An elderly man sits by a window on a sweltering summer afternoon, reminiscing about his youth, when summers were less scorching and the air less humid. Elsewhere, a farmer gazes in despair at his damaged fields after unseasonal rains have devastated his crops at the height of summer. These are not isolated incidents; they are stark reminders of a deepening global crisis that sustainable development seeks
to address.

The overexploitation of natural resources, widespread deforestation, and a rapidly growing carbon footprint have compelled us to confront the grave consequences of our relentless pursuit of economic growth, technological advancement, and material comfort. The impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are no longer distant threats—they are unfolding before our eyes. It is imperative that we recognize the extent of the damage inflicted on the environment by human activities and take urgent, collective action to restore ecological balance before it is too late.

Sustainable development, in a literal sense, means the development that takes place by planning and judicious use of resources so that they can be used by future generations. But have we ever paused to think about embracing sustainability as a way of life? This is largely because our understanding of sustainability is often superficial, shaped mainly by what we read in newspapers and magazines about environmental protection and renewable resources.

We need to understand that every activity of ours is in some way or another going to impact nature. Therefore, we must develop a deeper understanding of sustainability and commit ourselves to adopting eco-friendly technologies, even if they entail higher upfront costs. Such investments are not merely expenses; they are essential steps towards securing a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

It is not that we need to do something new, since several policies are already implemented in this regard since long. Our ancestors had used such techniques in the past, which need to be revived now, so that the disrupted balance of nature can be restored. The most imperative issues that need to be addressed immediately are the increasing carbon footprints due to increased concrete cover and unplanned infrastructure development, while taking the environment for a toss. The crux of this issue is the realization that green areas can become effective carbon capture instruments for businesses, households, and city planners by choosing the proper plants, managing land effectively, and implementing sustainable practices. Hence, increasing green cover can lead to the absorption of carbon and a decrease in the heat island effect induced by soaring temperatures.

Conventional slope protection methods often rely on stone pitching and concrete structures, which can adversely affect the environment through stone quarrying and the extensive use of cement. Soil and Water Bio-engineering offers a more sustainable alternative, owing to its lower cost and reduced maintenance requirements. The approach stabilizes slopes by applying suitable protective coverings to prevent erosion and future landslides, followed by the establishment of vegetation. This vegetation not only reinforces slope stability through its root systems but also acts as a carbon sink, sequestering significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide over time.

One such bioengineering technique, which is a reinvention of old lost methods, has been adopted in many projects all over India. This is the use of eco-friendly material for slope protection and soil erosion control. This product is the outcome of extensive research performed by Mr Vinaay and his team over decades, where they have manufactured a coir blanket for slope protection having 85 to 90 per cent of coir fibres, and only 10 to 15 per cent polymer. These possess excellent properties of being biodegradable and versatile, for erosion control and slope protection of highways, railways, agroforestry, mines and other infrastructure development for lakes, nalas, and other artificial water bodies.

It has proved to work successfully in all the areas, from the highest rainfall zones to the driest climatic conditions. It has successfully performed on several slopes that are flatter than 30 degrees and steeper up to 80 degrees. It possesses the exclusive property of providing suitable strength over time as the roots grow further, entangling with each other, thereby increasing its structural stability. In the modern era of construction, “Sustainable Development” is no longer a buzzword; it is a technical requirement. As we expand our urban footprints, we inevitably disturb the natural soil crust, leading to accelerated erosion. Carbon sequestration is becoming a key tactic in lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in light of the growing worries about climate change. Eco-friendly landscaping in the household, business, and municipal sectors has substantial, often overlooked potential for reducing carbon footprints, even if large-scale reforestation and agricultural practices have garnered the most attention. #

Dr Manali A Joshi, Academician and Environmental Researcher, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering at Dr Vishwanath Karad, MIT-World Peace University, Pune, India.