Environmental Consciousness: Analysis of Anuradha Chaudhary’s Essay
How Sane Are We? Anuradha Chaudhary, Bangladesh (1947)
Literal Comprehension:
This essay by Bangladeshi writer, Anuradha Chaudhary, focuses on environmental consciousness and the need for its conservation. As we are responsible for destroying nature, its conservation is also our responsibility.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man-made chemicals that cause 20% of the greenhouse effect. They deplete the ozone layer, which acts like a shield around the Earth, absorbing 99% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. If these rays reach the Earth, they will affect ecosystems, decrease agricultural productivity, weaken the human immune system, and cause skin cancer and eye cataracts. CFCs were first created in 1920 for use in refrigerators, spray cans, computer chips, air conditioners, etc. In 1974, scientists disclosed the link between CFCs and ozone layer depletion, but nations and CFC producers ignored the warning. Only in 1985 was the link widely accepted. Subsequently, nations signed a document to stop CFC production by 2006.
The decision to phase out CFCs globally is rational, but the writer questions the honesty of its implementation. They could stop the use of CFCs immediately and use cheaper, harmless chemicals as substitutes. However, their decisions lack implementation. By allowing the continued use of CFCs, we are causing destruction to ourselves. The writer relates this to the science fiction story “War with the Newts” by Karel Capek, where exceptionally clever water animals could give men pearls. Men gave them knives for protection from sharks. Their numbers increased so greatly that they moved to land and endangered human existence. Like the newts, we are destroying our own dwelling and worsening our environment and air.
Interpretation:
We human beings are considered the supreme creatures in the world; we think ourselves wise, witty, clever, intelligent, enthusiastic, and responsible. However, we are so “sane” that we destroy our own home, ourselves, and other creatures. We act as if we have sole inheritance of natural resources and do whatever we like. The essay also implies that humans cannot make rational decisions. General people do not choose rational political leaders as their representatives, nor do elected representatives make the right decisions in time. Moreover, they are often dishonest, worrying only about the next election and not about the future of people and other creatures. They know that CFCs are depleting the ozone layer but do nothing to stop the use of this harmful chemical. They make decisions but lack the courage and initiative for implementation. Thus, we are spoiling the environment by electing such leaders, and they are spoiling the future of mankind.
Critical Thinking:
This essay focuses on environmental degradation and the importance of its conservation. The writer criticizes governments, politicians, and factory owners who use harmful chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons. She emphasizes conservation because we are responsible for the destruction. She sharply criticizes the leaders and the people who elect them, but she does not think the scientists should also be equally careful about the harmful effects of the chemicals. Not only leaders and scientists, but all of us are equally responsible for this problem and should be careful in finding its solution.
Assimilation:
Reading literary texts is very beneficial. Literature provides not only pleasure or entertainment but also vast knowledge about different fields. As I read this essay, I gained a lot of information. I learned about the ozone layer and its usefulness. I also learned about the negative aspects of air conditioners and refrigerators. Before this, I was careless about these things; I would not feel anything while using AC and fridge, but now I feel guilty of polluting nature when I use these appliances. I have seen many people suffering from skin cancer, respiratory problems, and other diseases. This might have been caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun and the depleted ozone layer. Now I will try to convince all my relatives and families about these problems.