General Lecture: Facing the Ecological Crisis and the Energy Crisis: What Role Can We Play?
Bandung, 8 February 2021
Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education held the General Lecture with the topic “Facing the Ecological Crisis and the Energy Crisis: What Role Can We Play?” by Parid Ridwanuddin, S.Fil, M.A., M.Ud. 731 students attended the meeting for the course Application of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering.
Parid Ridwanuddin, S.Fil., M.A., M.Ud., held a lecture on the modern world’s ecological crisis and energy crisis. He highlights the question: what role can we play in combating these adversities? Mr. Ridwanuddin begins by discouraging the use of the term climate ‘change’ as it may allude to something positive, and instead, he emphasized the phrase: the climate crisis.
He then put into perspective the ecological crisis. It is the product of factors that changes the environment that – in the long-run – will result in a decrease in the survival of a living population. He stated that deforestation, oil spills, and the depletion of our ozone layer are some of the calamities that threaten our very existence. Specifically, the loss of animals’ natural habitat has compromised the population’s health as it allows for the cross-species transmission of diseases. A popular theory suggests that the current coronavirus pandemic was a consequence of our carelessness in handling the environment.
Continuing to the energy crisis, Mr. Ridwanuddin spoke about how coal and oil is the primary source of energy. Other than its ever-increasing depletion, it is also underlined that the byproduct of its use has long-term effects on our planet – namely, the increase in greenhouse gases. Other than its environmental impact, the excavation of these natural resources has caused numerous deaths resulting from an accident and air pollution in the surrounding area.
Lastly, he proposed that the only way to resolve this global issue effectively is by first implement awareness through education. He advocated that “to solve climate change, it should start from education. From kindergarten to university level, this should be a course that is made obligatory for all students”. To learn about deep ecology and to develop an individual’s critical thinking is paramount in building a sustainable future. The next generation will have the power to make renewable energy more mainstream and accessible. Other methods include pressuring religious leaders to promote the idea of changing our energy-spending habits to prevent our planet’s further destruction.
He ended the lecture by stating the following: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “If the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, then let him plant it.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 12491). This hadith concludes that the best way to build a sense of responsibility within ourselves is to adopt an Islamic mindset that is in line with the vision of ecology and nearly one that prioritizes protecting the Earth.
