provide a needed reminder that we should recognize our role in controlling and harnessing the natural resources we depend on. By living in this mindset, we might be able to foster a world in which forests can coexist with civilization leaving the world richly balanced, resilient and fully integrated for years to come.