New Delhi: Marking World Environment Day 2026, the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) organised a national online panel discussion titled “Environmental Crisis: A Test of Ethics and Responsibility.” The event brought together academics, environmental experts, activists, and community leaders to explore the escalating ecological challenges confronting the world and the ethical obligations necessary to address them.
The discussion began with the observation that environmental degradation should not be viewed solely as a scientific, economic, or political issue, but as a profound moral challenge. Participants highlighted the alarming loss of biodiversity, depletion of natural resources, and growing ecological imbalance, emphasising the need for both institutional accountability and individual responsibility.
Delivering the presidential address, Rahamathunnissa A., National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), emphasised that caring for the environment is fundamentally a moral and spiritual duty. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s well-known remark that “the Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed,” she described the environment as an Amanat (trust) entrusted to humanity. Referring to the Islamic concept of Khaleefah (stewardship), she said human beings are accountable for maintaining the balance and justice inherent in creation. She further noted that environmental degradation is also an issue of social justice, as excessive consumption by the privileged often disproportionately affects the poor and marginalised. Calling for sustainable living and equitable access to natural resources, she called for collective efforts to make the Earth more liveable for all through responsible lifestyles and equitable access to natural resources.
In her inaugural address, Sumaiya Maryam, JIH National Assistant Secretary, described the environmental crisis as a ‘moral mirror’ reflecting the values and choices of contemporary society. Referring to recent floods in different parts of the world and the devastating wildfires in Canada, she observed that many ecological disturbances are closely linked to human activities and unsustainable lifestyles. While acknowledging the role of science and technology in addressing environmental problems, she emphasised that long-term solutions require a corresponding transformation in human values and ethical consciousness.
The panel featured experts from diverse disciplines who examined the environmental crisis through social, economic, architectural, educational, and grassroots perspectives.
Dr. Manju J. Manoj, a social anthropologist from Kerala, highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly those dependent on fishing and forest-based livelihoods. She noted that environmental disruptions often intensify existing social and economic inequalities.
Chitra Gangwani, a climate researcher based in New Delhi, focused on the growing challenges facing smaller cities and towns, including water scarcity, climate-related disasters, and inadequate rehabilitation systems. She called for stronger financial and institutional mechanisms to enhance climate resilience in Tier-2 and Tier-3 urban centres.
Environmentalist and architect Talula D’Silva from Goa critically assessed development models that rely heavily on cement and concrete. Advocating sustainable and nature-based construction practices, she encouraged a return to environmentally sensitive building traditions. She also warned against overconsumption, describing it as a form of “intergenerational colonisation” that jeopardises the rights and wellbeing of future generations.
Sumaiya Haseeb Sheikh, a social activist and reptile rescuer from Ahmedabad, emphasised the importance of moving beyond symbolic environmental campaigns and ‘photo-op activism’ toward meaningful community engagement and lasting behavioural change. Supporting this view, educator Fakhra Tabassum from Chhattisgarh stressed the need to promote climate literacy from an early age. She argued that environmental responsibility must be cultivated through everyday habits and values, noting that practices such as waste segregation, resource conservation, and tree plantation are significant contributions to sustainability.
The session was moderated by Zahwa Saleem, a member of the National Federation of GIO, who facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas and effectively connected the diverse perspectives shared by the panellists.
Explaining the objective of the symposium, Meenaz Bhanu, Convenor of the Symposium Committee, said the programme was designed to encourage positive social change and foster a deeper sense of environmental responsibility among citizens. The discussions collectively emphasised the need to bridge the gap between awareness and action by translating environmental concerns into practical initiatives at the household, community, and institutional levels.
The symposium concluded with a strong call for nurturing a ‘green conscience’ rooted in ethical values, responsible living, and collective action. Participants reaffirmed that protecting the environment is not merely a developmental necessity but a moral imperative for both present and future generations.
