In a world increasingly shaped by technology, the answer to climate change may lie in something far more simple reconnecting with nature. Drawing from over four decades of experience, Swami Prem Parivartan, widely known as Peepal Baba and Founder of the Give Me Trees Trust, shared a journey rooted in action. What began as a commitment to planting trees has grown into a nationwide movement with over 20 million trees planted and conserved across 202 districts in 18 states, supported by thousands of volunteers and interns working across vast stretches of land.
But beyond numbers, his message was deeply human. Climate change, he explained, is not just about rising temperatures or scientific data – it is about the gradual loss of chaya, or shade. With fewer trees, the balance of nature begins to shift, affecting not only the environment but all living beings that depend on it.
Birds, bees and butterflies, he noted, are not incidental to the ecosystem, they are essential to it. Their disappearance signals a deeper imbalance, one that cannot be corrected through technology alone.
He spoke candidly about the growing reliance on artificial solutions, particularly in agriculture, where excessive use of pesticides continues to damage soil health and biodiversity. True environmental conservation, he emphasised, cannot be outsourced to machines or confined to policy- it must be lived, practised and experienced on the ground. He further added that the technology cannot replace the work that needs to be done with our own hands. Planting trees, nurturing land and restoring ecosystems require not just intent, but effort. Physical fitness, he added, becomes an enabler, allowing individuals to actively participate in environmental action rather than remain distant observers.
For young people in particular, his message was clear: learning must go beyond textbooks. Experiential learning – stepping into the field, working with nature, and understanding its rhythms, is essential to building a lasting commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability is not only about solutions , it is about relationships. Rebuilding our connection with nature, participating in its restoration, and working collectively are what will ultimately shape a more sustainable future.