Why are peacocks roosting on Lamp Posts ?

Peacocks are arguably amongst the most beautiful creatures in the world symbolizing grace and beauty. Inspite of their size they like to go high in the trees making them one of the heaviest birds which can fly. Peacocks feed on the ground but roost on the tree tops to protect themselves from predators.

 Humans are directly threatening the very existence of peacocks among other birds by cutting down trees. 11 % of all global greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans are due to deforestation – comparable to the emissions from all passengers vehicles on the planet.

 This year itself we have witnessed some of the worst disasters resulting from Climate change. In late June, western Canada was caught under a “heat dome” causing temperatures to reach 49.6 deg C , also affecting some US States. The deadly floods of Europe in mid July ravaged entire villages leaving scores of people dead and missing. Flooding also hit China when a downpour dumped a year’s worth of rain in three days in Zhengzhou sending muddy waters through the streets and destroying all in its path. The Wildfires and California and Australia raged for weeks and left behind massive destruction. The global effect of Climate Change is clearly visible.

For those following the COP26 summit which concluded in Glasgow recently, the world leaders made a pledge to limit the rise of temperatures to 1.5 deg C, and accelerated the action on Coal, deforestation , electric vehicles and methane.

Is Global Warming only the responsibility of the leaders of countries ? We as citizens of the world have a responsibility, as healing our planet starts in our house. It is surprising how simple changes and choices we make in our everyday life, go a long way to limit our carbon footprint.

 Moving to LED lights, switching them off when not in use and installing motion sensors is a good start. Switch off light bulbs, heating and air conditioning systems when not in use. Walk or take the public transportation instead of driving. Although the choices for electric cars is still limited, very soon we will have the feasible option to choose electric over the traditional gas guzzlers. Moving to plant based food as it reduces methane emissions. Insist on buying products which are made in factories using renewable sources of energy. We need to create the demand which encourages more companies to go the “green way”.

 Together we can play our part to ensure that the peacocks go back to roosting on trees.