If we have to improve the environment, public awareness is the primary requirement. There are a number of ways in which we can spread awareness and educate the public how to protect the environment.
i. Running awareness campaigns
ii. Providing environmental education at the school level
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iii. Regulating environmental legal rights and responsibilities
iv. Spreading awareness via the media
v. Encouraging public participation
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Today, these initiatives are being undertaken by the government, the media, as well as by schools at a considerable level. This is particularly important because as citizens, most of the environmental issues arise out of our way of living. Population explosion, industrialization and urbanization are some of the primary reasons for environmental degradation.
Awareness in all sections of the society can be spread through various general public awareness programmes. Only with collective thinking we will be able to restore balance in our environment.
Governments’ Role in Creating Public Awareness:
The government plays an important role in creating public awareness. The ‘Environmental Education, Awareness and Training’ programme of the Government of India aims at developing public knowledge and skills to protect the environment.
As part of the programme, during the year 2007-2008, 83372 eco-clubs were created in India. Between 2007 and 2008, 9938 associations were included in the awareness programme and financial assistance was provided. National TV and radio were used as a means of spreading awareness and Vatavaran, an environmental and wildlife festival was held in 2007.