The summer season is ongoing, and every human and creature is suffering from the intense heat. We are talking about heatwaves or scorching winds. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for several states across the country. Simply put, a heatwave means a significant increase in average temperature. This rise is usually observed during May and June, but sometimes the impact of the heatwave continues into July. The effects can vary in different regions. According to the Meteorological Department, when the temperature in the plains exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, heatwaves begin to occur, and in hilly areas, heatwaves can start at 30 degrees Celsius. Nowadays, temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius are being reported in many parts of India, classified as dangerous by the Indian Meteorological Department. This adversely affects humans, animals, and the environment. Such hot weather can be fatal for children, the elderly, and those already ill. This weather also commonly leads to incidents of drought and forest fires.

Humans seem to be the ones bearing the brunt of this severe climate change. Daily news reports mention deaths due to heatwaves in various states or uncontrollable forest fires approaching human settlements. Droughts and rising temperatures are consequences of human errors. Trees are crucial for maintaining the natural balance. However, humans are blindly cutting down trees and forests without considering the adverse effects on society and the environment. In the rush to widen roads and construct bridges, trees are being felled on a large scale. The shady trees adorning village lanes and the banks of canals and streams are continuously disappearing.

Increasing population and unnecessary human desires have caused significant damage to the environment. By cutting down green fields and forests to build high-rise buildings, malls, and industrial units, we have disrupted the natural balance. Today, owning more than one house is seen as a symbol of high social status. The deforestation and cutting down of trees result from human greed. Wild animals are dying, their natural habitats are being destroyed, and original vegetation and wildlife are vanishing. Dangerous changes are occurring in the environment, causing distress to human life. The demand of the current time is to protect trees to keep this earth suitable for the life of humans and animals. We should not plant trees just for getting photos in newspapers but also ensure their long-term care. The reckless deforestation is leading us rapidly toward disaster. In the last century, the earth was covered with lush forests, but now, 80% of these forests have been cut down. To meet the paper demand, we should adopt the habit of recycling old items, which will reduce the need for cutting new trees. Every person should pledge to plant as many trees as possible in their lifetime and take care of them.