Srinagar, Dec. 7 -- As I made my way back home today, the sun was slowly disappearing below the horizon, its vibrant red glow obscured by a thick veil of pollution. It was a sight that left me unsettled, a harsh reminder of the damage we humans have inflicted on our planet. The very symbol of purity and hope in Kashmir, the sun now seemed to be hiding from us, as if expressing its disappointment in our disregard for nature. And in that moment, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt, for it was a stark reminder that we are responsible for safeguarding the environment and all its wonders.

Philosophers argue that every generation holds the earth in trust not as owners, but as guardians. This concept, echoed in both Eastern and Western t...