Neohumanism The only Alternative to combat impending Ecological Disaster

The Earth is in crisis. The delicate balance of its ecosystems, consciously maintained over the ages, is unravelling due to mindless human indulgence in materialistic pursuit all over the planet. Rampant deforestation, the slaughter of fauna, and unchecked carbon emissions and indiscriminate use of pesticides and insecticides in crops is making food toxic, all these is pushing our planet toward irreversible damage. The consequences of this environmental degradation threaten not only the natural world but also human survival. The day is near when world will face a serious problem of new category of refugees “The Environmental Refugees” as the prediction is that many of the coastal countries and islands will come under water.

The Degenerating Ecosystem is a Grim Reality as it is compromising with the quintennial needs for survival of all living beings threatening Earth’s Annihilation.

Deforestation: The Silent Killer of Ecosystems

Forests, often referred to as the lungs of the Earth, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Yet, every year, millions of hectares are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and logging. This destruction eliminates habitats for countless species, disrupts water cycles, and reduces the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

For instance, the Amazon rainforest, responsible for producing 20% of the world’s oxygen, has seen unprecedented levels of deforestation. This loss accelerates climate change, as fewer trees mean less oxygen emission, aggravating the greenhouse effect.

Loss of Biodiversity: A Tragic Consequence

The relentless killing of flora and fauna is leading to a biodiversity crisis. Animals and plants are not just victims of habitat destruction but also of poaching, pollution, and climate change. According to the World Wildlife Fund, populations of vertebrate species have declined by over 68% since 1970.

Each species lost weakens ecosystems, making them less resilient to changes. For example, pollinators like bees, essential for food production, are declining rapidly due to habitat loss and pesticide use. The ripple effects of such losses are catastrophic, threatening global food security and ecosystem stability.

Carbon Emissions and Climate Change: The Global Ticking Time Bomb

Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, has released unprecedented amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The result is a warming planet, with devastating consequences. Rising global temperatures have caused polar ice caps to melt, leading to rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities.

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires, have become more frequent and severe. These disasters destroy ecosystems, displace populations, and strain resources. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that if global warming exceeds 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the damage to ecosystems will be irreversible.

The collective impact of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change is pushing the Earth toward tipping points. These are thresholds beyond which ecosystems can no longer recover. For example, the collapse of coral reefs due to ocean acidification caused by burning of fossil fuels and deforestation releasing large amount of carbon di-oxide into atmosphere leading to its absorption into oceans effecting marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on these ecosystems.

Similarly, the thawing of permafrost or simply melting of ice in the Arctic releases trapped methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further accelerating climate change in a feedback loop.

The Psychological Impact of a Changing Environment

As environmental degradation accelerates, many people experience ‘climate anxiety’, a deep fear about the future of the planet. This sense of helplessness stems from witnessing the irreversible loss of ecosystems, extreme weather events, and alarming predictions about climate change.

Individuals, especially young people, often feel a lack of control over their future, leading to “eco-distress”. Studies reveal that prolonged exposure to such stress can result in anxiety disorders, depression, and feelings of despair. For instance, communities living in areas frequently affected by natural disasters often report higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Human beings have an innate connection to nature, often referred to as *biophilia*. However, ecological imbalance disrupts this bond. Urbanization and the destruction of natural landscapes leave people disconnected from the restorative effects of green spaces, fresh air, and wildlife.

This detachment contributes to a rise in mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and even aggression. Studies have shown that access to nature helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol and promotes mental clarity. Its absence can aggravate feelings of isolation and frustration.

The term “ecological grief” describes the mourning experienced over the loss of natural environments, species extinction, or drastic changes to once-familiar landscapes. Indigenous communities, who have lived harmoniously with nature for centuries, often feel this grief most acutely.

The destruction of sacred lands or the disappearance of culturally significant species can lead to profound sadness, loss of identity, and mental health challenges. Similarly, individuals who work in conservation or agriculture feel a deep emotional toll when they witness environmental decline firsthand.

Ecological imbalance often disrupts livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities dependent on natural resources. Farmers facing erratic weather patterns or fishermen encountering depleted oceans suffer economic hardships that lead to stress, anxiety, and even suicide in extreme cases.

