Theme

Value education

Goal of the Session

The presentation aims to inform the children about the major environmental challenges facing the planet by presenting clear facts and statistics on pollution, deforestation, climate change, and water scarcity. It highlights the scale and impact of human activities on natural resources and ecosystems, raising awareness about the urgency of environmental degradation. Overall, it provides a factual foundation that encourages responsible attitudes and actions toward protecting the environment.

Content overview

1. Introduction

• Date: 5 June — the annual global event to raise awareness and encourage action for environmental protection.

2. Major Environmental Problems Covered

Different types of pollution and environmental challenges with facts and statistics.

a. Air Pollution

• 9.2 billion tons of industrial waste generated annually.
• 7 million (70 lakh) people died in 2021 due to air pollution.
• Strong focus on industrial pollution as a key source.

• 2.12 billion tons of waste dumped every year.
• Visual example: trucks carrying that much waste could go around the world 24 times.
• Mentions municipal solid waste expected to reach 11.2 billion tons globally each year.

c. Deforestation

• Every minute, the world loses the size of 40 football fields of tree cover.
• Nearly half of the world’s forests have been cleared or degraded.
• Mentions California forest fires (2020) as an example.

d. Land Pollution

• Over 2 billion metric tons of waste dumped each year; may increase to 3.78 billion tons by 2050.
• 75% of Earth’s land already degraded, projected to reach 95% by 2050.

e. Water Pollution & Scarcity

• Only 0.5% of Earth’s water is fresh and available.
• Regional examples:
  • Rajasthan: only 38 of 299 blocks have secure groundwater.
  • Gujarat: has 2% of India’s water for 5% of the population.
  • Haryana: faces 14 billion cubic meters of annual water deficit.
  • Punjab: groundwater dropped from 4.5 m to 21 m depth in under a decade.
  • Delhi: 99.1% of groundwater already extracted (2023).

3. Specific Global Case

• The Great Pacific Garbage Patch:
  • Made of mostly plastic debris (75–86%) from fishing gear like nets and ropes.

4. Other Environmental Issues

• Climate Change — briefly mentioned as an overarching global threat.
• Pesticides and Fertilizers:
  • Cause 385 million non-fatal poisonings and 11,000 deaths annually.
• Overfishing:
  • A significant contributor to marine pollution and ecosystem imbalance.

5. Solutions

• Suggesting actions to address environmental challenges such as:
  • Reducing pollution, waste, and chemical use.
  • Conserving water and forests.
  • Promoting sustainable lifestyles and eco-friendly practices.
  • Separating dry and wet waste
  • Change can happen only when people across the world unite and work together with a shared sense of responsibility.

Expected takeaways

• “When I care for the Earth, I care for myself.”
• The biggest takeaway is awareness, responsibility, teamwork, and hope — knowing that each person has the power to make a positive difference.

Discussion prompts for children

• What do you think makes the Earth a beautiful place to live?
• How do you feel when you see clean surroundings versus dirty or polluted ones?
• What small things can you personally do every day to keep your environment clean?
• Have you ever planted a tree or helped clean a space? How did it feel?
• How can working together make our environment better?
• What happens when one person litters but others clean up — is it fair?
• What lessons can we learn from trees, rivers, or animals about life and patience?
• How does nature heal itself — and how can people heal too?
• Can caring for the environment help us become calmer and kinder?
• Why do you think World Environment Day is celebrated all around the world?
• What message would you like to give others about saving the planet?
• If you could change one thing to make the Earth better, what would it be?
• How does helping the environment help you feel more positive or peaceful?
• What kind of world would you like to create for future children?
• How can small acts — like keeping your space clean — make you feel proud?

Video Links:

Air Quality Life Index as Delhi’s air quality gets severe

Delhi Water Crisis

Mera Baba Desh Chalata Hai | Ratan Tata Sewage Campaign 

Credits & Licensing

This presentation was created by Seedling Foundation as part of its initiative at Dongri Observation Home.
It is free to use, adapt, and distribute for non-commercial educational purposes only. Please credit Seedling Foundation wherever it is shared or reused.
For feedback or suggestions, contact: [seedlingfdn@gmail.com]