Nature and the environment face a crisis today. It is not the crisis of any particular group, country or nation, but of all humanity. A world fit for people to live in needs a pollution-free environment. For World Environment Day, Shamim Reza, a student at Gono University, gathered the views of students from several universities.

Nafisa Zaman Boni of the Department of Zoology at Dhaka University said: "Future generations will not remember us for how fast we developed. They will remember what kind of world we left them on the road to development. The earth does not ask us for perfect solutions; it asks that we at least remember that every decision we make echoes in some future river, forest or child's life."

Jyotirmoy Kundu of the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Gono University said: "Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and supply oxygen. This reduces greenhouse gases and helps control global warming. Trees also stop soil erosion, help regulate temperature and reduce the impact of natural disasters. Biodiversity conservation, meanwhile, keeps ecosystems in balance. Different plant and animal species keep the environment stable, ensure food security and build the capacity to cope with the adverse effects of climate change. So tree planting and biodiversity conservation are vitally important for a sustainable, climate-resilient future."

Nazeat Akter of the Department of Sociology at Jagannath University said: "The biggest role of educational institutions in protecting the environment is creating awareness. Most textbooks now include material on the importance of nature and the environment. Tree-planting programmes, clean-up drives and environmental seminars give students practical experience. Cutting plastic use in favour of reusable items, installing enough dustbins and separating waste can reduce pollution. Initiatives can also be taken to raise awareness about wasting electricity and water, use solar power and build a green campus, and to teach students about their benefits. When teachers and students work together, big positive changes in conservation are possible. Educational institutions help shape future generations with an environment-friendly mindset, which plays an important role in building a beautiful and sustainable world."

Md Sidratul Muntaha of the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies at Sylhet Agricultural University said: "The environment is not just our surroundings; it is the breath of our future. Cutting a tree means not only losing a tree but losing a piece of life. Rivers, soil and air are all exhausted by the weight of human carelessness. Still, the hopeful thing is that small acts of awareness can start big changes. Planting a tree, using less plastic or loving nature are all powerful steps to protect the environment. On World Environment Day, let the pledge be that building a green world is the duty of me, you and all of us. I sincerely hope everyone will make sacrifices to keep the environment in balance. Then Environment Day will be observed with its full dignity every year."

The writer is a student at Gono University.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.