Environmental degradation also forces people to migrate, creating climate refugees. Displacement uproots families, strains mental health, and increases conflict in host communities, further amplifying the psychological burden.

As awareness of ecological damage grows, so does the phenomenon of *environmental guilt*. Individuals feel responsible for contributing to pollution, waste, or overconsumption. This guilt, while sometimes motivating positive change, can also lead to chronic stress and feelings of inadequacy, especially when people perceive their efforts as insignificant against the magnitude of the problem.

Why Mental Health Matters in Environmental Discussions

Mental health is often overlooked in discussions about ecological imbalance. However, addressing the psychological toll is crucial for building resilience and fostering sustainable behaviours. People who feel hopeless or overwhelmed are less likely to engage in environmental conservation. In contrast, individuals with strong mental well-being are more likely to take positive action.

Strategies to mitigate Psychological Impact 

Encourage urban greening projects, such as community gardens and parks, to provide people with access to nature. Spending time outdoors has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and restore mental clarity.

Empowering individuals with knowledge about ecological challenges and actionable solutions can combat feelings of helplessness. Community workshops, school programs, and social media campaigns can foster a sense of agency and optimism.

Governments and organizations should integrate mental health support into climate adaptation plans. Offering counselling services, especially for climate-affected communities, can help individuals process grief and anxiety.

Working together on environmental projects builds a sense of purpose and reduces individual burdens. Community-driven initiatives, such as clean-up drives or conservation efforts, can foster solidarity and hope.

Urgent Action is Required in protecting forests, preserving Biodiversity, Reducing Carbon Emission and last but not the least promoting sustainable practice.This is possible only when we have an expanded and liberated intellect.

Concluding here, the only prerequisite I would say to mitigate the grim problem of degenerating ecosystem and its ramification on this planet is adopting the philosophy of Neo humanism as propounded by Sri PR Sarkar also known as Anandmurti ji and fondly called as” Baba.”

Baba explains “What is Neo humanism? Neo humanism is newly-explained humanism. “Humanism” and “humanity” have been very popular words for the last century, but only human beings have come within the scope of humanism and humanity. This explanation [of the concept] is not sufficient – it cannot quench the thirst of the developing human society. Why should the love and affection of developed human minds be restricted to human beings only? Why should it not include all living beings, including plant life? This is the new explanation of humanism – Neo humanism – for within Neo humanism the entire animate world is included.”

The interconnectedness of humans and nature is a cornerstone of our existence. A balanced and thriving environment has always been vital for physical health, cultural identity, and emotional well-being. However, the growing ecological imbalance caused by deforestation, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss is not only devastating the environment but also having profound psychological effects on individuals and societies

Baba says “Even within inanimate objects as minute as the atom and smaller particles, there are still smaller particles that maintain their structural unity and struggle against their internal and external fissiparous tendencies. If the scope of Neohumanism is extended in this way from an extensive scope to an intensive scope, then we should go deeper into matter – not only into composite structures of animation and inanimation, but within the subtlest and smallest assembling structures.(1) And within the smallest assembling structures, where the point is nadir, the assembling body is the perfect status. But that perfect status can be reached only theoretically, never in the realm of practicality”.

“So, in Neo humanism our movement, our progress, must be not only extensive – that is, bringing within its scope the whole world of animation; it should also be intensive, a never-ending movement from the imperfect world of humanism to the perfect world of the unit assembling body, to the original primordial phase of perfection.” As explained by Baba.

Baba asked?

Why does Neo humanism talk about the Liberation of the Intellect?

Fortunately. Ba’ba’ Himself answered it –“ The intellect needs to be liberated because its the intellect which decides on how to utilize resources and if the intellect is caught up in dogma, it can’t perform maximum utilization or proper utilization of resources”

Ecological imbalance is not only a crisis for the planet but also for the human psyche. The mental health impacts—ranging from anxiety and grief to guilt and hopelessness—are real and profound. Recognizing this link and addressing the psychological effects of environmental decline is essential for creating a resilient, informed, and action-oriented society. As we work to heal the planet, we must also prioritize healing ourselves.