Genetic engineering

Researchers in China have recently claimed that they have led to the birth of first genetically modified twin girls. They claim that the girls carry genome that has been modified to protect them from HIV infection. However, they have not published their work in any peer evaluated journal or even revealed the identities of the twins or their parents. The genetic modification of human embryos is highly regulated in all countries and genetically modified human embryos are not allowed to grow and be implanted. The long term effects of modifying the human genome are unknown and the potential risks of the same outweigh any advantage of the same. The ethics regarding the modification of human babies is enormous and the scientists avoid entering into it. There are issues regarding taking consent of the donors and also the potential harmful traits that can be transmitted to future generations of the genetically modified babies. The claims made by the Chinese researchers need to be assessed before anything can be said about the genetic modification of human foetuses for eradication of diseases.

Ethics of genetic engineering

Genetic engineering can be broadly understood as adding or removing a gene from the cell of an organism in order to either impart a desirable trait in it or remove an undesirable one. Humans have been genetically modifying crops and animals since time immemorial by cross breeding different varieties in order to get higher yielding crop varieties or better domestic animals. In the modern days, however, there is an issue with the production of genetically modified organisms. The difference between old times and new are; one that now the advances in technology have made it possible to insert the genes of plants into animals and vice versa or of entirely different species into each other, and second are the large scale productions as well as the costs involved. While till date there is no evidence of genetically modified foods being harmful for humans, the fact remains that no evidence cannot be called good evidence and that makes people reluctant to try them. The issues regarding genetic engineering revolve around the fact that the long term repercussion of genetically modifying organisms are unknown. Another issue that arises is in regards to genetically altering human genome with a potential of creating 'designer babies'. Human experimentation is a sensitive issue with issues regarding the rights of the donors, patients and also the embryos (where they are used for research). Human life has always been considered 'sacred' and with that any experiments dealing with human beings are not always welcomed by the general majority of people. Genetic engineering is used for the production of medicines, vaccines, better crops or for understanding and preventing diseases. However, since the long term effects of the same are unknown, it will always remain an ethical issue.

Saving energy

Sustainable living means using our natural resources diligently to ensure that the future generations also have access to them. It includes water conservation, using reusable, recyclables and biodegradable products instead of single use plastics, reducing pollution levels, increasing green spaces and having sustainable food production. Saving energy is another part of sustainable living. Various steps that can be taken to save energy are as follows:
(1) Using solar powered power banks/ recharging stations
(2) Using hybrid cars.
(3) Using light/ motion censored light fixtures.
(4) Converting footfall into energy, specially in busy places like malls, rail or bus stations, etc.
(5) Using insulation to maintain temperatures in buildings.
(6) Increasing green cover around buildings, having green roofs installed to prevent buildings from heating up.
(7) Solar carports.
(8) Using technology to create awareness about energy conservation.
(9) Changing mindsets of people and making them more environmentally conscious.
Sustainable living is the need of the day to protect our environment and is something that everyone can practice in his or her individual space. It is important to lead by example and inculcate the ethics of energy conservation in children so that they grow up as conscious citizens. 

Water conservation

While the majority of the earth's surface is covered by water, only 3% of it is usable. Pollution of the usable resources is a major problem for the environment as it not only damages the water quality, it also puts marine life at danger. Further, the pollution of water bodies leads to the pollutants traveling up in the food chain and poisoning at various levels. Conserving water is thus an important aspect of preserving the environment. Some of the steps to conserve water at basic level are as follows:
> Using motion sensors or timed water taps to reduce water wastage.
> Using sanitisers.
> Using organic cleaning agents so that water can be treated in situ and diverted for watering gardens, crops, etc
> Changing mindsets and creating awareness about water conservation.
> Rainwater harvesting.
At a larger level, it is important to treat the industrial and factory wastes before releasing the water in water bodies. A more conscious approach for treatment in situ is important to prevent the large scale pollution of rivers and lakes. Preventing oil spills in ocean bodies is also important. Levying hefty fines for polluting water bodies will also act as  deterrent.
Taking steps at various levels is important for preventing water pollution and thus, saving the aquatic life and protecting the environment.

Zero waste

With the rising levels of pollution leading to climate change and extinction of species, it is important that steps are being taken to protect the environment. Protecting the environment means reducing pollution levels which can be attained by reducing the emission of greenhouse gasses and limiting wastes. The various steps towards reducing the amount of waste released in the environment are:

> Reduce and ultimately phase out single use plastics such as straws, bottles, disposable plates, cutlery.

> Minimise the amount of plastics in packaging of food items and other goods.

> Reduce the potion size in restaurants and cafeteria to cut down on food wastage.

> Use incentives like price cut for bringing own cups or plates to cafeterias, etc.

> Using organic plates, bowls, made of leaves, where needed, that are biodegradable.

> Create apps that tell about location of recycling bins, compost facilities especially in college campuses and shopping malls as well as beaches and tourist spots.

> Creating awareness about recycling, using social media as well as other platforms.

> Have plenty of dishwashing sinks on campuses to encourage the reusing of utensils.

> Reducing the amount of paper that is used for communications.

> Recycling garments into other useful items to prevent their being dumped into garbage holes.

By working towards reducing the amount of waste generated, one can have a positive impact towards curbing the pollution levels and helping the environment.

Sustainable development

The Earth is a unique planet in the sense that it supports life but at the same time it is effected by the activities of the living creatures. All animal and plant species are dependent on the environment for their survival, they cannot sustain in conditions that are too harsh for them. Man is different from other animals as he is capable of changing the environment according to his needs. Anthropogenic factors have changed the face of the earth and have lead to climate change which may be irreversible. Developments in the fields of industry and energy have had a far reaching effect and today, the world is facing global warming, rising sea levels, high levels of pollution and an overall climate change.
The concept of sustainable development means development that does not harm the environment but rather preserves it. The key elements of sustainable development are reducing the carbon footprint by minimising the use of fossil fuels and protecting the green belts and reducing pollution levels. Banning or reducing the use of plastics, building 'green' homes and offices, increasing the green cover, banning coal, using wind and solar energy are some of the key areas where sustainable development is active. Another aspect is the legal one, where the polluter is made to pay for the environmental damage that he has caused. He is levied hefty penalties to ensure that he is an example for others as well.
The concept of sustainable development is based on the principles that we are not the owners of this planet but rather the trustees for the future generations to come. It aims at protecting the natural climate for the future generations instead of consuming all the natural resources and harming the planet. Sustainable growth aims at advancing in science and tech7while at the same time being conscious of the well being of the planet that supports life.

Mental health

A healthy individual is one who is sound in all dimensions whether physical or mental. Mental health is something even more important than a person's physical well-being as it governs a person's overall personality. While the physical issues affect only one's body, mental issues can manifest from small obsessions to growing into depression, addictions or even suicidal tendencies. However, the main issue with mental well being comes with the fact that it is invisible to everyone except the individual himself and many a times, even he might be unaware of any underlying issues that he might be suffering from. Often, a person suffering from depression or other mental issues may avoid seeking out treatment. Loneliness can play a big role in elevating mental issues. Being surrounded by people who do not notice any mood changes or dismiss them can actually increase the chances of depression. Bullying at school or workplace or inability to cope with the workload can also take a toll on a person's well being. A good, healthy home atmosphere as well as a positive work attitude can play a big role in combating mental health issues. Mental issues are silent killers that attack from inside not giving the individual any recourse unless they are carefully monitored. It is important for institutes to make it mandatory to have counsellors present on campus and have mandatory sessions with all students or employees. Developing a good home environment and being open to each others problems and being supportive of them is what would go a long way in ensuring a positive outcome.